July 8
Did two intro dives today. With Bel and Elliot (I am now referred to as The New Elliott). Bel gave me some great tips on managing my air consumption which has always been an issue for me.
In the afternoon and evening we spent a good bit of time in the classroom on some instruction and paperwork. As part of the class, we will be doing some work on Coral Surveys.
I have been working in my Spanish and have been insisting that Spanish speakers only speak to me in Spanish when possible.
Arrival in Utila
My day started early in NY, leaving for JFK around 1am for my 430am flight.
JFK was dead at that hour with only a few flights that early.
It was a quick 5 hour flight to San Salvador. Beautiful country and higher mountains that I had expected. The connection was quick.
On arrival in Roatan, I realized I was 4 hours early for the Utila ferry. I spent some hours in the West End watching the USWNT win the World Cup.
The ferry was refreshing, lasting an hour. Then a tuk-tuk to the dive shop where I finished the paperwork and stored my gear.
I had a brief meal with a few beers at the Mango Inn. Lots of dive students here. Lots of studying going on.
I start at 7am tomorrow with a quick intro dive. Then class starts in the afternoon.