Despite what mom told me about the beach being a forbidden place during her youth, it still figures prominently in her memories of home. Maybe more so because it was off-limits. I had heard about Lungo Mare (Long Sea) many times over the years, how beautiful it was, how calm the waves of the sea were, and how clear the water was. All of it was true as long as you kept your eyes pointed towards the ocean (more on the general neglect for the environment later).
We stopped at Lungo Mare on our way to the cemetery. Mom was hesitant to go down to the water; perhaps memories of the past and the beaches label as “forbidden” was holding her back. But it didn’t last long, she shook off her sandals and headed for the water almost going in up to her knees with no concern for getting her pants wet. She brought a handful of water to her mouth for a taste…”it’s so salty!”
Mom was completely immersed in the experience, you could see the joy on her face, the sights, sounds and tastes of the sea brought her back in time; yet another form of time travel…by water.
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