Diving in Pandang Bai - 7/14

Today we took in some totally new sights - views from within the Indian ocean. We thought that we better brush up on some of our diving skills, so we began our day at 8:00 AM at Gecko Diving, for a quick course in diving. It was a needed review for Tonya and me and a quick overview for Mindy, who had never dove before. We met our dive master, Darta, who had us sign some papers, watch some videos, and help us pick out our wetsuits, masks, and fins. Within an hour, though, we were in the bay practicing removing our regulator, clearing water from our masks, and checking our underwater buoyancy. 

Although Tonya and I felt we had forgotten much of what had learned when getting certified 10 years ago, it did seem to quickly come back. I still was rather nervous about breathing underwater again. Mindy did great. She mastered the skills on the first try and was ready to do some diving.

We had a brief wait, but at 10:00 AM a boat picked the three of us up along with three other divers - one from Australia, two from Holland. We had a short ride to our destination - just by what they call the Blue Lagoon. We watched the three guys do a backwards roll off the boat. Darta and a couple other crew helped us get suited up and instructed us one at a time to roll into the ocean. So, Tonya, then me, and then Mindy rolled into the light blue water.

Darta led us in our descent. As my head submerged in the warm water, I immediately was welcomed by small group of fish and some coral. Sadly, there was a lot of dead coral, so the vibrant colors that we had seen in Cozumel 10 years ago were more impressive to me, but this was still nice. I concentrated on my breathing and blew out my noise equalizing my mask and my ears. Slowly we went down. Because of our limited experience, we only went about 30 feet.

But, it was so peaceful to be in a world with the fish - beautiful colorful fish that just kindly separate as you gently float through their surroundings of some tall coral. Some of it still looks very vibrant.
We continued our dive for about 30-45 minutes (I think) and then reboarded the boat. The three other guys on the boat quickly talked about the two small sharks that they had seen. Apparently we went by them as well, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), I didn't notice them. I'm fine that they didn't bother introducing themselves. The boat was having some engine problems, so we had to end our diving for the day. Although I was ready for another dive, I also wasn't overly disappointed - since I wanted to slowly build back confidence any way.

After lunch at the Gecko dive shop, Tonya and I went for a short walk to the beach of where the boat had taken us. Mindy had swallowed a little water when laughing under water, so she decided to stay in her room. The blue lagoon beach was beautiful. It was nice to sit there and listen to the waves hit the shore. It also was surprisingly not very crowded. An old man came up to me wanting to sell some of his carvings. I listened to him tell about his children and grandchildren and was generally impressed with the carved jewelry box that he was selling. But, I continued to say no thank you. But when he showed me a carved bamboo whistle for $40,000 rupiahs ($4 US), I couldn't resist. I offered him $3, which he at first rejected. But, when I started to walk away, he was quick to say OK. 

We spent the evening relaxing. Tonya had a pedicure and we had a great dinner.  So, the day ended with me feeling good about the review of our diving skills. Now, I just need to learn how to play this whistle.

Bay view.

Tonya and I with Darta, our dive master. 

Blue Lagoon beach in Padang Bai