North Dive Day # 2

om’s turn---

I am awake at 6:30am drinking coffee on my balcony looking out at a flat rolling sea. Watching pool boys put out towels and mats (awaiting Lauren’s tanning) and Yard boy sweep the flower petals off the grass. I think it will be our prettiest day yet… Yesterday….

We arose for our 3 hour ride to the North of Bali to dive. Every part of this country is different. This ride was oceans, surf beaches and more rice fields. Temples, more temples. Millions of motorcycles. They are like fleas on a dog. One car or truck and surrounded by motorcycles with more than one person on it. Sometimes 4. And they have no rules, cut in on the right of the car, left. I watched us zoom by them waiting for a wreck….as the family slept.

We arrived at an open air restaurant and a dock with a bunch of small shrimp boat looking things. “We’re here…” We then took a boat ride to an island with a cool deer/elk looking thing on it to make one of the most difficult dives of my life. In a capsule, there was a 3 ft chop, wind and current. We had to get in the water between boats, get handed your equipment and then get your shit together to dive. I was beautiful as it drug us down to the bottom of the sea….yes, a drift drive with undercurrent pull. Christa at about 5 meters trying to clear her ears and flicking off everyone who came by. Lauren going down to the bottom of Davey Jones' Locker with Nick in chase. Me in the middle trying to watch all. The girls arrived at the surface exhausted, scare, and having not seen much of the wildlife—since we watching each other. But what we did see was worth it!

After lunch of fried chicken, rice and a wonton made of rice,(and Lauren’s “No more rice”) we bailed on Nick for the second dive. Lauren sunbathed. Christa and I snorkeled. Actually, I think we got the best deal. The sea life at 10 feet was gorgeous. Blues, reds, yellows, fish…it was really cool. We drifted along with no effort—breathing surface air.

On the way home we finally saw monkeys….three weeks and finally monkeys. We tried to get a picture, even to the extent of Nick chasing them into the jungle (what a site).

We arrived back to massage girl waiting (someone rubbing my fat has to be doing some kind of weight lost, don’t you think?) a Seafood buffet for Lauren and Christa and I shared Lobster and pasta room service. Nick passed out from his cold. (Hope he gets better for his tri) Life is good.

Today is a free day…Nick is off to see the Tri Guy and volunteer or do the Bail Tri. The girls and I are planning on giving the pool boy a workout. Meeting our Pearl Man, Fatha, who we have made “a millionaire”. No really. I spent $100 US and had to pay him $1million Bali. Get the girls surf lessons. Shop for trinkets (although they look just like what Walmart and Target have) but it is fun to just look. Watch the people. Watch the people watch us

With love from Bali--Cinda