September 12, 2015: My First Diving Experience at Adrina Beach, then Back to Downtown Skopelos, Greece

Copyright Casondra Sobieralski, 2015.  Please contact photographer for permission to use.

This batch of photos represents my last day's exploration of the Island of Skopelos, where I did a 2.5 week artist-in-residency at the ever-enchanting Skopelos Foundation for the Arts. 

I was really there to do a video installation, so these photos were just my way of exploring and establishing a sense of place.

Remember, you can click on these thumbnails to see large versions.

YES, I LOOK LIKE A DORK, but I had a ball!  I took my first diving lesson!  I have always wanted to get dive certified, but the water in Northern California is so cold, and diving in warm places means you need to have money to travel frequently to warm places.  I work in public education. And now I am a PhD student.  Hmm, how can I find research travel funds to get me to warm water locations?

Greece was a good place to take my first "try out diving" PADI lesson, as the water is 82 degrees, and sharks are almost unheard of.  There are not a lot of fish in the water or a lot of color, like in Maui, but you are almost sure to see a little octopus! I love octopuses!  --which is a Greek word, but the way.  That's why the plural is not "octopi."  That's a Latin rule. 

My teachers at the Skopelos Dive Center were absolutely AMAZING.  And since peak tourist season was over, I got a private lesson.  

Ready? Don't laugh at me in my gear! I was happy as a clam!  :) 

Some pictures back in the town of Skopelos before I wrapped for the day:

The next day, I departed on the Hellenic Ferry to the neighboring island of Skiathos.  Skiathos has an airport, so from there one flies to Athens for connecting flights to wherever. 

Got 11 minutes, 6 seconds? See the video I installed at SkopArts. Installation was life size: https://vimeo.com/139816791