Sand, SCUBA, and more sun

I was up early for the gym again (remember the plan), and after that, we met up with everyone for breakfast. Breakfast is just as ridiculous as dinner here. They have 5 or 6 different fresh juices, and of course there is an omelet station, in addition to the huge spread on the buffet tables. Just what we need to power us through another high-energy day in Jamaica.

We decided to go to the beach today, as opposed to the pool. We got a good quiet spot in the back and totally lounged for the whole morning. I had signed up to go diving in the morning, but when I went over there, I was sad to learn that the water was too rough for the boat to go out. They hoped for better conditions after lunch. In the meantime, though, I was happy to lie around and read and listen to my trusty iPod.

After lunch, I headed back to the scuba shop and learned that they were going to go out. Hooray! I put on the dreaded wetsuit (seriously, if you have never put one on, try it sometime. It is the most awkward garment ever conceived) and had the standard argument with the dive master about how much weight I need on my weight belt. Seriously, trust me! I know how much I need! Anyway, the boat was not too full -- there were 5 people there doing a resort dive (they were not certified divers, so they would have to stick with the guide) and 4 certified divers including me. They also sent down 3 guides with us, which was terrific because I don't like the idea of getting lost (again!) or missing the good animals. I got to see a blowfish (no, I did not provoke him) and the biggest sea cucumber I've ever encountered. It was as big as my arm. For real! The diving itself was just OK because the visibility was not great, but I really enjoyed the outing because the divemasters were so good. It was seriously the most organized scuba shop I have ever dove with. After an hour dive, we headed back in. Of course, I fell off the boat trying to get out, and of course, Kim and her sister Lauren and brother-in-law Pat happened to be right there watching. Aces!

After diving, I always like to get in a good deep tissue massage. Well, OK, it was just this time that I did it. It is definitely the way to go. I had pulled something in my leg the day I left for Jamaica, so it was good to get that worked on. I totally love massages. Why do I not get them more often?

Kim and I explored the resort for a while after our massages. There was a shopping area right on the resort with lots of stores selling stuff we didn't need, and a few selling things we did. We found good t-shirts for Michael and good magnets for my coworkers. And of course, everywhere we looked, it was Bob Marley this and Bob Marley that. There was the inevitable pipe and bong department in every shop. It was Jamaica.

We all met for dinner again, and it was fantastic again, and we fell into bed exhausted again. It is sad that the trip is almost over. I could get used to this.