Travis dives very deep

Hello there!

I haven't been in touch with you for a few days. This was partly due to all the things that were so exciting in between that captivated me. Then we also had a brief period without internet. Moreover, my big one always helps me with writing, and she was a bit sick the last two days. But now!!

So, the most important thing first: I really did dive deep!!!!

It took quite a bit of courage. But since my big one had seen such wonderful things underwater, I wanted to experience it live and in color.

But one step at a time. Safety comes first.

After I carefully looked around on the boat to ensure everything was safe, we actually jumped into the water together. My big one had secured me well by the hand so I wouldn’t get lost.

And in case I unexpectedly needed to breathe underwater, we also tested the so-called octopus. This is basically a second air supply that all divers have in case someone runs out of air in their own tank.

And of course, everyone kept a close watch on me. Firstly my big one, but also Hassan, our diving guide, and Davor - who went underwater with my big one all the time.

Being with Hassan made me feel very calm because he has a lot of experience and is totally relaxed. It was somehow contagious.

Well, and then it was just super exciting to see and discover everything underwater. I tell you... So... Woooaaahhh!!

I could watch the divers moving underwater with their big rubber feet. Oh yes, they're called fins.

There are just so many wonderful animals to see! Look at these:

The absolute highlight for me was when a real shark swam right past me! Just imagine that. Woooaaahhh, I was a bit excited. Even though my big ones said afterwards that it was rather small and harmless anyway. But who knows, right?

My big one saw tiger sharks on the last day. They are apparently something else entirely. Quite good that I wasn't there anymore.

In the end, I made two dives! Isn't that super cool?! I used to be so afraid of the water. And now this. I'm pretty proud of myself! My big ones are too. And the others on the boat praised me a lot and were all really nice to me.

Even Bebe, who always helped my big one with her equipment on the boat, greeted me very warmly after the dive.

Afterwards, I got to take a bath. With bubbles and everything. It was really cozy and even a bit warmer than the sea water. Although it's already 29 degrees here. I guess that's warm; I'm not too familiar with degrees.

And to dry off, I could use the wind from the fan. It was very pleasant and kind of tickled.

So now I am a really real buddy bear. Because you know, a buddy is basically the dive partner, and buddies are out together and watch over each other.

In the future, I can do that too - diving and being a buddy. I’m so excited!!

At least as much as my big ones because they saw a whale shark here. Apparently, that's something very special. And even though it was still a 'baby', it was already quite big. Fortunately, as a plankton eater, it is completely harmless.

After all the amazing experiences on the dive safari boat, we stayed for two nights on a small island just 15 minutes by boat from Male. I'm currently writing this text for you with my big one.

A nice conclusion to our trip.

Thank you for reading my stories with such interest and patience again.

Tomorrow we will fly back home with a longer layover in Abu Dhabi. We want to look around a bit.

I wish you all the best first and look forward to telling you about my exciting adventures again as soon as possible.

Warm greetings from Travis, the (now diving experienced) buddy bear