Tuesday July 5 – I woke up at 4:45am and wasnt able to fall back asleep. Part of it was that Id signed up for a snorkeling tour to see Manta rays this morning but I wasnt sure if the weather or sea would be good (it was really windy) and part was that I have no idea what Im doing with the Camino walk Ill start next week and ITS NEXT WEEK. And Im in the Maldives not preparing. I had hoped a friend would be able to join but I got word last night that it wont be possible due to familial obligations. So now I really need to figure stuff out. I finally got out of bed at 5:30am and started to do some more reading and make a plan. Or get close to making a plan. Im planning to walk part of the northern coastal route, rather than the Frances that so many walk. Its a busy, hot time of year but its apparently less busy and less hot along the northern route (but more challenging of a walk). More on that later.
where I have my meals) at 6:50am, and I quickly decided to take a seasickness pill. Everyone looked worried and they brought me a glass of water like they were attending to a frail old lady. The others on the trip were the Italian couple I arrived with on Sunday after the harrowing sea voyage. I doubted I needed the pill for a small boat but it felt better to have it since I didnt know what to expect.
The boat headed out to where the Mantas feed on plankton and it was a strange experience. Two other boats were in the same place and everyone was looking for the Mantas. They swim quite close to the surface, so you can spot them from the boat. We sat on the edge of the boat, waiting for the word to jump in. Then we would jump and the Manta would swim by and then it would be gone and we would get in the boat and follow or find another and repeat the procedure. Honestly it felt like we were hunting Mantas. Not for me or the Mantas, Id have to say. It was great to see them,
Then we were onto the next (surprise) destination, the turtle spot. Last night when I had confirmed the trip, the hotel staff asked if I wanted to pay more to see the turtles. I said no, since Ive seen plenty of turtles (even though theyre cool). So Id guessed that the Italians wanted to see the turtles. Fine, we could go see the turtles. It turned out to more difficult than Id expected. The boat dropped us off with the guide and then we swam, mostly against the current it felt, for close to an hour. My mask is getting old and leaks a little, so its not ideal. Eventually the guy in the couple went back to the boat. His partner was helped swimming by the guide and I just followed along. Most of the time we were too far above the reef for good visibility, especially with all the sand in the water. Sometimes though I could get a clear look. We did finally see one turtle but it was quite far below us. I got a
poor video but no photos. I almost bought a GoPro for this trip. Im glad I didnt as visibility is poor everywhere that Ive seen. Now, if Id had one in Tahiti this spring, that would have made all the difference.
Back on shore, the three of us walked back to the hotel. I talked to the woman and learned she is a new police officer in Bergamo. Im guessing shes Im impressed when I see younger people here. I just always assumed that it was far too expensive to be realistic at that age. Then again, when I was that age, it was illegal for tourists to be on inhabited, islands, and it wouldnt have been cheap enough. I took a quick shower and then went to breakfast. Technically breakfast was over, but they had to keep it going for us since it was their tour that made us late. After breakfast I paid for the tour and it was the same price we had agreed on last night, so that was nice. No more for the turtle.
sleep and the motion tablet. On one hand, its a holiday so sleep, girl! On the other, sleeping the day away when its not raining? Lame. Plus, it would be harder to get to bed early if I napped. Instead I relaxed a bit and got ready to head out to the beach.
