Take a Dip in the World’s Deepest Indoor Pool

by Jonathon Morgan on

Scuba diving in a pool seems a little pointless, right? Maybe not, if the pool is 33 meters deep.

That’s what you’ll find at NEMO 33 — the world’s largest indoor pool. Not only is it an exceptionally long distance from the surface to the bottom, once you get down there, you’ll find a number of interesting rooms and passageways to explore.

The pool, located in Brussels, was designed by John Beernaerts, a diving expert, both as a unique space for Belgian divers, and also as an underwater film set.

These days, anyone can hop in and take a dive for €10 to €20 (depending on when you dive). You don’t even need your wetsuit — as NEMO 33 provides suits, masks and fins. After the first 15 minutes or snorkeling or freediving, you’re set loose to explore.

If you do end up checking it out, take an inside tip from blogger Amy at Wolfstad.com: “Get in the water fast and descend to your maximum depth quickly, before it gets too crowded.”

Sounds like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.

[via MetaFilter]

Ghent, Belgium — The City That Blows

by Willy Volk on

For the past few months, a female student in Ghent, Belgium has been soliciting balloons from all over the world. Having received countless balloons, sometime next week (“A little mystery is nice, no?”) she will blow up the city. Er, I mean she will blow up the balloons and place them around the city. And you can participate!

If you’re not able to attend the actual Blow this City event, you can send a personalized balloon to the organizer. According to her, there are no rules, just put something on the balloon. Write a message. Attach a note to it. Strap a disposable digital camera to it and ask her to film lift-off.

Why would anyone organize an event like this? Part street-art, part kick in the pants, part senior project — and all fun — the organizer plans to hang the balloons around the city during the night — so people can wake up with a smile.

[Via Neatorama]