The kindness of strangers

So, I feel I have to write this entry. I have spent the early part of this week studying fish names for identification purposes and today started learning about coral and the diseases afflicting it. I have also had to master a number of indicator invertebrate species and learn survey techniques. I love it.

We have done two dives and apparently I am "very good". It is like going home for me. That feeling of neutral buoyancy and controlling ones movements with the brush of a fin or slight adjustment to ones breath. It is a sense of belonging and responding to ones environment at a level of subtlety and sensitivity that I seldom feel in terrestrial habitats. It has given me access to that part of myself, that at my core that is calm and relaxed and feels that everything is as it should be.


I also actually went out on my bike today. Yes, I have managed to reconstruct it and get it working. Yippee (pat on the back). It felt good and my knee seemed to be back to fully functionability. No pain and lots of pleasure (just as I like it). I got a few looks and some comments, but also noticed a lot of the locals cycling. So that's all good. I even loaded up my panniers with washing and found a laundrette and a great place to eat. I feel I have regained my independance and feel t will be worthwhile even for getting around here as it is relatvely isolated. Joel, my project co-ordinator also told me one of his friends is a triathlete so I am hoping to join him on an extended bike ride soon. I will have to get some training in I think. At least the daily swims and kayaking should keep up some of my strength. It is however nothing like the hard core 6/7 hours a day I was almost getting used to though. Still, looking back there was a certain level of pain and stiffness that I was getting used to waking up with and am hapy to be living without. I am slightlly fearful this is what life will feel like everyday by the time I reach 70. Still, I have a way to go till then. It seemed ironic that I have always chosen soft sports to try and avoid injuries that would bother me in later life. I was put off 'tough' sports after having my shin bone chipped by a hockeyball. I guess distance cycling is actually quite tough. At least that's how it seems when I try and do my usual 'plan for the worst case scenario and then you know you're covered whatever happens', solo and skint this just does not add up.

Scuba diving doesn't seem to count as the water is warm and feels gentle and supportive. It is shear delight!

Anyway, just when I thought my week couldn't get any better, I arrive back from my sojourn to discover a parcel has arrived. I just had a hunch so asked at the post office here. I had to move room today so didn't open it immediately. I also have the pleasure of my own room for the night before another volunteer arrives tomorrow.

As I expected it was from Peter and Oscar in Texas: my locks and bungees.... but included was also a surprise gift.. a recorder!! This is what I have been missing.. an instrument to play. I actually had had to borrow a guitar earlier just to give me some musical outlet.. and now... I have my own. Yipeee!!! Thankyou!!!!!

So, the first few hours in my new room were spent exploring my new instrument and playing along to some Irish music so I felt I had some friends and it was so nice to think someone was thinking of me this way. Wow! I have reached a new level of feeling at home here, thanks to the kindness of two wonderful strangers (now friends I think), Oscar and Peter. Thankyou again!!!

The other volunteers have gone out for Pizza tonight. I think I may have scared them!! Mmmm... perhaps I need to find a hidie hole to practice in. Or maybe I will just go to the beach and enjoy!

I have spag bol and a recorder and a whole private beach. What more could a girl like me ask for?

I hope and trust you are all well.

Love and musical thoughts,

Anne x