It’s been a little while since my last post and for that I apologize, the reason being is that I’m getting through all my travelling bugs now (hopefully meaning that I will spend the rest of the trip free from illness!). As per my usual travelling style I’ve had a ‘change of climate cold’ and now I seem to be stricken by the Utila stomach bug that everyone seems to get here. It’s OK though, when you’re travelling for 3 months you can spare a few days to illness.
On a good note, I’ve completed my PADI Open Water dive course and am now free to explore the depths of the ocean (down to no further than 18 metres of course!). I went through a plethora of emotions during my first couple of dives from fear to intense dislike which promptly turned into wonder and love for the new alien world that was opened up before me.
It’s a strange feeling being down there in amongst hills and valleys covered in strange and beautiful plant life and wildlife, swimming freely in a world that would otherwise be completely hidden to me. I almost feel strangely honoured to be welcomed into the depths, like a guest in someone else’s home. I would recommend diving to anyone. Now I can go home to Cairns and actually dive the Great Barrier Reef! This is obviously something that I should have done before now.
We just did 2 more ‘fun dives’ this morning and they were great! We saw a big octopus which looked like a big fluffy pillow who then flared out and changed colours when he got angry with us and then we saw a big Spotted Eagle Ray who came right up close and then circled around us as we just floated there and watch him glide through the water. Also saw a grumpy looking Toadfish and a big Moray Eel, which we could see the whole length of, not just the head like usual.
Utila itself is just a sleepy little Caribbean Island. The dive shops (which double as bars and hostels) can be a little loud sometimes as the backpackers like to party but it’s all very tame. Most people are here to relax and dive. In fact, there is not much more to do… I tend to lie in a hammock most of the day reading a book if I’m not diving. The food here is OK but not amazing but the cocktails are cheap (about $3- $5) so it makes up for it. I can definitely see the attraction of quitting your job and staying on this little bit of paradise, every day the weather is perfect, the locals are charming and the water is warm … what more could I ask for?
Although I have heaps of photos of me looking really hot in my scuba gear, we are having issues loading pics on the site here (I think the internets too slow) but I promise I’ll put some up as soon as I can. We’re off to Columbia next week (how different is that going to be!) so we’ll be able to do it there hopefully. Until next time, Adios!
