The Underwater Tunnel of Batar

Feeling a little tired from my travels, I decided to spend a lovely few days at the beach. The soft white sand felt good underfoot as I relaxed in the pleasurable comforting rays from the suns overhead. Quite by chance, I happened upon a small underwater exploration shop which was selling little tour packages to view the marvels of the coral beneath the clear blue waters. The price was reasonable, and I had plenty of time, so I embarked upon a small little mini submersible, guided by a most excellent navigator and pilot. I was taken around many wonders and sights below the surface of the water, without even wetting my feet! What splendors awaited me below; schools of fish and sea horses, and glowing jellyfish abound. The sparkles of light were wonderfully magnified by the translucent microscopic creatures that fill the pristine water, enhancing each ray into a beam that seemed so lovely that I could hardly describe it.

And why should I, since I had a perfectly good working camera with me! We descended into a beautiful passageway - a tunnel beneath the corals, connecting one bay to the other. It was a journey of a full hour and the tunnel was pitch dark, were it not for our electric lamp mounted on the prow. I saw entire populations drift by us, curious as to what was joining them on cruises of their own import. Just as I thought the marvels would never end, that we would never reach the opening at the other side, we were greeted by a beautiful light from ahead. The corals seemed to take on a new depth as a few fish and jellyfish glided by us to seek the light that we headed towards. What loveliness! What a sight to challenge a master of the canvas who can only attempt at copying, at best, a few fragments of it's beauty! We drifted slowly as not to ruin this beautiful moment, our breaths held with awe as we emerged from the Tunnel of Batar.

- Traveling Uncle Nat. :)

05/19/00