Fiji 30th August 2005

At 8.45am we started our dive course. We met our instructor, Keli, a white Fijian and a hilarious guy, lots of fun and an excellent instructor. We went through the theory parts of the first three modules and other than a couple of silly mistakes, both passed with flying colours. Just before lunch we then both had to swim 400m to prove that we were competent swimmers. I have to say that my general lack of fitness, especially as I’ve not been swimming in months, made it rather exhausting.

I’ll take this opportunity to describe meals on Beachcomber. They’re all buffet and included in the price of accommodation. All meals have about 5 or 6 different ‘mains’ with lots of fruit and salads and things as sides. I, personally, found the food excellent and, believe it or not for those that know my taste in food, almost always hoed into the fish dishes. Mike, however, prefers simpler food and it wasn’t quite to his liking. Every evening there would be some roasted meat (usually pork, beef or lamb), a curry (often fish), a vegetarian option and a couple other choices. I also discovered that pancakes and pineapple syrup almost rivals maple syrup and fresh pineapple juice must be what the gods drank with their ambrosia!

Anyway, back to the diving! In the afternoon we started on the confined water (in the pool) dives. We were both kitted out with double wetsuits as the pool was a mere 27˚C! Although it did drop to around 24˚C before we got out. Breathing underwater through a respirator for the first time was an amazing experience. It feels completely normal and is similar to, but even easier than, breathing through a snorkel. Whilst we were fine in the water, Keli was freezing as 24˚C is a water temperature that is to him like a mid winter dip is to us.

That evening we decided to sample the local beer. Result: Fijian beer is not good, do not go to Fiji for the beer! Had a rather early night in the end after a fairly busy day and went to sleep looking forward to our first open water dives tomorrow!