Scuba Fun in the Caribbean

I open my eyes and see the bluest of all blues around me. I see corals and fish, eagle ray and shrimps. The sea is filled with life.

I’m diving in Utila, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras. Or I was diving. I spent nine days in Utila, enjoying a relaxed and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle with no worries in the world. Even the lack of working internet didn’t bother me. I was able to check my e-mail every now and then, and it was enough.

What can I say about diving? I feel like I’m drugged. The underwater world has bewitched me. I always knew I wanted to be certified as a diver, but never could imagine how it would be like. You always hear people praising diving and telling cool stories and you think it just can’t be that cool. Well you know what: it isn’t. It’s way cooler!

I completed PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses. I’m now certified to dive to 30 meters.

Nine days and 13 dives. I did my deep 30 meter dive on a ship wreck. Absolutely amazing. I got to do a night dive during full moon; even more amazing. The nightlife in the sea is quite different. And as my last dive I was cave diving: can’t really decide which of these was most fun.

But diving is not just about diving. It’s also about meeting new people and making new friends. Divers are very laid-back people, they have very mellow rhythm of life. All divers seem to be getting along great, having fun under the surface and enjoying the night together after diving.

Unfortunately my time in paradise had to end sometime. I’m currently on my way to San Pedro, Belize. I’m spending the night in Omoa, a small Honduran town close to Guatemalan border. I was very happy to notice that after speaking only English in Utila, my Spanish has not disappeared. I was able to have a full conversation with a local guy while having dinner. And I think this town doesn’t see many Western girls traveling alone, since I was greeted with a lot of interest.

Apparently it’s common for older, married men to invite themselves to the same table. Oh well, even though it was little bit uncomfortable to eat my grilled fish when some stranger was staring at me all the time, I managed. The conversation was interesting though, although it took me five times to explain that Finland is not a neighboring country to China.

I have so many great stories that I would love to share with you, but I’m just way too exhausted. Have to hit the bed to be able to continue my travels again tomorrow. Maybe next time.

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."

- Jacques Cousteau