The beach and the sea are definitely a happy place for me. (Summer 1989)
#22 – August 11, 1987
Kefalonia, Ionian Islands
Today was the first day there were no waves in our little sea, you put on your «μπρατσάκια»* and you didn’t come out of the sea.
You love water and sand. You love your brother, “Φίλιππο μου” and Τέτανος, too!**
When you drink your milk (bottle), you cross your leg over the knee, bend one and play with your fingers – the thumb lightly touching either the index or the 2nd finger.
You get people’s attention by calling, Hey!! And especially for those whose names you don’t know or remember. Everyone who looks interesting gets asked, “Πως σε λένε;”***
You love all animals and don’t fear bees and bugs. You love playing with dead fish and eat it more enthusiastically. You’re still my precious – intelligent and sociable – with likes & dislikes, of which you demand respect!
I love you.
Christianna’s Notes & Translations
* “Μπρατσάκια” is pronounced “bra-tsa-kia” and is the Greek word for “arm floats,” worn by children on each arm when they are still learning how to swim
**”Φίλιππο μου,” translates to “My Philip,” while “Τέτανος” was my attempt at saying “Stefanos,” which in my inability to pronounce my older brother’s name, came out “Tetanos”
*** “Πώς σε λένε;” means “What is your name?” in Greek
