Mindy snapped pictures inside St. Anthony's church on Acushnet Avenue, in New Bedford's north end, and I smiled. So I said, " Doesn't it feel like we are in Europe?" She nodded and we walked the perimeter of the beautiful church. It was August 7 right after the 8:00 AM Sunday Mass. Oh, don't worry, we were respectful of the church and quiet, I genuflected before crossing the aisle, and pointed out that the words on the Stations of the Cross were in French. The lighting was soft and ethereal, so beautiful. I whispered to my friend the names of the Saints and explained the significance of the imagery. In appreciation we donated to the food pantry fund, and by luck, as we were leaving, one of the parishners stopped to talk to us about new church programs, impressive.

  

My teacher friend is a world traveler. She's been all over the globe, so when I suggested, that she'd love to tour the Greater New Bedford area and visit its historical places, as well as enjoy my ethnicity through such events as the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, she agreed it would be fun. We made plans. This year, Mindy didn't travel out of the country, so it worked out for her to visit New Bedford while I was there. My sister Terry and I picked her up downtown at the bus station and placed her bags in the car parked nearby. Right away the "de Melo guided tour" began. Terry and I pointed out the landmarks, and thus began a long litany of this is where ....that is the place.... Oh, my friend is so tactful and calm, she listened to all my "flaming." First stop was the Whaling Museum and Seaman's Bethel. Mindy loved the history, the literary references and how much it meant to us. I hadn't been inside the Whaling Museum in about five years. I was impressed with the expanded exhibits. I couldn't wait to point out to Mindy the classic permanent exhibits which I had enjoyed as a student myself. She was fascinated and her interest was obvious and I felt proud of my adopted city. I felt chills, like I do every time, when we went by the library, city hall, high school and once again I retell where I was when the announcement was made of President Kennedy being shot, before she was born.

 

To my wonder, and new experience for me, we visited the new Historic District visitor's center, which is part of the National Park system and had a tour of the whaling district. I had taken a downtown walking tour previously, but not this particular one. A good guide can show you things you don't see driving from the north end to my sisters Cecilia's or Judy's home in N. Dartmouth.

 

 

After touring the Whaling National Park, we took Mindy by the Hawthorne St. mansions, Ft. Taber, and Fairhaven's Fort Phoenix. At this point, our sister Cecilia joined us and after lunch, we toured and enjoyed the area. We'd call the other two sisters, Betty and Judy and gush over where we were. Mindy is very athletic, she reminds me of Sandra Bullock and is twenty years younger than I, so I knew she'd love walking my old neighborhood. I enjoyed showing her the first library I ever visited in America, Wilkes Branch and walk by my old home, school, and church. We enjoyed the feast at night and the Madeira folkloric dancers. She actually wanted to listen to the fado in the tent, which made me happy. We walked to Terry's house to the sounds of music in the background, I loved it. Everything appeared interesting even the tenements, as we paused to admire the summer flowers in the small gardens in front of the houses. That was fun!

 

We went to Fall River to see Lizzie Borden's house, and then the Newport Mansions. Sunday, it poured, oh, how it rained! But after I called the number on the Feast's website, to be sure the parade and fast were still on, we watched the ladies of the committee parade by in the rain. What class! What steadfastness! I called out to them how good they looked. Mindy said now she knew why no one wanted to go to the parade with me anymore. I do tend to call out and cheer everyone on, but then she contradicted herself with how much fun it was to watch me. I told her I didn't care, my kids weren't around to be embarrassed. (You know, I use that excuse a lot, don't I?)

 

Next, we planned a few days in the Cape. We stayed at Cragville Beach, I told her my family would take day trips to the Cape on summer Sundays when were growing up. My parents loved the beaches. Mindy, Terry, Matt (Mindy's friend) and I drove to Nauset beach, walked the wide expanse of sand and watched and listened to the surf for hours. The next day we went to Hyannis, Mindy wanted to drive by the Kennedy compound. I told her the compound can't be reached by land anymore because of privacy issues, but the big house surrounded by red, white and blue bunting can be seen across the water. We drove by the pier and saw it. I said I was pretty sure that was Joe and Rose's house, the others couldn't be seen. Mindy was saturated with examples of the Kennedy mystique as only a resident of Mass in the 60's can share.

 

 

Wednesday, Aug 10, Terry and I drove back to New Bedford, putting me in a class reunion mode, and Mindy continued her New England experience with a trip to P--town. She did think it was similar to Key West but she said it was much cleaner. Now, I had to put tourism aside and make time for family and my classmates. I visited with Judy and enjoyed holding my youngest great niece, Aliana. That night, I enjoyed the class of '65 music night with several classmates, my first "jam session." I loved the Northeast Maritime Institute, where it was held; such a fascinating facility, and the music was wonderful. I made plans to meet Debbie, Irene, Linda and the other ladies for meals and conversation. Friday night, we went on the cruise of the Cape Cod Canal and that was so much fun, thanks again Nancy. Like everyone there, I really enjoyed the cocktail party at the Waterfront Grill. Finally, Sunday, one last round of visiting family, drove to Mattapoisett to see Edna and then home.

 

 

I'm proud of my old hometown. We have treasures and treasures in our own back yard, as the saying goes. Now, as I visit the familiar places, it does bother me to see debris on the streets here and there and the ever- changing storefront signs (Sigh) or landmarks long gone. This isn't about regret, but celebrating the city! I know many of my classmates also love New Bedford, and it's so much fun to see it thorough the eyes of someone else who appreciates cultures, history and natural beauty.