Scuba!

So last weekend I took a trip up to Killybegs in Donegal to complete my open water diver certification. I went with one of the girls from my class, Niamh, and a group of her friends from the army/reserves. Great group to be with for the weekend - definitely good craic. We'd done a few pool sessions to practice in a confined, safe place which I really enjoyed in the previous weeks, but when we got to Donegal by the time I got the wet suit on (especially the unfortunate hood), and all the other gear, I was so uncomfortable that I thought I wouldn't enjoy cold water diving afterall. Then I actually got in the water. It was so cool down there I didn't even notice all the stuff strapped to me....or the hood. We saw starfish, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, fish, lobster, and all sorts of kelp. A lot of the diving was more about demonstrating mastery of skills than exploring, but it was still great. We did 2 dives on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Sunday I got a nice nose full of water about 7 metres down, which was not so much fun, but I still can't wait to go again (hopefully in September). And now I can go diving on my travels through Europe, or when I go visit my grandparents in the Dominican Republic, or wherever else the wind blows me.

As for the rest of life, there's nothing too exciting. Just been working away on that thesis. I should have a draft in by this Monday, and then I can start planning my travels and packing up my apartment. Hand-in is on the 21st of September, and I only have my apartment until the end of September, so we're in the home stretch. And I will be back Stateside in time for Thanksgiving! Keep ye posted.....