Puerto Galera (20/10/06 - 24/10/06) - Part II: Why dive?
Most of my friends have noted how I seem to have plunged into scuba diving in a huge way. Here are some reasons why:
#1 - Funky Fish. There are so much stuff down in the deep blue that are totally fascinating. Myraid of shapes and sizes. Am not so competent about the colour bit but something is to be said about having to come up with new names to describe these sea slugs.
#2 - Neutral buoyancy. This refers to the much desired state of total weightlessness in the water. At neutral buoyancy, no frantic kicks are required, just easy strokes to nudge you from place to place. Off the dive site "Drop-Off" at Verde Island last Monday, we were caught by a 3 knot current that swept us off the rock and we drifted effortlessly for the rest of the dive. It was utter bliss, carried by the current with my arms stretched out. I felt like Superman, complete with tight red suit.
#3 - Serenity. Its all about surrendering to the sense of being perfectly alone in depths. With the noise of the land above silenced, you are free at least to listen to yourself. The comforting rhythm of every life-sustaining breath. The busy crackling of the coral reefs as its denizens go about their daily business. Getting go of our airbreathing heritage down there, we become just another silent observer, intruding in a home where we do not belong. Humbled by our awkward movements, we are once again reminded of our place in the order of things. A feeling that lingers with you as you make your way back on land.
#4 - Exotic dive spots. Having grew up with a love for the sea and the salty air, diving has brought me to new places which I had only read about. The exhilarating boat rides, basking in the sun between dives while enjoying the surface intervals with yummy local food and cheap beer. Life is good.
#5 - Camaraderie. We divers are an easy-going bunch blessed with the perfect icebreaker - "How was your dive?". Often, you are paired up to dive with a total stranger onboard and you put your life in her hands. That tends to melt the usually awkward social barriers. United in our shared passions for the deep blue, the conversations on a dive boat flow like sparkling wine.
Intrigued? Don't take my word for it. Come take the plunge with me!
#1 - Funky Fish. There are so much stuff down in the deep blue that are totally fascinating. Myraid of shapes and sizes. Am not so competent about the colour bit but something is to be said about having to come up with new names to describe these sea slugs.
#2 - Neutral buoyancy. This refers to the much desired state of total weightlessness in the water. At neutral buoyancy, no frantic kicks are required, just easy strokes to nudge you from place to place. Off the dive site "Drop-Off" at Verde Island last Monday, we were caught by a 3 knot current that swept us off the rock and we drifted effortlessly for the rest of the dive. It was utter bliss, carried by the current with my arms stretched out. I felt like Superman, complete with tight red suit.
#3 - Serenity. Its all about surrendering to the sense of being perfectly alone in depths. With the noise of the land above silenced, you are free at least to listen to yourself. The comforting rhythm of every life-sustaining breath. The busy crackling of the coral reefs as its denizens go about their daily business. Getting go of our airbreathing heritage down there, we become just another silent observer, intruding in a home where we do not belong. Humbled by our awkward movements, we are once again reminded of our place in the order of things. A feeling that lingers with you as you make your way back on land.
#4 - Exotic dive spots. Having grew up with a love for the sea and the salty air, diving has brought me to new places which I had only read about. The exhilarating boat rides, basking in the sun between dives while enjoying the surface intervals with yummy local food and cheap beer. Life is good.
#5 - Camaraderie. We divers are an easy-going bunch blessed with the perfect icebreaker - "How was your dive?". Often, you are paired up to dive with a total stranger onboard and you put your life in her hands. That tends to melt the usually awkward social barriers. United in our shared passions for the deep blue, the conversations on a dive boat flow like sparkling wine.
Intrigued? Don't take my word for it. Come take the plunge with me!
posted by Colin at 10:25 AM
1 Comments:
great shots. i was worried when di said that some of your shots were blurry! obviously careful selection from the over 600 taken!!!
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