I got up at 6 for a bus pick-up at 8, way too early but I was excited. It was going to be a fun day and if I could have started even earlier I would have been happy to. As it turned out though 8 was wishful thinking, I think the bus actually picked me up at about 815, then I was dropped off at another location while I and the others already there waited for everyone going to show up. Then they served us breakfast and finally took us to the dock to board the boat. I’m not sure of the exact time, but probably about 9 or 915. That’s okay though, it was going to be fun.

We headed out in a little bit stormy weather and in no time it started to rain. Since it’s the rainy season here, the showers are expected and nothing to be alarmed at. The sea though was pretty rough and that did give me some cause for concern if only because the last thing I wanted was to get seasick.

I managed not to get sick (maybe a little bit queasy though) and by the time we got to the first island the rain had stopped and the wind and seas had died down as well. This island was just a swimming stop and not a get out and walk around stop, so we all jumped in and tried to snorkel. The snorkeling wasn’t very good and in the end it was more fun just swimming and jumping off the boat. The next island we went ashore and had lunch, swam, and generally just relaxed. We were there for probably two hours and I had a great time. I even got a little bit sunburned, but considering it was the first time I’d been without a shirt (in public) I guess I should have expected a little sunburn.

We eventually headed to the last island for some snorkeling and according to those who snorkeled there were good things to see. Unfortunately I didn’t get to go because of faulty equipment. I went into the water but my mask was leaking and when I fixed that my snorkel kept filling with water. In the process of trying to figure out what was wrong I cut my back and two of my toes. I figured it was some sort of message and decided to tell everyone that I was attacked simultaneously by one huge freakin’ barracuda and man-eating corral and stay on the boat.

I’m here in the hostel right now and with one beer under my belt I’m thinking about heading out to dinner. Oh, I forgot to mention that I met a Russian guy today that made his money in Dubai real estate and is now retired. He’s young about 30 or so. It was kind of fun talking about the places in Dubai.