We slept in a little later than anticipated and ate a quick breakfast before getting off at Grand Cayman! The port here seemed significantly nicer than Jamaica so we strolled around in search of an underwater camera to document our scuba adventures. We quickly found “the camera store” and assumed that they would have the perfect and best camera. We found one for 15 bucks that could go as deep as 30 feet. Pleased with ourselves for finding one so quickly we stepped into the next shop and found one for the same price but it could go 50 feet down. We went back, returned the first and bought the second only the find another camera three stores down that was re-usable with a depth of 100 feet. It was pricier, but we had to laugh at ourselves for not thinking to wait and check our options.
Preston wanted to pass by all the shops and see the less touristy areas. I of course got frustrated as we seemed to be wandering aimlessly into nowheresville when we happened upon a glass blowing store. I conceded that Preston was in fact right in suggesting that we wander off the beaten path and we enjoyed seeing these island men work wonders with glass. After watching for a while we felt obligated to buy something and with most things costing a good 90 dollars or so we opted for a 20 dollar necklace which I promised to take apart and make into a prettier necklace and earrings. Will I really do it? Only time will tell.
We quickly headed back into town to meet our group for DISCOVER SCUBA!! On our way back into town, we picked up the long-sought-for watch, saw some crabs (can you see it blending in?), a lot flip-flops and some fresh fish. Once our group had gathered I asked the leader if she knew our chances of survival. She laughed, but I was mostly serious. We got in a bus and rode over to Don Foster’s Scuba shop. We were were greeted by English and Scottish accents and taught the fine art of scuba! I had a mini panic attack when they discussed how our lungs are like balloons and if we ascended while holding our breath we would end up in the hospital. yikes. After being fitted with weight belts we got into the pool and suited up with our air tanks. We learned several skills such as how to re-insert a mouth piece under water, how to clear water out of your mask, and how to sink lower or move higher. I must say that having never done any snorkel or scuba type activity the first time I took a breath of air under water was incredible. After more or less mastering the skills we headed into the water for the real deal.
It was like swimming in an aquarium surrounded by fish and coral. We saw a barracuda and those cool plants that disappear when you get close to them. Lots of different color fish. We dove as deep as 35 feet and enjoyed exploring the ocean floor. 
Our scuba guide pointed out many cool things. Sometimes he would point 5 or 6 times and I wouldn’t see anything but would finally give him the “that is so cool” look because I felt stupid. Preston started with the camera and apparently went a little crazy with it because by the time he handed it over there were only about 9 shots left. I had read a quick sign about taking good underwater pics and was so concerned with getting the perfect pic that I only ended up taking 7!
I never quite mastered the technique for moving up and down, for some reason my brain was telling me to release air when I wanted to go up and as I sank lower and lower I would remember that I needed to inflate my vest. For some reason I never got it right. Preston mastered the art of filling his lungs when he wanted to go up and breaking out to descent. The pressure bothered us a little but we were just so amazed to be underwater swimming with the fish. 
At one point Preston looked over at me and did a face that said, “right?! this is so fricking awesome!” I knew when we got back he would want to get certified. When the instructor did the sign for, “let’s ascend” I thought we were just going to take a break, but we were back and it was over! When I finally took the mouthpiece out I realized that I had been biting down REAL hard the whole time and it took several hours for my jaw to relax.
Having completed the best experience of our lives up to this point we weren’t sure what to do with ourselves! We decided to walk back into town instead of taking the bus and picked up a few souvenirs on our way back to the ship. We got back ate a late lunch at the buffet and then with full/gorged bellies we went back to our room for a nap. We got ready for the night but weren’t yet hungry for dinner so we went to see “Blind Side” at the outdoor theatre. We both actually liked it (though Preston had really dragged his feet as he’s NOT a sandra fan). On the way to the movie we saw people in fancy dresses and tuxedos and realized that it was the second of the formal nights. After the movie we ran back to the room, threw on our nice clothes and headed to dinner. The restaurant closes at 10 and we showed up just after 9:30. Our waiter was apparently having a rough night and was not happy to see us shlums stroll in just before closing. But we sat down and quickly inhaled one of the most delicious meals of my life. It began with an INCREDIBLE appetizer that I will not soon forget. We both ordered the asparagus which came with cooked/seasoned/chopped tomatoes, real bits of bacon and a MIND BLOWING sauce! I told Preston that if my entrees (yes I ordered 2) weren’t good that I was going to send them back and just oder 2 more asparagus plates. Preston was slightly annoyed when I continued to gush over the asparagus and it’s delectableness. He was especially bugged when I told him that it came close to beating out the scuba as the best part of the trip. But seriously. It was THAT good. Seriously.
After that we went to see another emerald dancer performance “I got the music.” Which featured songs form famous and infamous performers such as: Neil Diamond, Cher, Barbara Streisand, Brittany spears (boo), and Tom Jones. It was a great show and we were also amused by the obviously drunk woman behind us that laughed at EVERYTHING.
3 comments:
Scuba looks pretty dang awesome. The food would definitely have been the highlight for me. Maybe we will go on a cruise.
OK, I am curious if there were any people over 50 on this scuba adventure. It alarms me to think about all of the things you had to remember when you ascend and descend. I would be asking myself 'am I supposed to breathe in or out?' Dad and I would be dead for sure. I am glad that I can enjoy this vicariously through my children because I can say with a fair amount of assurity that I will never be doing this. I would not leave the safety of the buffet and asparagus dish.
I think that we all should go on a cruise together. We could have a great time.
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