The Next Chapter: Day 510

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Day 510 - Antigua

Posted by Jill Marie

Another day, another dive. This morning, Leana, Bronwyn, Nic & I went out for a dive. Off to a great start, I managed to leave my wallet on the seat of the taxi van. Thankfully we were able to get ahold of the driver & he found it & would return it when he picked us up. Phew!

Bronwyn had been the cruise before & said the diving was extraordinary. I only did one tank, as I emerged with an excruciating headache & a bad case of seasickness! It was VERY rough on the surface & I was quite nervous getting in & out of the dive boat. We didn't see too much on the first dive. Naturally, they saw a lot on the second dive. I told them they would, seeing as I wasn't going with!

I had a great visit with the Captain. He was a Scandinavian now living in the Caribbean. He loves to sail & enjoys life every day to the fullest. Apparently his stomach is a little stronger than mine. I didn't get sick, but I sure had to focus on the horizon! Not much eye contact during the conversation!

We stayed at the Jolly Harbour after our dive & enjoyed a bite to eat & the white sand beach. Wow. The water is absolutely stunning here. Apparently there are 365 beaches in Antigua. One for every day of the year. I'd be happy to stay at this one!

Once we were back at the terminal I went on a mission to find an ATM. Apparently there was one at the Casino. I went there & found the ATM right outside the Casino. I withdrew the amount I needed. And it came out in local currency. Doh! Great! Argh! So I went inside the Casino & found the USD ATM. I exchanged the $80 in Eastern Caribbean currency & withdrew the balance in USD. (Having just paid $10 in foreign ATM fees & another $5+ for the actual ATM use. Nice.)

Not one of my better days, but I'm still in paradise, so I won't grumble anymore. Here are some photos from my 'bad day'... Enjoy! (Tomorrow will be better!)

xxxxMaria