Beach In A Bubble

I saw a photo on the Internet and my first thought was John Travolta in 1976 in the film "Boy In The Plastic Bubble"






From there the ole' mind went to an old Paul Simon song - "Boy In The Bubble", from the 1986 album Graceland.

I no way could imagine that what I was actually looking at is a portable, inflatable bubble for camping under the stars, picnicking free of pesky insects, or just hanging out on the beach.

 

I found an interesting article that will tell us about Pierre Stephane Dumas and his bubbles.

Transparent bubble tent puts campers under the stars (but careful where you get undressed!)
 By Daily Mail Reporter
UPDATED: 07:53 EST, 15 November 2010 

Anybody trying these outdoor gadgets might want to bring a pair of curtains.
For although they look and feel more like giant goldfish bowls, these latest inventions are actually totally see-through inflatable tents.

With incredible panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the bizarre transparent structures are designed to get people as close to nature as possible.

But they are far from the traditional camping trip - decked out with wardrobes, shelves and electric lights, the bubbles look more like a movable hotel room than a regular tent.

Launched this year, the structures can be now be hired out at sites across France for around £400 pounds a night.

And since then British tourists have been flocking to the country to try out the new camping experience.

French designer Pierre Stephane Dumas said his 'BubbleTree' creations are 'unusual huts for unusual nights'.

He explained: 'Having a night under the stars or seeing the sun rise and set is not something that many people experience anymore.

'A normal tent or camper van means people miss out on these things.

'So I designed this eccentric shelter with the aim of offering an unusual experience under the stars while keeping all the comfort of a bedroom suite.

'The ceiling of the bubble has the Milky Way, guests will be able to enjoy this as well as the extraordinary light variation of the sunset and sunrise.'  

 

The 'bubbles' are designed for two adults but can be adapted to include a smaller children's bedroom.

One design, called the CristalBubble, is completely transparent, giving a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside.

But for the more private person, Mr Dumas has also created another, which he calls a 'cocooning' version of the Cristal design.

This is completely opened to the sky but a surrounding wall means the occupants can not be seen from the outside.

Another design, called the BubbleLodge, is more like a villa than a room and is built with an additional space that can either be used as a bathroom or smaller bedroom.

Once the 'bubble' is inflated, it's kept in shape with an airlock at the entrance and a silent pump, which keeps a constant pressure on the surrounding 'walls'.

Outside sound is kept to a minimum while inside noise is magnified, which, according to Mr Dumas, encourages the occupants to create a peaceful atmosphere by whispering.

As well as hiring the structures, they can also be bought outright for around 7,500 pounds.

Mr Dumas added: 'For me, Bubble huts are a place apart where you can rest, breathe or just stand back.'

 

 Saving the best for last - a beautiful view of the ocean from within the bubble.  I enjoy the sand and the sound of the waves.  But during the winter when the ocean breeze can cut right through you, this would be great.  

If you have any doubts about the comfort of hanging out in a transparent enclosure, the air pressure is maintained with the use of an air lock entrance.  It has fresh air circulating in and out of the bubble, and temperature is kept at whatever level you want it to be.   

Since the above article was written, a variety of bubbles, or Crystal Trees, are sold and rented all over the world.  I hope to enjoy a bubble experience someday soon.