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The view through Johann´s diving mask

NEVER LOOK INTO A GIFT HORSE`S MoUTH...

.. that´s what one says. Meaning nothing else than not to be picky about a gift and to accept it gracefully. Even the ancient Romans said so: "Noli equi dentes inspicere donati" was their way to put it, roughly translated "Don´t check the teeth of a horse you receive as a present"

To understand this saying you have to know why not to check the horse´s teeth: An expert on horses can easily estimate the age and therefore the value of a horse by looking at it`s teeth.

Now I ask myself: Is it the same with fish?

If so, how would a diver happen to get a good look into a fishs mouth?

In my opinion only if you are lucky enough to find a fish that volunteers to open his mouth as wide as possible.

But even then, where ARE the teeth?  Many fish don´t even have any, and for that reason I was not able to estimate this one`s age and value.

And thats a good thing, isn´t it? Remember: Never look into a gift horse´s mouth. That`s why I happily and gracefully accepted this present - seeing such a rare act and beeing able to take a photograph of it.

Just do alike in the week to come.

Be gracefull for your gift horse, and don´t look into it`s mouth.

Johann Vifian

Umbrella

For many of us, an umbrella is a necessary, yet useful evil: We only need it, when it is raining. And honestly, who likes rain? Especially in spring, when it´s been raining for days instead of the expected sunshine.

Sunshine! Doesn´t that ring a bell? After all, umbrellas may also be parasols, as a protection against direct sunlight or just to have some refreshing shada. Used often for example in coffee shops or beer gardens, relaxing under the parasol, having a talk with charming company, just letting the day pass by.

You`re welcome to dream on, especially in a rainy weather like this.

No dream, just a simple diver`s truth: There are umbrellas under water, too. Or are those parasols?

After all, it does not matter - at least it´s a screen. This is what this giant fan coral - Anella mollis -  resembles for me, hanging above the reefs wall like a oversized umbrella or sunscreen.

It is big - so big, that several divers could stop right under it to have some small talk, just like in any coffee shop - and that even without getting wet from the rain - for when it comces to divers, we are wet anyway.

An Umbrella - or Parasol - for your every need, that is my Wish for you in this week.

Johann Vifian