Second impressions of Bonaire…
Everyone who knows anything about Bonaire says it. And everything that you read about Bonaire mentions it too. Bonaire is underwater world champion…Anyone who visits Bonaire has to take some deep breaths and dive in.
The real thing of course is scuba diving. With a big fat oxygen bottle on your back and tons of other gear and then into the deep ocean. I had some doubt about my abilities but whenever I mention them most people waive it away. And to be honest you see lots of people of all kind of walks and backgrounds doing it, so it can be something for anyone who wants to try. And now I am here it would be silly not to. And I agree.
So this morning we wake up early enough to have some breakfast and be on time at the diving school. Our instructor is Edward. A Dutch guy who just sold his house in the Netherlands and moved for at least a few months to this diving paradise. So he has a lot to loose and is prepared to go the extra mile to get us through this baby scuba diving course. It is called Discover Scuba.
First we are going to watch an instruction video and we do a test I had one question wrong, but was still allowed to continue with the practical introduction. I have seen pictures of people in full gear and of course on television but when you are the one putting it all on, it feels different. Heavy. Really heavy. I have trouble getting into it, I have trouble standing up and walking to the water. Not a very promising beginning. Maybe it was a sign. That I ignored.
Into the water, put on your fins – no, it are not flippers. Sounds easy, well it is not. At least not for me. But finally I am ready, fins, goggles, all in place. Take the mouthpiece in your mouth, never some breathing, never panic, don’t hold your breath. But the moment I am under water and have to take that first breath I bolt. Only two inch under water I already have the feeling I am drowning. Edward explains again what I need to do and is very encouraging. He doesn’t rush me at all. So I try another ‘dive’ and another one. But instead of easing up I feel I am tightening my muscles. I want to sit down and have a good cry. But the strong water current tosses me back and forth. My fins are in the way all the time. The only thing I can think is: I want to go out.
So I admit defeat. I am a scuba dive failure. Bonaire’s number one way of exploring the best of the island is not for me.
After my husband and son are done with their experience we head to town for a nice cup of cappuccino – can still cure the bluest days for me – and lunch. After that we go shopping. For toe slippers (husband), a dress (me), swim wear (guys) and a snorkel set for the three of us.
We stay in a house almost at the seaside. Not a real beach and I don’t expect to see much, but we are going to do a trial with the snorkels. We move careful into the water. I don’t see any signs of life until I take the plunge and go under water. Yes I can breath and wow…even here we see all kinds of fishes. In the colors: blue, yellow, orange, red and green. With large pointy noses or more snubbed ones. Amazing. I am hooked. And the salty water washes the last trace of this morning’s hangover away.
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