I've realized that every time I travel to an unfamiliar location, my perspective of the world warps and changes.
Africa, the Underwater Photography Internship led by Fiona Ayerst with the help of Shalini Tewari and Martin Totland, all of the people I've encountered on this internship, and just scuba diving in general has changed every previous plan I had lined up in my life. I soon began to realize that scuba diving isn't just a sport-- it's a lifestyle.
Arriving at Mozambique's Guinjata Dive Centre, shortly after obtaining my Open Water certification back in Michigan, I was immediately amazed at how connected I felt with nature and it's beings. I forgot how wonderful the ocean breeze felt, the soothing rise of the sand between your toes, and the sound of the waves forming a familiar lullaby when lying down to sleep at night. The exhilarating feeling is a wonder all on its own when it comes to being in close proximity with other wild beings in the water (from Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Sharks, Manta Rays to the smallest of Eels, Crabs, Shrimps and Seahorses.)
Africa, the Underwater Photography Internship led by Fiona Ayerst with the help of Shalini Tewari and Martin Totland, all of the people I've encountered on this internship, and just scuba diving in general has changed every previous plan I had lined up in my life. I soon began to realize that scuba diving isn't just a sport-- it's a lifestyle.
Arriving at Mozambique's Guinjata Dive Centre, shortly after obtaining my Open Water certification back in Michigan, I was immediately amazed at how connected I felt with nature and it's beings. I forgot how wonderful the ocean breeze felt, the soothing rise of the sand between your toes, and the sound of the waves forming a familiar lullaby when lying down to sleep at night. The exhilarating feeling is a wonder all on its own when it comes to being in close proximity with other wild beings in the water (from Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Sharks, Manta Rays to the smallest of Eels, Crabs, Shrimps and Seahorses.)
An example of such an encounter, with photo credit to James (Matt) Dobson, for capturing the very fortunate event of encountering a Humpback Whale while on our safety stop.
The songs of these beings are so peaceful and beautiful, and can sometimes be so loud that you feel yourself shake with their bellows.
The songs of these beings are so peaceful and beautiful, and can sometimes be so loud that you feel yourself shake with their bellows.
There are also so many things I realized that I just did not need, here in Mozambique and in life.
Shoes and socks are unnecessary items and are a rarity when living on the beach. The same clothes from yesterday are acceptable to be worn days in a row and when the washer is out of commission (also to save on money), laundry is done by hand ourselves.
Being away from familiar comforts also makes one appreciate the little things—such as hot showers, water, electricity and internet. There have been times where the power just did not work, the water did not run and the propane/gas was out (to give us hot water.)
Shoes and socks are unnecessary items and are a rarity when living on the beach. The same clothes from yesterday are acceptable to be worn days in a row and when the washer is out of commission (also to save on money), laundry is done by hand ourselves.
Being away from familiar comforts also makes one appreciate the little things—such as hot showers, water, electricity and internet. There have been times where the power just did not work, the water did not run and the propane/gas was out (to give us hot water.)
Each night we must sleep under the protection of mosquito netting, since Malaria is a present concern here and can become a serious health hazard if left untreated. Other possible concerns would be snakes, such as Black Mambas and even a Python (which was spotted prior to our groups arrival in July)—however, all of us have been lucky enough not to encounter either!
Just living here in Mozambique for a month, diving, watching the sun rise and set every day has changed my whole life's course-- and I am beyond ecstatic about that. Every morning I feel so motivated to be in the ocean, observing its creatures and feeling the power of its currents and surges. Every day I feel like I’m learning and discovering new things that I never knew existed before-- even riding out to our dive spot of the day right before a dive has become such a freeing feeling. I was told that scuba diving would be a transformational experience and it truly has been.
Just living here in Mozambique for a month, diving, watching the sun rise and set every day has changed my whole life's course-- and I am beyond ecstatic about that. Every morning I feel so motivated to be in the ocean, observing its creatures and feeling the power of its currents and surges. Every day I feel like I’m learning and discovering new things that I never knew existed before-- even riding out to our dive spot of the day right before a dive has become such a freeing feeling. I was told that scuba diving would be a transformational experience and it truly has been.
From here on out I feel like I can only move forward-- which has led me to initiate my Dive Masters training and to the beginning of my continuous life journey in scuba diving.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for future posts :)
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for future posts :)
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