Saturday, June 11, 2011

Above and below.....!!

 Aqwa World, The Aquarium of Western Australia (Aqwa) as it is today came about as a result of a diving mishap. The founder of Coral World, Morris Kahn damaged his eardrums while trying to stop his son ascending too quickly. Finding himself  unable to dive again he began thinking of all the others who might never get a chance to see life under the ocean and so started the family business of building aquariums around the world (it's an interesting story, the link will fill you in a bit more). Standing on the revolving floor that does a circle around the aquarium with the many species of West Australian sea creatures swimming over and around you is quite an experience. There is nothing quite like seeing a huge white pointer, razor teeth bared swimming so close you could reach out and touch it to confirm to me that my choice of 'landlubber' for life was so the right way to go. If  you like a thrill (?) you can even dive with the sharks...........PASS!!



19 comments:

  1. I love the little "Nemo" fish in the aquarium! Sharks, no thanks.

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  2. What a wonderful place to visit. I love those fish.

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  3. The top pic has wonderful color and form. The second one looks like an alien brain. My wife, two children and I want to Australia once, 19 years ago, We did a "resort dive" off Cairns where you go down with an instructor at most 10 m. Of course, this was over part of the GBR. I'll never forget it.

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  4. The 'nemos' are fantastic Leif, so colourful nipping through the coral.

    You would love it Randy.

    The Great Barrier Reef would be incredible to dive on Bob, what an experience. I have flown over and even from above it's the most amazing sight.

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  5. Quite a grand entrance to the aquarium! And I am fascinated by the 2nd photo! So beautiful!

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  6. Beautiful combination between outside and inside, I like it. Both photos are great!

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  7. Interesting story. Diving with the sharks sound a bit scary.

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  8. Well, amazing shot! although like the others I'll pass on the shark dive also!

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  9. brilliant capture!

    would be fun to visit!

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  10. I'll pass too. Don't want any run in with Moby Dick and friends.

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  11. Great story and beautiful shots. Aquariums are far friendlier than diving. Always stay at the top of the food chain.

    Darryl and Ruth : )

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  12. I know how hard it is to get a proper shot of a tank, so congratulations, Clown Fish and Anemone are at their best. Fantastic photo!

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  13. Too very different shots today, Grace. Active and colorful above, quiet below. Diving with sharks? Not this coward!

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  14. I love aquariums! I've tried diving too but not with sharks... no thanks!

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  15. This must be an exceptional experience. I'd love to experience it.

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  16. How wonderful a place it must be, where somethink alike is possible.

    daily athens

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  17. I love to visit aquariums...

    Pierre
    http://pierre-boyer.blogspot.com/

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  18. The bottom photo is beautiful! I love aquariums because I have no desire to dive!

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