I hope you all had a brilliant Christmas (or holiday season)!
Far to rough to enter the sea at the moment.
St Julians, behind Hilton
Xemxija, Malta
The weather here in Malta is windy and rain, the sea visibility is zero. Looking from above the water is brown, at least the seabed will look different the next time I venture out.
Wednesday was a day to venture out for a dive and try out the weights.
I am 5’8” (1.73m) and of slim build weighing at 10st (64kgs).
6kgs of weights were perfect for my diving with all the gear.
Before the dive! Note: clear water!
Multi-Directional Internal Wetsuit Heating System
Off I waddled and into the cold sea… It was surprisingly cold! I didn’t expect it to be so cold! But fearing not as us gents have a multi-directional internal wetsuit warmer. I am pretty shameless to admit that I do pee while in the wetsuit, and those who say they don’t I am a little suspicious of.
When in the wetsuit and diving, there are external pressures on the bladder which makes you wanna pee every 30minutes..especially if you drank one litre of water prior. Im glad I drank so much because the bottle of water I brought with me slipped of out of the top pocket attached to my float! No more water…Mhux Tajjeb!
Just remember to wash your suit with freshwater, or as I do: Jump in the shower with the suit on.
Merman, Mermaid or just a Diver
I spotted another diver out in the sea too, was expecting us both to get within earshot so we could have a chat but seems he/she was too busy pretending to be a fish, too busy hunting or not very social. It must’ve been a he because she would’ve had waist length red hair with a beautiful scaly lower body with fins for feet – maybe.
Dive Dive Dive!
As I was navigating the rocks for any signs of octopus life or decent sized fish I was shouted at by a relaxing fisherman. Good job he alerted me as his line was in my course, I acknowledged him and took evasive action! Dive Dive Dive!!!
Fishy Financial Advice
I swam the length of Fekruna and could see Mistra Bay, so decided to turn back and take a view of the deeper water. Spotted some fish, took some shots and missed everytime! 1 fish in my career thus far, still that was a fluke shot. I feel like a newbie on an online multi-player game, beaten down constantly…I am waiting for that moment when I will be getting head shots 1 after another! I actually got so close, the spear was nearly tickling the fish before I fired, too hesitant.
The problem may lie with my over thinking, thinking what impact this will have on the fish socially and if possible, financially. Do the fish have kids, will they get to school, do they have adequate insurance?
Upon realizing the fish was taking up my time, which of course equals money as I was engaging in a form of Fishy Financial Advice, and since I have not yet passed the relevant exams or arranged for the fish to complete an FPQ, I pulled the trigger.
After looking at Fekruna from above and visiting Marfa, I decided to go for a dive! The weather wasn’t great…but I was itching to get out with the wetsuit and my new weights. Weights should mean I won’t be hanging upsidedown with legs flapping about like an overly air-inflated seal.
Quality of sea not good for diving
I head up the road all kitted up with thoughts of a ‘fishy on a dishy’ or octopus. Neighbours looking at me as if im not normal, that self realisation I already concluded upon arrival to Malta. Find the spot in Fekruna bay with excitement in my belly, as I look into the sea. The sea is quite choppy and does not look as inviting as it did that morning. So, I jump in anyway without the spear or float just to check the visibility! ZERO! Absolutely nothing! Annoyed, I swim out further hoping it is just the shallow area that is not very nice. Again, no!
However having suffered a stream of non-fishing injuries I will be back in the water in a few weeks. My rib is ok now, seems it was only bruised. Then managed to sprain my wrist while trying to catch the dog...
Yesterday I took a trial flight with Malta School of Flying, in a Cessna 152. It was awesome!
Wing Tsun has suffered also, but I will be back tonight. 8D
Events – From time to time we will be organizing day trips, Maltese language lessons, parties, cultural and social events. Join in and you'll never be bored.
Legal support – We have our own lawyer, so if you get into trouble, just give us a call.
Social support – Lonely? Depressed? Not getting used the islanders’ culture and way of life? Don’t worry, we have a qualified counselor and a social worker, who are here to listen, and help.
Any other advice – Need to know where to go and party? Where to learn to drive? How to cook Maltese food? How to apply for a work permit? Whatever it is, if we know, we will help you. If we don’t, we will find out for you. Just call, email, or visit our office.
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Anyway! I took this opportunity to do a spot of diving around the area of St Peter's Pool, which is behind Delimara Power Station near Marsaxlokk.
The sea here is beautiful, crisp and clear! I did a few practice dives then reached about 8 metres as I drifted out of the pool area. Aimee came along too, where she snorkelled the surface.
Actually not that many fish around the area, which is probably because of the amount of humans in the water or jumping in like lemmings.
We then had Ftira with a mix of tomatos, green pepper, onion, tomato puree, mayo and tuna! We all mucked in to prepare the food, and it was divine! Never tasted food so good!
I would like to mention Pele in this blog, lol. What a guy! Swanning around enjoying the views then producing some very impressive technical dives!
Here is Pele in 2008
Here is another good clip of St Peter's Pool when it is a little quieter
After some lower jumps with Chris, we decided to go for the big one. Felt good!
We then had a BBQ which was brilliant! Will introduced us to an Egyptian treat - BBQ pineapple rings with chilli!
BBQ - pic taken by FEEL@HOME MALTA
Awesome day and night had! It was great to meet these lovely people. Nationalities of people I met were: German, Australian, Finnish, Maltese, English, Hungarian, Romanian, Egyptian and Russian, Manx (Isle of Man) - Yes, I included myself, although I did not introduce me to myself. That could be considered weird. At the previous event the following list can be added - Dutch, Canadian, Polish, Welsh.
If there were any other nationalities that are not included above, which I am sure there are, I did not meet you :( Next time I hope! :)
As you can see, the crowd is diverse and I thoroughly recommend attending events if you enjoy meeting new and interesting people!
