Lanzarote Aquarium

 Visited in July 2013, the Aquarium Lanzarote is an aquatic museum featuring 33 tanks and over 1 million litres of water. The tanks feature mainly sea life native to the Canary Islands including clown fishes, blowfishes, sea urchins, sharks and turtles. the aquarium can be found near the centre of Costa Teguise  in the east of the island. I took a number of short videos whilst touring the aquarium and they can be seen below and on YouTube. They were filmed using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

Uploaded to YouTube on the 4th August 2013, currently seen 379 times. The video features a 3 legged turtle swimming around.

Uploaded to YouTube on 10th August 2013, the video has to date been viewed 2668 times. It features a shark swimming.

The final video uploaded to YouTube in August 2017 and seen 41 times to date shows all the clips put together of the sea life in their tanks.

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A Glimpse into the Past: Weston-Super-Mare, 1917

magine holding a piece of history in your hands, a tangible link to a time long past. That's precisely the feeling evoked by a recent discovery: a vintage postcard mailed over a century ago, on September 12th, 1917. Despite the ravages of time, this postcard offers a fascinating, albeit faded, window into the Edwardian era, specifically featuring the charming Marine Parade Gardens and Rozel Shelter in Weston-Super-Mare.

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Echoes of a Bygone Era: The Faded Message

The most poignant aspect of this postcard is its badly faded written message. While the postal print remains remarkably clear, the personal words intended for a loved one have largely succumbed to time, leaving us to wonder about the full sentiment they once conveyed. However, with careful deciphering, a fragment of the past emerges:

Mr F Denning,
30 Hanham Road, Kingswood, Bristol.

Dear Dady, just a few lines hoping you arrived home alright and what time did you get home last night

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A Snapshot of Daily Life Amidst Global Conflict

It's humbling to consider that this simple message, inquiring about a father's safe return, was penned in the midst of World War I. While battles raged across Europe, life continued on the home front. This postcard serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human need for connection and reassurance, even in the most tumultuous times. It speaks to the everyday concerns and affections that persisted amidst the broader global conflict.

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Then and Now: Weston-Super-Mare's Enduring Beauty

The image itself transports us to Marine Parade Gardens and Rozel Shelter. A natural question arises: does the Rozel Shelter still stand today? While its fate remains a mystery without further investigation, we do know that the Marine Gardens themselves have stood the test of time, continuing to grace Weston-Super-Mare with their beauty. This contrast between the potentially lost and the enduring offers a compelling insight into the evolution of our landscapes.

The back of the card offers another tangible link to the past: a King George V Half Penny stamp remains firmly attached, a small but significant detail that helps date the postcard and grounds it in its historical context.

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This vintage postcard, with its faded script and enduring imagery, is more than just a piece of paper; it's a whisper from the past, inviting us to contemplate the lives of those who walked these paths before us. It sparks curiosity about the stories behind the names, the everyday moments that made up a lifetime, and the remarkable resilience of both nature and human connection.

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What other forgotten messages do you think are waiting to be discovered, telling tales of a world we can only imagine?

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Blackpool Sealife Videos Part 2

Blackpool's glittering promenade is famous for its arcades, the iconic tower, and of course, the bustling Pleasure Beach. But tucked away amidst the seaside charm is a hidden gem for marine life enthusiasts: SEA LIFE Blackpool. Recently, I took my family on a visit, armed with a camera and a healthy dose of curiosity, and I'm here to share my experience.

Let's address the elephant (or perhaps, the shark!) in the room: the entrance fee. At £58.50 for a family of three, some might balk. I admit, it's a significant chunk of change. However, after spending a few hours immersed in the underwater world, I can confidently say it was money well spent.

What made it so worthwhile? For starters, we opted for the behind-the-scenes tour, a fascinating glimpse into the less-seen aspects of marine conservation. This wasn't just a casual stroll past tanks; we were granted access to the medical and feeding areas, witnessing firsthand the dedication and care that goes into looking after these incredible creatures.

I captured nine short video clips during our visit, ranging from 14 to 56 seconds, which are now available both here and on my YouTube channel. These snippets offer a taste of the diverse marine life on display. We encountered graceful stingrays gliding through the water, majestic sharks patrolling their territories, vibrant schools of fish creating a kaleidoscope of colour, and even a shy turtle, attempting a rather comical hide-and-seek game near the tank's surface.

Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Diverse Inhabitants: The variety of species is truly impressive. You'll find yourself captivated by the unique characteristics of each creature, from the sleek sharks to the patterned stingrays.
• Educational Experience: The behind-the-scenes tour provides invaluable insights into marine conservation efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by these animals and the work being done to protect them.
• Interactive Moments: Watching the feeding sessions and observing the animals' behaviour up close creates a truly immersive and memorable experience.
• The Shy Turtle: One clip in particular captures a turtle trying to conceal itself. It's a delightful reminder of the individual personalities of these animals.

Is it worth the price?

Ultimately, the value of the experience depends on your perspective. If you're looking for a quick, cheap thrill, perhaps not. However, if you're passionate about marine life, eager to learn, and seeking a memorable family outing, SEA LIFE Blackpool delivers. The behind-the-scenes tour elevates the experience, providing a deeper understanding of the conservation efforts and the dedication of the staff.

My Verdict:

SEA LIFE Blackpool offers a captivating and educational journey into the underwater world. The £58.50 investment, especially with the behind-the-scenes tour, proved to be a worthwhile expenditure. The short video clips I captured only scratch the surface of the wonders awaiting visitors. So, if you're planning a trip to Blackpool, consider diving deep and exploring the fascinating world of SEA LIFE. You won't be disappointed!

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the videos and pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Diving Deep: Is Blackpool SEA LIFE Worth the Plunge? Videos Part 1

Blackpool's glittering promenade is famous for its arcades, the iconic tower, and of course, the bustling Pleasure Beach. But tucked away amidst the seaside charm is a hidden gem for marine life enthusiasts: SEA LIFE Blackpool. Recently, I took my family on a visit, armed with a camera and a healthy dose of curiosity, and I'm here to share my experience.

Let's address the elephant (or perhaps, the shark!) in the room: the entrance fee. At £58.50 for a family of three, some might balk. I admit, it's a significant chunk of change. However, after spending a few hours immersed in the underwater world, I can confidently say it was money well spent.

What made it so worthwhile? For starters, we opted for the behind-the-scenes tour, a fascinating glimpse into the less-seen aspects of marine conservation. This wasn't just a casual stroll past tanks; we were granted access to the medical and feeding areas, witnessing first hand the dedication and care that goes into looking after these incredible creatures.

I captured nine short video clips during our visit, ranging from 14 to 56 seconds, which are now available both here and on my YouTube channel. These snippets offer a taste of the diverse marine life on display. We encountered graceful stingrays gliding through the water, majestic sharks patrolling their territories, vibrant schools of fish creating a kaleidoscope of colour, and even a shy turtle, attempting a rather comical hide-and-seek game near the tank's surface.

Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Diverse Inhabitants: The variety of species is truly impressive. You'll find yourself captivated by the unique characteristics of each creature, from the sleek sharks to the patterned stingrays.
• Educational Experience: The behind-the-scenes tour provides invaluable insights into marine conservation efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by these animals and the work being done to protect them.
• Interactive Moments: Watching the feeding sessions and observing the animals' behaviour up close creates a truly immersive and memorable experience.
• The Shy Turtle: One clip in particular captures a turtle trying to conceal itself. It's a delightful reminder of the individual personalities of these animals.

Is it worth the price?

Ultimately, the value of the experience depends on your perspective. If you're looking for a quick, cheap thrill, perhaps not. However, if you're passionate about marine life, eager to learn, and seeking a memorable family outing, SEA LIFE Blackpool delivers. The behind-the-scenes tour elevates the experience, providing a deeper understanding of the conservation efforts and the dedication of the staff.

My Verdict:

SEA LIFE Blackpool offers a captivating and educational journey into the underwater world. The £58.50 investment, especially with the behind-the-scenes tour, proved to be a worthwhile expenditure. The short video clips I captured only scratch the surface of the wonders awaiting visitors. So, if you're planning a trip to Blackpool, consider diving deep and exploring the fascinating world of SEA LIFE. You won't be disappointed!

These were recorded on the 17th July using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. The background music was added from the YouTube catalogue and is Calm by Silent Partner. Just improves the feel of the clips as there is a lot of background noise from people otherwise.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All videos and pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.