You know, back then was a totally different day with children in families such as ours. We were taught right and wrong as best as they knew it and we were also taught respect for them and others. People complimented them many times on how well behaved their children were and that meant a lot to my Mother. We knew there was no such thing as pitching a tantrum at home and certainly NOT in public from the time were were old enough to understand. They made the effort and took the time and in some ways, it eventually made it easier for them.
Although I didn't learn it enough to tell it exactly right, I read in the past that the combination of water, air and light created negative ions that are somehow good for our health and and something to do with releasing more serotonins and increasing oxygen flow to our brains that can actually make us feel physically better. They are supposed to be more concentrated near bodies of water, so their "may" be even more than a mental attachment to such places.
I look forward to seeing more photos.
Your first paragraph, I could have written it myself, meaning it was exactly the same with me.
Your second paragraph, I've heard similar before though can't remember. It's all too complicated for a simple bloke like me; I feel good and feeling good is good enough right?