DARKSIDE
Monty , with local guide pointing out a coconut architecture of old trees , through which I swam theatrically , watched by the gimlet gaze of Denis . Satisfied at my buoyancy ( although doubtless slightly baffled as to why the Rosbif diver seemed to glance at his dive computer every two seconds ), with a Gallic tilt of the head , he indicated that I could enter the cave ( rn ), and join the hairy-bummed brotherhood .
A wonderful , eerie , and rather short experience followed , as I drifted through the sinuous catacomb between entrance and exit ( about fifty yards , even more if you throw in a couple of widths of the tunnel en route , which I did for added effect ). Just for a moment , as the light receded behind my fin tips , to be replaced by the celestial glow of the exit round the corner ahead , I understood what the fuss was all about . It was - and sadly , I can think of no other term to describe it - a moment of great serenity . And this is from a man with what appeared to be a guinea pig on ephedrine in one ear , and a triathlon watch now having a complete nervous breakdown on one wrist .
Such serenity was rudely shattered as I surfaced at the exit pool . It turns out that this was also a swimming spot for local people , of whom there were a great many . And of this motley crew , 80 % were drunk , and 100 % were absolutely delighted to see me . And so I surfaced to a Wembley roar , which is the way everyone should triumphantly conclude their first ever cave ( rn ) dive .
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I write about this little dive because it epitomises what we all seek from travel - those unexpected moments and experiences are a distant memory for most of us nowadays , but then again , we know they ’ ll return and we ’ ll savour them that little but more when they do . It also neatly sums up the Dominican Republic itself .
Into the ‘ depths ’, and a triumphant return !
Y See the movie clip https :// youtu . be / Vj8w2MnUFic
Raucous , warm , eccentric , gaudily multiracial , and full of hidden depth .
For now though , until lockdown eases , I must satisfy myself with wild swimming and triathlon training . I ’ m looking to upgrade my current watch - does anyone fancy doing a trade ? Sold as seen . One careful owner ... �