Ida Nasatir writings   List of honorees         Louis Rose Society         Jewishsightseeing home

Travel Piece  by Ida Nasatir

"A Letter from Mid-Atlantic" by Ida Nasatir, Aug. 4, 1950

Aug 4,, 1950—Ida Nasatir, "A Letter from Mid-Atlantic," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4:  Ed Note: Knowing of the community's interest in the Nasatirs, we quote below from a letter recently received.

ABOARD THE S.S. AMERICA —Dear Julia and Mac: This morning we were told that we had just passed the mid point of the Atlantic, and I would allow no more time to pass without sending you a note. Thus far on this fifth day out at sea, I have not been seasick, thanks to dramamine and the kind Fates who dictated calm, smooth and even-tempered waters. I have been able to walk the deck with the most rugged "Pop-eye, the Sailor Man." The ship itself is majestic, offering every possible convenience to its passengers...A beautiful swimming pool, gymnasium facilities, the latest movies, a well-equipped library, deck sports, musical hours—all these and more are offered.  An interesting fact to be observed on this American boat is that the crew is composed of many nationalities. One hears all sorts of languages—Italian, Cuban, Spanish, Dutch and Swedish. They form a United Nations family. As for the food, there will come a day when I shall write an article called, "Eating one's way across the Atlantic." ... There are a great number of nuns and priests aboard. The first night we came on ship, Saturday, I saw one of these soft looking nuns standing in a secluded part of the deck saying her prayers. Her heavy, long garb seemed to form a billowy shadow in the wind. By coincidence, Abe stood a short distance from her, reciting the evening service. As I watch them, they make a picture of contrast, yet, in a sense, one of likeness too. I don't think either knew I saw the tableau they formed.  Tomorrow (Friday) we reach Ireland. On Saturday we dock at Le Havre at which point all the rest of the passengers will disembark, but the Nasatirs like Columbus, sail on and on, and on. By special permission we disembark at Southampton late Saturday night (Tish Abov) by more special permission we come back to this same ship on Sunday, and on Monday just we two go through the French customs inspection.  Last night I saw something I shall never forget. I watched the sun go down, my first sight of an oceanic sunset. Only the soul of a poet, or the gifted hand of a rare artist, could by copy, produce at best, a second rate facsimile. To see those brilliant colors of red and pink spread across the far-way sky in a canopy of rich loveliness, to watch these magnificent shades become brighter and stronger, almost too violent for the eye--then slowly fade off into soft pastel shades of every hue, finally dipping into the ocean itself so that the horizon is a blending of sky and endless water, and dusk becomes night, and the wind whips stronger across the open deck—and I, standing off in the shadows feel overcome with humility and nostalgia. How else could one feel having just seen God's hand spread across so vast an area, saying: "Good night, Good night!"  Fondly, Ida Nasatir.