About a year ago I had the pleasure of stumbling upon the beautiful island of Bunaken in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. I came in search of amazing diving and what I got was so much more. I found a place where I could train to become a PADI Divemaster. One year later and I am back at Two Fish Divers Bunaken starting my Divemaster course.
My Name is Nicholas Hogle, I made my way here from Austin, Texas. I have been diving for about four years and I very much look forward to telling you my story while I am here at Two Fish Divers Bunaken.
Upon arriving in Manado I made my way to the harbor where I was picked up by the Two Fish transfer boat. As I loaded my bags onto the boat I was filled with the excitement of starting my Divemaster course and finally arriving back on Bunaken. Leaving the harbor I could see the island where I would spend one-month living and learning about a sport I love so much. As we cruise away from the mainland the water turns more and more blue, a deep ocean blue, the type of water scuba divers dream of!
As we approach the island I notice it is low tide. We anchor the boat near the edge of the reef and I have to walk the rest of the way to the resort. A beautiful walk with a single path trail that goes through the mangroves that surround Two Fish Divers resort. As I make my way through the mangroves I walk onto the beach directly in front of the resort. At the entrance of the resort, I am greeted by Suzi and Seli to brief me about the resort and my stay at Two Fish. I see some familiar faces from my time here last year and I am filled with joy to be back on beautiful Bunaken.
Following my briefing, I meet the Dive Manager and Instructor who let me know about the PADI Divemaster course. They tell me to relax and settle in and we will get started tomorrow. I make my way to my room where I unpack all of my dive gear and then relax for a little before making my way to dinner. All the guests meet in the common area to have a family-style dinner. As I meet the other guests we introduce our selves while enjoying the delicious meal served by the kitchen staff. There are usually 4-5 dishes to choose from, each tastier than the last. I am so hungry from my travels I go back for a second helping only to be met with smiles by the kitchen staff. They can see I am happy to eat and I feel they are happier to feed me.
When all the other guests and I have finished eating we make our way to the Blue Parrot Cafe where we settle in and have a drink. A moment goes by and then the music starts! The locals will often sing and play music in the cafe. Some songs I know, some I do not, either way, it all sounds amazing.
As the night winds down I make my way to bed and go to sleep looking forward to starting my Divemaster course, spending magical nights at Two Fish Bunaken, amazing diving on the beautiful walls that surround Bunaken and all the memories that I will make while I am here.
As each week goes by I will be keeping you updated on my progress as a Dive Master Trainee.
Next weeks story… Orcas, Dolphins, Frogfish, and oh yes… Divemaster Training!!
