Today we snorkeled 800m (1/2 mile) as fast as we could. My lungs raced to keep up my legs, which would have certainly caught fire had they not been in water. Val dominated the race, but my bruised ego took a backseat to the fact that I’d finished the last requirement of the PADI Divemaster course.
Val and I have graduated. Just six weeks ago we arrived here hoping to hack it in the big waters of Komodo. Now, guzzling mixed booze from a snorkel and howling at the moon, we have achieved our goal. Anke and Frank, the shop owners, arranged a celebratory party for us and Kay, our fellow divemaster trainee from Russia. We all made short speeches thanking the crew and Anke and Frank for this opportunity. In a short time we’ve developed strong bonds and our words were heartfelt. We offered particular thanks to Wolfgang who was patient but firm with us, he was a great instructor.
The rest of our time here will be spent diving. It’s high season and the boat is at capacity everyday. We are an integral part of the shop. We’ll pay for the beers we drink tonight with throbbing skulls tomorrow, but today we became Divemasters, the time to celebrate is upon us.
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