Official PADI Open Water Diver

The internet is terrible, I'm sleeping in a hole stuffed with 30 beds. The sink is so disgusting that my teeth feel dirtier after brushing.

There is only electricity at night and the internet is a disaster.

But all of this can be endured when you get these wonderful views on land and underwater.

The first breaths underwater and especially the first dive were simply breathtaking. Most diving courses apparently start in a pool. We immediately saw clownfish, corals and lots of other fish.

It was only now that I realized that this diving certificate means more than just 'diving', it is a key to a world that most people only know from pictures.

We spent four days learning theory and practice and had to finish it all with a written test. Take off the mask, swim, put it back on... Take off and put on equipment. All of this at a depth of 15m. Some things were scary but also very exciting.

Our divemaster was from Scotland. That didn't make it easier for me to understand everything :-D But somehow I managed to get through.

Since last night, my dive buddy Joanne and I have the license and can officially call ourselves PADI Open Water Divers :-)

Although it seems uncool for divers, today we made the decision to go snorkeling. The boat took us to 3 different spots... and finally... what didn't happen while diving, we were able to experience while snorkeling. We were very lucky to have 2 or 3 - for me really big - sharks around us. You do experience the situation with the necessary respect that any shark movies might put in you, however, I was simply impressed by the beauty and magnificence of these peaceful animals.

But the smaller fish were also funny (see picture above), they didn't let go of my camera and kept nipping at my back and legs the whole time. My back is now burnt.... damn snorkeling.

Tomorrow I'll continue my journey. I hope everything works out. But since I never plan anything, it will work out! :-)