Week one of my Divemaster course is already behind me, which feels incredibly surreal. The jet lag induced by two days of travel has left me in a mental fog this week, but it is slowly lifting to reveal the beautiful surroundings on this island. Being here with my younger brother, Colin, has also been a huge help in adjusting to a new daily routine. Honestly, the first day was somewhat overwhelming; it can be hard to comprehend how one can possibly learn so much in so little time.

Since then, though, the instructors have been extremely helpful in reminding me to take it one day at a time. This is really the key when there is so much information! My first day on the boat consisted of my first ever drift dive – something I have always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. Luckily, Nusa Lembongan is famous for its drift dives, and it certainly delivered. From turtles to nudibranchs to amazing corals I have never seen before, the first day on the boat exceeded all expectations I could have had.

I attempted my first SMB deployment, which went about as well as could be anticipated. I’m definitely looking forward to getting more practice and starting to feel more confident with the skills. Overall, the highlight has been meeting the other people at Two Fish. Whether it be the instructors, shop manager, boat hands, or other guests, there seems to be something special about the folks who are gravitated to this place. Everyone is so willing to extend bits of advice based on their own experience, and finally being able to talk about diving again after a year of university feels good. The bonds that form while eating breakfast and lunch along a long table are reminiscent of those I found in boarding school and now college – laughing, sharing stories, and gaining insight into the infinite possibilities of life. It’s crazy that a week has already gone by, and I’m looking forward to seeing how much progress I can make in the coming weeks.