October 3, 2005 - Reflection
Cocos Island is very far away. It is hard to believe that we left the island 3 days ago. In this age of jetliners, I’ve gotten used to getting places in a snap. 3 days’ travel would get you around the World in a plane. That leaves these small corners of the World such as Cocos even farther away.
The time spent on the seas allowed time to get things together as well as an opportunity to process photos. It also allowed inventory to be taken again.
The trip has taught me a lot. It was very obvious that most of the divers on this trip had experience far exceeding my own. Though I started diving way back (about 15 years ago), it was something that I had put on hold for well over a decade. The waters around Cocos were much larger, deeper, and at times much more violent than anything other fishbowl that I’ve thrown myself into. It was very much a humbling experience. But, though it “scared” me at times, this uncertainty served to increase my drive to learn. And, perhaps one day, I’ll be able to get closer to my goal which is to “move with grace in the belly of the beast”.
While walking around San Jose, the level of poverty was once again striking. I’ll refrain from making any judgments or criticisms because I still have no answers or suggestions. But, I will try to keep it on my mind as I am comfortably back in my own home.
They should be announcing our final approach into Newark in the near future. And just as sitting behind the steering wheel of my car for a month allowed reflection, so does “lounging” in my airplane seat. Besides, I’m sure I will catch “Bewitched” another time. The diving (as well as getting to and from our selected piece of ocean) was incredible. Though I didn’t get to rock climb for a week and a half, I still got plenty of training for my grip strength trying to not drift (or rather fly) away in the current. The life was grand, frighteningly large, and beautiful. I’m now certified in Nitrox use for diving as well so I have options of breathing something other than regular air on future dives.
I’ve also always had a great respect for Paul and how he lives his life. I have a new appreciation for what he has taught me underwater…and, of course, for keeping me alive.
The time spent on the seas allowed time to get things together as well as an opportunity to process photos. It also allowed inventory to be taken again.
The trip has taught me a lot. It was very obvious that most of the divers on this trip had experience far exceeding my own. Though I started diving way back (about 15 years ago), it was something that I had put on hold for well over a decade. The waters around Cocos were much larger, deeper, and at times much more violent than anything other fishbowl that I’ve thrown myself into. It was very much a humbling experience. But, though it “scared” me at times, this uncertainty served to increase my drive to learn. And, perhaps one day, I’ll be able to get closer to my goal which is to “move with grace in the belly of the beast”.
Paul and I had one more opportunity to explore San Jose. The City looks different during the day and was much more familiar this time around. We left the map back at the hotel and were able to navigate to those places we wanted to go with only an accidental detour or two. The supermarket was more of a snap and there was no intimidation trying to acquire a empanada. We even managed buying 3 different types of churros…dulce de leche, chocolate, and cream. Though there were some communication difficulties (the ½ dozen for 400 colones only applied to the plain churros, no fillings).
While walking around San Jose, the level of poverty was once again striking. I’ll refrain from making any judgments or criticisms because I still have no answers or suggestions. But, I will try to keep it on my mind as I am comfortably back in my own home.
They should be announcing our final approach into Newark in the near future. And just as sitting behind the steering wheel of my car for a month allowed reflection, so does “lounging” in my airplane seat. Besides, I’m sure I will catch “Bewitched” another time. The diving (as well as getting to and from our selected piece of ocean) was incredible. Though I didn’t get to rock climb for a week and a half, I still got plenty of training for my grip strength trying to not drift (or rather fly) away in the current. The life was grand, frighteningly large, and beautiful. I’m now certified in Nitrox use for diving as well so I have options of breathing something other than regular air on future dives.
I’ve also always had a great respect for Paul and how he lives his life. I have a new appreciation for what he has taught me underwater…and, of course, for keeping me alive.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home