Versione Italiana : https://nathjy.travel.blog/2020/09/09/il-purgatorio/

For a few days now, one of the Orto delle fate fairies has been telling them about a mythical place where she would like to take them one of these evenings to attend a very special event.

Sitting on the terrace of Il Purgatorio, on the shores of Lake Bolsena, just on the opposite shore of the fairy garden, they were tasting a marinated corregone and were all waiting with perceptible impatience for something to happen. They moved their seats one centimetre to the right and then three to the left, not knowing exactly where it would happen. The customers at the other tables in the restaurant looked intrigued to see them in such a state of excitement, but they seemed completely indifferent to what was going to happen there in a few moments.
At their tables, everyone concentrated for a few minutes on the conversation and then on the dishes served by the restaurant owner, to the rhythm of the preparation in the kitchen, but in reality, the minds were all turned towards the lake, in that ineffable wait that precedes the great moments of life. One of them said that in this month of September the event took on a very special dimension. One of them asked one of the waitresses if it was going to happen to the right or left of the Rocca dei Papi that stood out in the distance in Montefiascone. As they were toasting, one of the guests shouted a cry. « That’s it, she’s coming! ».

All eyes simultaneously turned to the left side of Montefiascone, a little above the lake. A few clouds, brightened by a very specific aura, seemed to float above the shores of the lake.

Just enough time to swallow another two or three spoonfuls of the famous Fagiolo del Purgatorio and she would be there, no doubt about it now. That was good for tonight.

Suddenly, in total silence, this time, emotion seized everyone: la luna, la luna…

Watching a moonrise on the shores of Lake Bolsena is an indescribable experience. The waters of the lake reflect its majesty and the spectators remain amazed, each one caught up in personal thoughts.

Some imagine that on such an evening, the Etruscan city of Vesentinum on Mount Bizenzio could come alive again in this chiaroscuro where all sorts of shapes and movements can be seen. One of the guests remembers that she gave birth on a full moon night. Another remembers the nights of the full moon on which patients cannot sleep and have to be patiently watched over until the early hours of the morning. Another remembers devouring a few novels when he could not sleep on those very special nights.

But everyone secretly hopes to see the famous Queen of the Goths, resplendent and venerated on the shores of this lake.

I am referring to Amalasuntha, who died on the volcanic island of Martana, after being imprisoned there and then murdered by her husband.

Amalasuntha may well reappear on a full moon night and emerge from the ruins of the monastery to take the tunnel which, according to legend, connects the island of Martana to the mainland.

The most dreamy also imagine that, from the cavity on the island of Bizentina, which according to local rumours would lead to Agartha, the centre of the earth could reopen under the effect of the new moon and allow them to understand the mysteries of life. Everyone is seized by emotion and meditates for a few more minutes. The magic is strong and this evening will be memorable.

It will be remembered as one of those evenings that strengthen friendships and ties because we experienced a founding event together. The magic is gradually fading away and another enchantment is taking hold. That of a meal shared between friends with laughter and exchanges on life.

On the way back, you can still admire the magic of the moon on the waters of the lake and, in particular, on the corner of the harbour, where its reflections give a very special colour to the fishing boats parked there.

Tonight, a few of them are attempting the adventure of night fishing under the silky reflections of the new moon.

A walker watches them go away and admires the reflections of Capodimonte on a full moon night.

It is time to go home because tomorrow it will be time to plant the young plants that promise new harvests and good food to cook, because the moon is the bearer of life, energy and dynamism and our two fairy gardeners know it well.

Par Nathalie

Translated with http://www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)