An Under Water Adventure
- Aug 18, 2016
- 4 min read
Location:
Gili Air Island, Indonesia
With a boat ride that lasted no more thirty minutes, we decided to swap the stuffy interior for the top deck with wind blowing through our hair and the massive waves keeping us rather cool, what more could we want. No seriously, you should see the size of these waves. We were on the top of the boat and they still managed to drench us. How is that even possible. Thankfully it was a nice warm day. If it was Irish weather, I would have been far from impressed. At least it was refreshing.
Arriving on the island, we quickly found our accommodation for the next few nights, ‘Aladdin Homestay’ where we were warmly greeted by the rather welcoming ‘Das’ who provided us with a refreshing welcoming drink, to welcome us ‘Home.’ He simply could not do enough for us. Over the few days we were there, Jason became good friends with him, with the two playing each other in ping pong games as Daz tried to get in some practice for his league.
The island is a lot smaller than Gili T, with a much more laid back feel and a strong community spirit, it is exactly the type of place we have been searching for. To get away from a commercialised world to a place where services are simply there if you want them is something that is most welcome. The island is such a beautiful, tranquil place. Somewhere to cleanse your mind from the stresses of the real world. It is a place we have been searching for.
Since we began our big adventure, there has been something that has remained on our must do list, but we have consistently put it to one side. Not because we have tried to fight the urge, but rather we have been restricted by the constraints of time and our desire to see everything and everywhere. The only problem is while we had that mentality, we really have been missing out on all the amazing diving we could have been doing. I guess we will have to revisit all these great diving spots that were so close to where we have been previously.
Of course, scuba diving is not to be taken lightly. It is a sport that should only be carried out with a certain sense of maturity and respect for other and one’s safety, which is why the ‘PADI Open Water Course’ is such an intense few days. Arriving at 8.30 every morning, we carry out tasks in the swimming pool before we go out on the boat and into the vast open water. Our first instructor, Gabrielle from Italy was very good with the patience of a saint, especially when it came to poor old me. It is such an incredible feeling the first breath you take under water. In the swimming pool, when we are all just sitting in the water for long stints at a time, with nobody rushing to the surface. It is as if somehow we belong under water. What is even more remarkable is our first dive. The first time we exited the boat and into the vast open water as we prepared to enter a world that has so far been alien to us. Yes, we have enjoyed many snorkelling trips, but nothing, not even that will prepare you for the sheer beauty of what lies beneath the surface. It is honestly breathtaking. It is such a peaceful and relaxing experience. You don’t even have to swim that fast. One can simply let the current take you. Seeing a turtle under water in the middle of all of this amazing coral, that looked as if it grew all around the underwater creature. Absolutely breathtaking!
As Gabrielle came down with a bug, myself, Jason, Mark from Holland and Verina from Germany were all taken under the superb leadership of Martha from Spain. To put it lightly, she was an amazing teacher. She took her time to explain everything thoroughly so everyone understood. As she has been diving for a number of years, she is all too aware of dangers of diving, which is why she takes safe diving so seriously. On the last dive, myself and Jason had difficulties under taking a three-minute safety stop which must be carried out before you go up to the surface to allow your body recover from all the nitrogen entering it. Martha recommended that we do one more dive with her in order to master this essential skill. As I always say to my Jay Jay, be safe and careful, so as you can imagine, we were both more than willing to go for one last dive with Martha.
Having graduated from diving school, myself and Jason had a nice relaxing stroll around the island. The other side is actually quite nice. If only we had more time to enjoy it. At least we got to see it. That’s the main thing! The majority of footpaths on the island are all made of sand rather any hard material and with most of the buildings being made of bamboo, one would certainly be forgiven for forgetting what year it is! That is the whole attraction of Gili Air and is something that I hope never changes!
There are few places that will touch your soul. Maybe it’s all to do with the experiences one has. Could it be simply those places we visit where we simply tick things off our bucket list. Surely the place where we took our first under water breath or where a whole new world was exposed to us for the very first time has earned its place in our hearts?
By Andrew
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