MY older sister used to collect Chinese dolls, the ones you wind from the back. That was in the good old ’70’s when things were simpler or seemed to be. Nowadays, and after having gone through any number of phases with my teenaged children, I am asking myself why we do so many of the things we do. We are like photocopy machines — follow without asking any questions or even wondering why. Is it really because we believe that everything has been discovered? Or is it because we are more likely to be brainwashed to brainwashing than ever in history because of the media octopus-like domination? Or is it just plain laziness like when we order pizza from the Internet without the bother of even talking. We as the human race have lost interest in discoveries and we are doing worse than that by denying new generations the ability to think for themselves. And since the first walk on the moon at the end of the ’6o’s, we seemed to have lost interest. All that interests us nowadays is how to have more fun through virtual reality. The human race is aging so fast because it is really in denial. We are pressuring our youth, our new blood to think, invent or even explode in sheer creation. We became selfish, fat, egotistic and 1970 Chinese dolls, instead of the ever youthful human race.
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Hi, I am a big fan of scuba diving, especially in the Middle East and since I am working in Dubai, and have the opportunity to travel in the Gulf, I am very interested in diving areas in Saudi Arabia.
— Mark, Dubai
Dear Mark, Saudi nationals, and of late international tourists, have now adopted what started out as mostly an expatriate sport, scuba diving. The Red Sea is the best in natural assets for just under the surface is one of the great coral reefs of the world containing at least 200 species of coral. Compared to Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurgada, reports say that Saudi reefs are healthier and not crowded with dive boats. There are several boat charters and diving clubs in the yellow pages.
Major points to take when planning a diving trip:
n That you have a licensed local skipper with at least five years experience in the Red Sea area.
n That you rent scuba gear from licensed stores and not from individuals. The safety of your gear is vital.
n Check weather forecasts before booking trips.
n Check the nearest hospitals in the area and make sure you have their contact numbers. This is in the event of an emergency.
n Diving groups of more than five are preferred.
n Avoid groups with females; usually they are without a permit and if discovered could cancel the whole trip.
n Do not hesitate to take your water camera for great shots.
