The Royal Aquarium under the Banded Sea of Storms

After visiting the Royal Nature Preserve of Cw, I was invited to attend the two hundredth anniversary of the opening of the Aquarium under the Banded Sea of Storms. This fine beautiful structure is, of course, entirely built under the water. There are many rooms filled with the specimens of that unique and beautiful sea. But, it being a beautiful day outside, one of the most intriguing sights was the observation room at the fore of the great gorge of coral. This gorge and coral reef extends into a deep abyss measuring some three miles below the surface of the sea. It was built for the Royal Family who entertained guests in large dinners with the unique view as entertainment. Then, after dinner, uniquely blended cigars were distributed and the guests could observe the sight while relaxing to a fine choice of brandies as they smoked their gold leaf cigars - all obtained from plants in the sea itself. In fact, the tiles on the floor are coral from the reefs; the soft leather couches from the suede skins of the spotted mantas; the light globes above, made from the crystalline shells of the spiker fish.

One can see the deep blue and the light currents in the water that form the bands during storms - one of the prominent properties of these waters - as the specimens of fish idly glide by to stare at the onlookers.

While still used for Royal functions to entertain dignitaries, and the like, it is also mostly open to the public these days. The book at the front of the large window is an old tome that lists all the known species that float by and, sometimes, is replaced by a signature guest book for high dignitaries. You will also notice the fine panelling from the wood of the Kwikkitti forest, with whom there were good relations over the last several hundred years - the only part of the room not made from things obtained from the actual sea.

- Traveling Uncle Nat. :)

05/23/99