Yet more diving, today with three dives. The routine is all there: up at 7.15 for a dive briefing before rushing to don wetsuit (Helen's is a fraction too small) and onto the dhoni at 7.30. Back aboard the boat by 8.45 for a rushed shower and breakfast. Breakfast is either an omelette or fried eggs with cheese, tomato and ham, toast and tea/coffee 'til the flask runs out. Quite often the boat is [already] on its way at this time.
The second dive is at 11 or 11.30 with a dive briefing preceeding. Another rushed shower afterwards before lunch. Lunch is pasta and rice with some battered fish or chicken and a fruit slice for pudding. [More tea and coffee]
Sail off to the third dive point for 3 or 3.30. Pre-dive brief but a lazier shower afterwards as dinner is usually at 7 or 7.30. [Dinner is] not dissimilar to lunch (ie. a pasta and rice feast). [More tea and coffee]
The food, to my palette, is simple but very well prepared and, maybe because of the diving, I've always gone back for seconds or thirds. There's never been a shortage.
[In the evening] Imthi turns up with a battered copy of the [PADI] Advanced Open Water book for us from a nearby ship. We ignore him as we've discovered Bridgit Jones' Diary in the DVD collection. It's quite a fun film, maybe a little obvious in its ending. At least the start was a jolly reminder of a dear friend back home. Her Mr. darcy doesn't have such good eyesight. Afterwards, Tomel attempts to identify some key constellations from the Israeli perspective. I should be going to the Negev to see stars, he instructs. I skim-read the first three sections of Imthi's book, without paying too much attention.
Blue Shark Two, anchored at N4.27766 E72.99841 Elev. 42m! We're on a boat, not 42m up!
Copyright 2002 Ian Fitchet. All rights reserved.