There is an interesting thing the Italians say: "You cannot go swimming in the sea if you have just eaten." They explain that your digestion would get "blocked" and you might pass out and drown.
The Italians are very very serious and strict about it. If a child has eaten even a croissant the parents often insist on staying away from water for 2 - 3 hours.
I am from the Czech Republic and I have never heard about "blocked digestion" leading to drowning. To me my parents used to say that I shouldn't jump into water if I had been in the sun for a long time and felt very hot. So it was more about the change of temperatures on one's body but we all have always eaten abundantly. :-)
Now, I understand there can be a difference between my small inland country and a southern, seaside country where bathing in the sea is a part of their cultural heritage. That's why I'd like to ask anyone who comes from other hot seaside areas: Have your parents ever said something like that to you? Have you ever heard about it?
Thank you!
