Surrounded by crystal clear water, I got a rush. If it weren’t for the damp environment, pearls of sweat would drip along my lower back. As I descended, sounds intensified (travelling 1500 meters per second). Underneath me grew a thriving kelp forest. A shred of sunlight heated my body and glistened in the waves above me. Past the air bubbles – forming in front of my face – I spotted a reef: illuminated in rainbow colours. Is this what harmony feels like? Water always had a calming effect on me. However, Pavilion Lake was as thrilling to explore below the surface as it was above. The lake’s turquoise colour comes from rare freshwater microbialites and ensured excellent visibility. I’m not alone to be captivated by the wonders of Pavilion Lake, as NASA conducted a research program here between 2004 and 2008, investigating the lake’s limnology. Yet, to the public, this destination is fairly unexplored. Located in British Colombia, Canada, scuba diving is one of many activities offered at Marble Canyon Provincial Park. Back on land, Rick, divemaster at Innerspace Watersports and my guide for the day, turned to me. “Did you see those Asians standing on the reef?” “Yes. It’s a shame since it can take up to 10,000 years for a coral to grow,” I replied. “Bloody tourists!” Rick interrupted. As a child, I never noticed it. Either my imaginary bubble consumed me, or we were too busy playing to notice differences. Colour. Language. Culture. Race. None mattered, body language and joy were universal. Growing older, people started to ask where I was from. For once, my unidentified olive-skin played in my favour, and he assumed I was a local. “And what do you think I am?” I asked. Rick’s warm laugh broke the tension, echoing between the limestone walls, as we passed the Pavilion Mountain Range. Here, scenic routes and outdoor adventures come in many forms. For instance, rock climbing, hiking and camping are possible all-year-round. An exceptional pleasure is to check out the icefalls during the winter season since it is one of the most accessible in the region. By the time we reached the limestone rock – a geological phenomenon disguised as a terraced mountain – I had considered telling Rick I’m a gypsy. I imagined him gasping and instinctively take a step back. Even searching for the wallet inside his pocket (holding it tight). However, a burning scent distracted me. I turned around and nearly got poked in the eye by a wooden stick impaled with a grilled hot dog. “Hungry yet?” Rick had lit a fire, and over the next coming hours, he told me wildlife stories, including how to be bear-aware and that cougars frequently were seen in the area. I listened intensely – with the curiosity of a child – while sipping hot cocoa. “I know this simple lifestyle is charming. Although, for those who fancy a more comfortable experience; an upscale timber cabin is rentable,” Rick said and then continued. “It’s called Pavilion Lake Waterfront – located in the heart of the park – and has a private dock plus a balcony overviewing the lake we dived in earlier today.” “Is that what you would recommend for a stay-over?” I asked. Rick smiled. “My personal favourite includes bringing a tent and camp by Lilloeet River. Tsek Hot Springs is situated nearby, which is rustic but lit by candlelight after night falls.” We continued to discuss my passion for tourism – some might even call me rootless – while Rick thought we should close the borders (considering the coronavirus, amongst other things). I told him that global warming probably would destroy the earth as we know it and turn all of us into immigrants anyway. “Well, now I know why you explore so much,” Rick bantered. He had never been outside Canada. I couldn’t wait to discover more countries. In the distance, waves crashed against cliffs. I could tell that the sound soothed him. Notably, we agreed on the peaceful power water beholds. “Hey, at least I’m not a tourist,” I responded. Rick stared – a wrinkle appeared between his eyebrows – and waited for me to continue. “I’m a traveller.”