Time Flies

The saying goes that time flies when you’re having fun. This summer has been very relaxing here in Campomarino Lido, and it’s also been filled with good times. The past few days have been no exception.

Zia finally made it to the beach with me. I don’t mean for this year, I mean ever. Since I started visiting frequently back on 2002, she’s never been to the beach with me once, until this week. And she showed up to a sunny, 85 degree beach in a sweater. When asked about it, she said the sweater will block the wind. She did enjoy herself and it was good to see her get some sun. Zia said it’s been about 25 years since she went to the beach to relax and get some sun.

Before

After

The fence is done, and what a difference it makes. The place looks so good with the iron fencing painted and the wall a vibrant white with any chips filled in. Matteo, the contractor, told me he’d be done by Friday, and he was. I was really thinking it would take longer, but worked his tail off to get it completed. After he finished the job, Matteo invited me to go with to Termoli the next morning.

San Basso arriving

Matteo and I join in the party

Saturday was the beginning of the Festa di San Basso in Termoli. That first morning of the festaival is always scheduled the processione al mare, or a boat parade led by the boat carrying the bones of San Basso. The boats that follow are all of the fishing boats that are based at the port. Matteo picked me up at 5:30 in the morning, and we headed to Termoli, catching the aurora (sunrise) and beating most people to the port. Matteo wanted to show me how easy it is to get on one of the fishing boats so that I can do it next year. It was surprisingly easy. As soon as people started boarding the boats, we walked up to a boat called Pandora and he asked if we could come aboard. The fishermen said yes and we went on. It was now only 7:30 in the morning, we were on a boat, clouds were rolling in, and so was word that if it rains or the sea is too rough, the boat parade won’t happen. Shortly after the 9:30 arrival of San Basso’s remains at the port, complete with marching band and throngs of worshippers, we were told that we wouldn’t be leaving the port. The Guardia Costiera had deemed the seas to be too rough for the revelers on the boats. By this time, all of the fishing boats were in full party mode. Food and drinks were being passed around, and many boats were playing music and people were chanting. It was a wild scene. The boat with San Basso and the town and church officials did leave the port for about 20 minutes, but then returned to cheers from the docked fishing boat guests. The party lasts into the afternoon with people jumping off the boats into the water at the port, each jump met with cheers and laughter.

After I got back from the port and went to the beach, a long time family friend called and said they were coming to town to visit. Antonio, Anna and their daughter Doris came and we went out for a nice, relaxing passigiatta (a stoll around town), catching up and grabbing a bite to eat. It was the perfect ending to a great day. I spent the morning with a new friend, and the evening with old friends.

Aside from that, I’ve been hitting up the beach in the afternoons. Some days it is quiet and peaceful. Today was not one of those days. Sundays are especially busy at the beach clubs, and after raining yesterday most people decided that today would be their beach day. I don’t remember many closed umbrella at the beach club Lido Ritz today. 

More San Basso pics:

San Basso's boat arriving back into port

People worshiping San Basso

Pandora, our vessel for the festa