I have just finished my half at Two Fish Lembongan. I feel that I have come so far from the first couple of weeks of being here. I have now progressed onto my Divemaster training. I have gained so much more knowledge about how to prepare for a days diving, how to work on the boat and also I have a lot more information about the creatures under the water. For example when I arrived, I was oblivious to trigger fish, but randomly one of the guests got bitten by one. It was quite funny as he was fine, but now I am much more cautious of their nests.

I feel that I have become closer to the guides and the staff, not only because of the Arak (he he) but also because they have helped me and taught me so much. We work together all day as a team on the boat, making sure everything is running smoothly. We also have dinner together most nights. Karoline, one of my instructors, has been very kind to take me to a few of her favorite restaurants and she also introduced me to the famous ‘Chicken Lady’, who produces the best fried chicken in Lembongan!

On March 21st, I got to experience the Balinese tradition of Nyepi, which was quite exciting. The day before Nyepi, I got to watch  the parade of the evil beings before they destroyed them. I felt that it was such a shame to destroy them as they were such beautiful pieces of art. But I did feel honored to be apart of the tradition. On the actual day of Nyepi, there was no diving, no electricity and no leaving the resort, otherwise you were fined. This was the first time I had experienced anything like that and I have to say, we had some fun.

I am now looking forward to progressing through my Divemaster training in Lembeh and Bunaken. It will be good to gain more knowledge and experience to help me become a better diver. But I will never forget my time here in Lembongan.