We had arranged to dive with our same guide Bob today. Bob is Dutch, from Amsterdam, by way of SE Asia, Borneo, Australia, and New Zealand. He assumed we were in our early 30’s, so I liked Bob. His girlfriend Fieke also worked in the shop.
Bob intended to take us south to the Salt Pier, but there was a giant ship there, so we went one further to Salt City. I had expressed to Bob that I was worried about our ears, us being noobs and all, and he was very patient and worked with us to develop our skills.
We didn’t see anything crazy spectacular, but the schooling fish and health of the coral was something special indeed. Of course, as we were at the half way turn around point of the first dive, Nathan got in front of Bob, and Bob’s back behind furiously shaking his bell/rattle. Not once, not twice or three times… eventually Nathan picked up his head and rejoined the group. Squirrel!
The second dive site was much the same. Our confidence and ear equalization skills are growing. Bob is mostly able to lead the dive face forward, as he doesn’t need to be constantly check on us.
After the drive back to the dive shop, we walked the 20 paces back to our home and hung out by the pool. Life is good.