Summer holiday 2003
le Cap D´Agde − France
Monday, 14th July
Last week I went scuba diving at sea. From the beach we walked into the water and went some four to five meters under water (about 10 feet). That was a very exciting experience! Today we go diving further out the coast. Around one o´clock I leave for the Plage du Mole beach. The appointment is scheduled for two o´clock, so I am early.
With the previous dive someone brought a Kodak-disposable-underwater-camera (nice scrabble word) along. So I am off looking for one of these. Eventually I do find the desired object in a small newspaper stand. I turn around and through the crowded streets I walk back to the beach. Back at the dive shop the two other diving enthusiasts who were also present during the previous dive have joined us now.
Leaving Plage du Mole.
Wetsuits and flippers are issued after which we all leave for the beach. We board the Zodiac boat and with the engine spluttering we slowly move away from the shore and out of the swimmers area. We turn west into the direction of the port and then we really take off. The people on the beach rapidly grow smaller until the beach is no more then a yellow line in the distance.
Whilst the small Zodiac bounces over the water I enjoy the wide view across the Mediterranean. Eventually we come to a halt in the vicinity of the "Plage de la Grande Concue". Here the anchor is dropped and the diving vests are hung in the water. Around us there are at least another four boats varying in size and with a lot more divers. We are definitely not the only ones interested in the local marine life.
Preparing for the dive.
The others go first, and when my turn comes up the equipment and the goggles are strapped on and checked. Thumb up, and of we go for about 15 minutes into an alien world. The supervising diver pushes me down to the sea floor at approximately 9 meters. Here also the water is surprisingly clear. Like the last time I am not wearing any contact lenses, but I am still quite able to see things sharp and clear.
Being so far from the beach I notice that the fish are considerably bigger then the ones I saw during the previous dive. Not to mention the numbers in which they appear.
Some of them come so close that you can nearly touch them. Nearly, because when you reach out to touch them, they quickly shoot away. This is much better then diving near the beach. Here also there are many see anemones with beautiful colours.
Beautifully coloured fish.
The dive takes about 10 to 15 minutes. I am so glad I went out for an underwater camera. I now have some great shots from fish. As with the previous dive everyone is issued a certificate as a more tangible memory. I am real glad I did this. It sure is worth a recommendation!
Marine life in abundance.
Walking back to the park I notice the incredible increase of traffic. Cars are being parked left and right. Today is Independents Day, and that is celebrated tonight with a large firework show at the port. This draws a great number of people into town.
Were there a lot of people during the other nights, you´re not gone believe you´re eyes tonight! What a crowd, unbelievable. You can´t really walk anymore. You´re standing shoulder to shoulder faced towards the water, waiting until the event starts. People who found a good place to view the fireworks stay on "their spot", and wait for things to come. So, we do the same thing.
The marina of Cap d´Agde by night.
After one hour of waiting and balancing from one foot onto the other, my feet are killing me and my enthusiasm is drying up. But when the show finnaly does start, it proves that the waiting was worth it. It is one of the most magnificent firework shows I have ever seen, lasting for over half an hour. But how do you describe a firework show? I am not even going to bother. It is an annual event, so you go watch it yourself next year.
I still manage to drag myself back to the apartment where we take the weight of our feet and have a midnight drink, after which we turn in for the night.
