August 5, 2005

Days move so quickly sometimes. I find it hard to believe that this trip is almost over.

The dives yesterday and today were very enjoyable. I don’t think I could ever get tired of diving Grand Cayman. The oceans here are filled with such color and diversity.

The kids (I’ll use the word “kids” for now since “teenager” sounds hokey and “young adult” takes too long to type) continue to amaze. They took to the open ocean like it was the hotel swimming pool. They coasted through their skills requirements and after these first 4 dives (and passing the written exam) they all now all certified divers! Quite an accomplishment!

Now, I can't forget to mention the Turtle Farm here on Grand Cayman. It's a very unique place. The Turtle Farm is a privately funded and sustained effort to breed sea turtles (for return to the ocean to replenish the population as well as for lunch). We even got to participate in the "liberation" of a lucky turtle.

This organization welcomed the kids from ours and treated them to an up-close-and-personal visit with these little critters. Of course, during the entire visit, I was thinking back to medical school and learning about how sea turtles can carry salmonella. I thought it was a silly, useless fact back then but now I realized that I learned this fact back then so I could respond appropriately "NO" when one of the kids asked if it was okay to kiss a sea turtle.

It was “Pirates’ Night” at the Westin tonight. Sure, it was a little touristy, a little cheesy, and hokey; But, it was also fun. The buffet was delicious and as a result, I had trouble showing restraint. I only had one of almost each desert but to prove that I have self-control, I held off on the studdle.

Of course, the kids didn't have a monopoly on the fun...

Congratulations to Kelsey, Deanna, JT, and Ryan on becoming certified SCUBA divers. I’d be honored to buddy-up with any of you guys on any dive. Cheers.