#43 Semi Submarine

It is hard to imagine what life must be life when building in this region.  The undergoing repairs to the road showed remnants of rock, rather than earth or soil.  Even the cement paving was encrusted with bits of marine life, an authenticity on the Western stamped concrete :-)

Whilst enjoying the view of the harbour, I noticed the boarding platform for the Semi Submarine tour, immediately in front of us.  A few quick questions, and we found the owner of the tour at a couple of tables over.  A lovely Kiwi family who have moved to Port Villa around 18 months ago.  We also learnt that whilst it was illegal to deposit sewerage into the harbour, just about anything else was permissible, which did leave me to ponder the Eco tours available, and really start to question about reality and perceptions.  This theme did continue to plague my thoughts as we travelled through the island.

With some time to fill in before the departure, the owner sat down with Maddison on the side of the walkway and proceeded to provide local advice on the sea creatures swimming below.  Together they feed some bread to the fish, and we all talked about the family transition to the new country.  It was amazing to see that right in front of us was a natural school of sea horses, about 1 metre from the shore.

We did learn that for future tropical expeditions, probably best to carry towels and swimmers to seize the moment.  However not to be out done, we simply took advantage of the warm weather and the opportunity.  The trip consisted of the pair of us and an older couple.  The glass windows in the boat provided a taste for the child on what it was like to be underwater, to see the coral and fish.  The harbour tour was pleasant, however there was not as much coral or fish as I was expecting to see.

We anchored out in an area and set about dressing for this new caper called snorkeling.  Now Maddison was excited by all the gear, but it proved to be more challenging to use that snorkel thing.  Lucky for us, a noodle was on hand, and Mum navigated us around.  The surrounding fish did trigger a desire to take a  fish home with us.  Whilst the bobbing surface tantrum got underway, I reminded the child about how the customs officers had confiscated our water when we left Australia.  Even the most skilled 6 year old negotiator could not overcome nursing a fish on the plane for several hours, without water!