Exploring the Eastern Mediterranean: From Snorkeling Adventures to Ancient Myths
I convinced my parent’s to let me spend a good chunk of my pocket money to satisfy my fervent desire to see what was underwater. For anyone brought up in Ireland or the UK, snorkelling usually involves severe ice-cream headaches and an up-close view of rock, sand and seaweed. In the Eastern Mediterranean though, life throngs even in hip-deep water. I recall trying to sneak up on shoals of fish, to no avail. All the while water was churning to foam around my fin-shod feet. I distinctly remember the sense of there always being a tomorrow, another day to get it right, to get as close as possible to the bright coloured gills and fins all around me.
Mornings found the family roaming the mountains, following sheep trails and a parent’s love of books and history.
Two weeks of hillside and underwater rambles left lasting impressions. Fast forward 30 years and I am back in this place of seminal moments. The impressions are as strong upon arrival. I’m armed not only with mask and snorkel, but with plenty of diving experience, and gear to fuel the adventure. No longer are the underwater explorations short solo ventures but longer, more adventurous ones with trusted friends. I’m a boy again, chasing the gills and fins, realising I’ll never reach them but fully appreciating the swim-throughs that throng with Grouper, Rasse, and Bream.
Later, with salt-water-tight-skin we head, twisting upwards, into hills redolent with fig, nuts and olives. Nearing the hilltops, we find restaurants alive with village life, local merchants, owners and shop keepers all touting for custom, teasing each other and discussing the day’s happenings.
Ingredients (serves 2-4)
