A proud moment - snorkeling in Mallorca
This post is about Zola’s first-ever adventure in snorkeling.
Yesterday afternoon, we drove out of Port de Soller to the northwest; through the village of Soller itself (about 5km inland), and onto the spectacular road through the mountains of Mallorca’s north coast. About 25 km from Soller, we came to a narrow road, leading down the side of a mountain and into the tiny port village of Port de Valldemossa.
The five-kilometer drive down to the village was very dramatic: ten switchbacks, lots of single-lane stretches, and a several hundred foot drop if we somehow went over the edge.
The tiny port had a boat ramp, a small and seaweed-choked rock beach, and a 100-foot jetty which created the harbor. As we walked out on the jetty, we saw a few jellyfish floating on the harbor side.
We sat on the beach for a while, and then Zola and I decided to go for a swim in the open water. He really wanted to try out the new mask and snorkel he had bought on the previous day.
I swam across the harbor, and, with great reluctance, Zola walked across the boat ramp and out the jetty. His reluctance was caused by shyness, borne of the presence of a group of kids his age (mostly girls), playing on the boat ramp.
Once we were both on the rocks at the end of the jetty, we saw that there were really a lot of jellyfish. We counted more than 50 that we could see. A young woman who got out of the water while we were standing there had a big welt on her leg from a sting.
It took a little persuading, but Zola eventually joined me for the swim out into the open water, and back across to the beach. Wearing a mask for the first time, and seeing the fish and marine life on the rocks was very exciting for him. When we got out of the water (fortunately we did not get stung), he was amazed at what he had seen.
Later, when I told him how brave he was, and how proud his mother and I were, I joked that he would rather risk a jellyfish sting than walk back past those girls. He looked at me in all seriousness, and said, “You found me out, Dad.”
Regardless of his motivation, we were proud. We are looking forward to many other snorkeling adventures on the trip.
Anonymous said,
August 22, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Equipo Baird
Viva Zola Viva
Re-reading the Lu’s story, I am reminded what a gift all children are, but especially her.
You are off to an exciting start
You know, these blogs would make a great Gen X at the cross roads book
Vayan bien
Anonymous said,
August 22, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
Equipo Baird
Viva Zola Viva
Re-reading the Lu’s story, I am reminded what a gift all children are, but especially her.
You are off to an exciting start
You know, these blogs would make a great Gen X at the cross roads book
Vayan bien
Year Off said,
August 24, 2008 @ 9:33 am
Muchas gracias. If we end up doing anything interesting, and if I learn how to write, I would love to create a book. I need to figure out what I am trying to say first. Gen X (or Gen W.5) at the crossroads is a good starter theme. In the emanwhile, we will just enjoy.
Year Off said,
August 24, 2008 @ 9:33 am
Muchas gracias. If we end up doing anything interesting, and if I learn how to write, I would love to create a book. I need to figure out what I am trying to say first. Gen X (or Gen W.5) at the crossroads is a good starter theme. In the emanwhile, we will just enjoy.
gp said,
August 27, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
You already have a couple of titles for your book Peter. Either “A year off” or ” A change in plans” sound great. Would be great to have a combination of your and your children’s voice in the book.
gp said,
August 27, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
You already have a couple of titles for your book Peter. Either “A year off” or ” A change in plans” sound great. Would be great to have a combination of your and your children’s voice in the book.
Year Off said,
August 28, 2008 @ 9:22 am
Zola’s and India’s blog is at
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/zolab/1/1217357520/tpod.html
We are all sort of collaborating with each others’ posts, but thir voices (and India’s photos) come through more clearly there.
Year Off said,
August 28, 2008 @ 9:22 am
Zola’s and India’s blog is at
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/zolab/1/1217357520/tpod.html
We are all sort of collaborating with each others’ posts, but thir voices (and India’s photos) come through more clearly there.