WOW! I simply can't believe how long it's been since I updated the blog. It's literally feels as though time is flying. We have trouble keeping up with the days of the week - difficulty remembering the date. Life is a succession of dives. Weekends don't matter much - every day here is the same to us and to the people around us who weave their way through a similar simplistic schedule. Don't get me wrong, we are constantly on the go. It just seems more fulfilling - more engaging - than activities were in the past. We are consumed by the moment.
It's been about a week since I said goodbye to my good friend Shona. She is off to tour South America and then plans on heading to Australia for a year. I have missed her more than I can describe. We were together everyday (minus only one or two) for two months. You build quite a connection during quality time like that. I confess that I did cry when she left. I knew it was coming but I somehow wasn't prepared to enjoy Roatan without her sense of humor. We sure did laugh a lot during dives - just a look underwater would send us both into spasms of laughter. She is a friend for life and I hope to meet up with her again soon. She's too cool to let go of!
I am thankful that our last dive together was a very special one. On the way to the dive site last Friday, a passing boat stopped to tell us about their grand find...a whale shark a couple of minutes away. Our boat captain Fred put Bottom Time into high gear and made of to find the giant beast. As we approached, we could see hundreds of fish popping at the surface. Without a snorkel, I joined the crew as we left the boat and fell into the ocean - her bathwater warmth enveloping us. I was tired before we spotted the creature, but my fatigue fell away as I breathlessly made my way to the spectacle. I'll never forget arriving in her presence. I watched her spin underwater and then popped my head out to see her fins fan the ocean air. For a few moments I was in total awe. My breathing became shallow...my heart beat hard in my chest...and my mind was almost at a loss figuring out how to file this incredible experience. Just as I gained the courage to get closer, she heaved her giant body and fell to the ocean floor. Then it was just us and the deep blue ocean. I am thankful Shona was able to experience that with me on her last dive in Roatan. What a beautiful memory.
The next day Christie and I took Shona to La Ceiba on the mainland to catch her flight. Little did we know it was canceled and rebooked for a day later. Thanks TACA. You are a great airline. Anyway, making the best of the situation we had a few drinks and hit up a local club. It as quite an experience because I could literally see over the heads of everyone on the dance floor. I swear the people here must think I'm a giant. In any case, we met up with a few of Christie's friends from highschool who gave me a traditional Honduran shot made of grass and fermented herbs. I proceeded to throw up six times. The night, as I'm sure you can imagine, ended there.
La Ceiba was a heap of fun but mostly because of the awesome company. I laughed and laughed and laughed some more. Inbetween we did some shopping and a lot of eating. It was nice to take a break from island life and see a few shops. I bought a new pair of shorts but most things were waaaay too small. It's not easy buying clothes when everything is designed for short people. Jenny would love it here! ;-)
Since I arrived home from La Ceiba time has been flying. It's all a blur of fantastic funny memories. One night in particular will stay with me forever. We were hanging out at Christie and Monty's house when a Mariachi band burst through the front door playing La Bamba!! I swear, it was the most random thing and we laughed our faces off. Apparently a few guys from the dive shop chipped in to sponsor the surprise. That moment was pure gold for Kevin and I. I do have photos and video...perhaps I'll post it a bit later.
Diving is going well as always. We had an incredible storm at the beginning of the last week which forced diving to the other side of the island. I have never seen rain come down so hard or so fast. I really didn't think it was possible. In any case, our divemaster program continues to go well. We have both finished all of our academics (including the dreaded physics exam! Yikes!) and only have a few things left to do before we are offically divemasters! It is incredible to think how much we have learnt and how much experience we have gained in the past two months. It is not easy, but it's well worth everything you gain. It'll definitely go down as one of the best experiences of our lives. We are learning an incredible amount about ourselves and each other.
Until we meet again my friends....
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