After our scuba diving trip to Puerto Galera, Philippines last month I’ve been toying with ideas to get Kai, our five month old, underwater to experience the pure amazement of the fishy world. I’ve since discovered, it is impossible. He won’t be able to dive until he is 10. In the meantime though there are two ways I’ve thought of that will allow him to experience the majesty of the deeps.
Watch Finding Nemo or The Little Mermaid.
So this doesn’t really work with babies as young as Kai, but for older kids it’s a great way to introduce them to the world beneath the water. The Little Mermaid is a classic and if you are lucky they will watch it 100 times and sing Sebastian the crab’s “Under the Sea” to you for the next few weeks. Finding Nemo is a more realistic representation of what scuba diving is like, we found lots of clown fish in the coral. I didn’t realize though that their “playfulness” is really the parents just trying to protect their babies. (I totally get it).
Lady Street
The best way to get your young babies “under water” and in with the fish is to take them to Nurenjia aka- Lady Street, by the US embassy, and explore the fish market. Pull up by the elephant statues, walk in and after passing the fake flower market on your right, continue right and you’ll end up in the land of fishies. There are so many reasons why this idea is simply the best. First of all, it’s free (unless you cave and buy a rabbit or pet parakeet). Second, some of the tanks are really beautiful and have large friendly fish that will come and check your baby out. This is mesmerizing for little ones and super entertaining for parents as well. The last really good reason to take baby to this market is that you can pick up some flowers on your way out.
Photos: Theresa Pauline
