Snorkeling

I had water safety training this weekend.  I am now trained to start a boat, put a life jacket on while in the water, and make a safety circle with a group of people in the water.  We were told about all the things that can hurt, sting, puncture, and poison us when in the water a week ago.  The only thing I saw that we talked about being dangerous was white tipped coral.  This is either poisonous or stings, I can’t remember which, I just know that I don’t want to touch it if I see it.

After training we got to go snorkeling and it was amazing.  I thought two things immediately when I jumped in the water, wow, this is really warm and it tastes really salty!  The water here is even warmer than Maine lakes in the summer.  It was still refreshing to be in, but incredibly comfortable.  I could have easily stayed in the water all day.  The water is so salty it seemed to take hardly any effort at all to stay afloat.

When I was snorkeling I saw so many different fish of all shapes, colors, and sizes.  At first I felt like I was looking into a fish tank because that is the only place I have ever seen colorful fish.  As I began to adjust I felt like I had discovered a whole new world.  At one point I was surprised to look down and see an entire school of fish swimming below me.  Their scales shimmered when they changed directions and glided through the water.  Later I was surrounded by a school of fish.  It was a little strange at first.  How often are you completely surrounded by something and don’t feel intimidated?  Once I relaxed a bit it was an incredible feeling.  No matter what way I turned I saw the silvery, blue fish.  They were so close I could see their mouths snap open and shut as they ate.

I was also able to swim over coral reefs.  This was where I saw fish of so many colors, it was truly incredible!  It was so interesting to watch them swim in and around the coral.  All the different fish were doing their own thing while I am watching and swimming by. 

When we were in the boat we saw a few manta rays (similar to sting rays, but harmless).  We would see the top fin surface and then watch the dark spot glide under the water.  I caught a glimpse of one when I was snorkeling, but didn’t it get a good look because I got lost in the bubbles of another volunteer. 

Many people had waterproof cameras on our excursion, so I will try to get some pictures from other volunteers to post.  I would like to try and show you what I saw!  It was wonderful to have a chance to be in the water after being on the island for two weeks.  One of the volunteers lives right on the water, so perhaps I’ll get some swimming in next week.

That’s all for now!