5th Time Bonaire

January 24th - Radisson Blu - Schiphol

Not too much to report about this day. Packing our luggage and cleaning the house. Hugging our 2 cats. Dropping off our house keys at Natalie. Drive to Schiphol airport.

When we arrive at the Radisson Blu the Swedish guy at reception tells us they are fully booked and hence we are upgraded. Nice.

January 25th - Hmmm 

We had trouble sleeping. The bed and pillows were too soft. The air too dry. And the room too hot. The breakfast made up for it. Delicious.

*************************************

Drop the car keys and shuttle bus to Schiphol.

Arriving on Bonaire all went smooth. Picking up the car at AB and then to our B&B (5th time, so "our"). My navigation (Petra) tells me to tutn left. Stubborn as always I move straight on. Luckily, are better due to fools luck, we end up at the main road not lang after. From their we arrive soon quickly GooodResort.

Esther is already waiting for us. A hug and a kiss. We have a drink and have a chat with her. Some other guests also show their faces.

We are tired from our trip, and although we exactly know what to expect, it needs some mind adjustment being at a small B&B after our previous holiday.

// The B&B's name had changed, from Deep Blue View to GooodResort. The set-up, apart from some small things, is still as it was. //

January 26th - Kontiki is really closed

We are, off course, up quite early. We decide to have another nap before we go for breakfast. The guests: Arron and Darleen are from Canada. Bob and Sue are from Detroit. The other 2 couples (Minnesota and Germany) leave today.

After the - as always - lovely breakfast we go for a Bonaire island tour. OMG. A lot of places are closed ... and not just because it is Sunday. City Cafe leaves a big void in the middle of town. And unfortunately, Kontiki is really closed. On the other side, new places have been opened. So some searching and discovering to do!

Lunch at El Mundo.

// Again I didn't pay enoug attention when packing. Next to bring too little short pants, I forgot to bring my SD Cards. The smallest one I have - off course - is still in the camera. Look for a new one or try to upload it will be then. //

// New staff: room maid - I ddin't catch her name yet. And dive instructor: Irene from Uruguay. //

January 27th - Andrea II

Today we will do our 1st dive. But before that we first pay a visit at Germaine. Funny how she immediately recognizes us, knowing it has been a good 2 years ago we had seen her. After some chatting and looking around we decide that we will have a blue turtle (60x60cm) without frame.

Time to dive. Andrea II, close by and easy. It is a nice dive!

Jos: 61 [min] / 26.5 [m] | Petra: 60 [min] / 23.3 [m]

After lunch (@ It Rains Fishes - nice) we try to find the famous Goat Farm from "Boer zoekt vrouw" Aletta. As we expected, and heared, it is on the road to Rincon.

Dinner @ Four Seasons (very good!)

// Yesterdays anxiety - we both experienced - is gone. All feels good now. The holidays have begun! //

January 28th - Double Reef

One or two dives today. We'll see. We bring 4 tanks just in case. After loosing our direction a little - the main road is blocked due to maintenance and the alternative road signs are not very clear or not present - we drive passed the airport towards the south. I pick "Alice in Wonderland".

When we get out of the car a Dutch couple steps out of the car next to us: "Do you see the Dolphins?". "They pass by every morning". Smiles on everyone's face.

The dive is a double reef, and my intend is to cross to the second. Obviously - as happens more often - I loose my orientation. It must have happened following the big Moray Eel when we started the crossing. Half way the dive I want to go back to the main reef (assuming we were on the second). My buddy refuses. I think "Petra, why are you so stubborn?". Somewhat later I am at a 100bar (half tank) and am getting a little agitated. Damn ... TIME TO GO BACK!

Petra starts to understand what the issue is. She smiles at me and makes a sign trying to say: "watch your compass". What? No! My sense of direction is even worse than I thought! We had never been to the second reef. Now I understand she ignored me.

Back at the surface she told me she was very surprised I wanted to start the cross to the second reef already half way through the dive. Later on she understood I was being me ... totally lost :-)

Jos: 67 [min] / 29.4 [m] | Petra: 67 [min] / 28.6 [m]

Back at our pick-up the divers next to us, who had just entered before us, also had returned. No, they didn't see the dolphins under water either. But knew they were seen here quite often. We will leave it at one dive today. Starting slowly is the better choice we learned over the years.

Lunch at Bistro de Paris (yummy).

// There is a stone on our bed //

January 29th - Two Tank

On the program today: one of our pre-booked boat dives. We leave early. Meeting time is 8:00 am at the Marina. Menno's boat is now in front of "It Rains Fishes". There is six of us on the boat: Menno, Irene an other buddy team (they rent a Villa and dive through GoooDive) and us two. Of course is Klein Bonaire our destination.

The sea is not really flat due to the wind, so we pick a spot in the wind shade: Rock Pile (according to Irene the remains of a farm). It's a nice dive.

Jos: 60 [min] / 29.0 [m] | Petra: 59 [min] / 26.8 [m]

The intend was to dive Leonora's Reef next, as the turtles seem to have moved to this directed due to the many snorkel trips from Cruise Ships. Unfortunately someone moved his boat at high speed in front of us and occupied the buoy. Well, than try Jerry's Reef any way. Which was very nice, but as expected without the turtles .... two years ago we saw quite afew turltes there!

Jos: 60 [min] / 28.7 [m] | Petra: 60 [min] / 26.2 [m]

In the afternoon we had a simple sandwich for lunch. Later that day the Rum Punch (at the resort, not on the boat as before) and the weekly BBQ. With the world famous Apple Pie as dessert. Yummy.

January 30th - Salt City

Boy, what a struggle to wake up. Yesterday afternoon I already fell in a coma. Seems I badly need my rest. After another delicious breakfast from Esther (2 pancakes with apple and bacon) we decide this will be a relaxed and slow day. So one dive only. But it than better be a goood one: Salt City.

Jos: 65 [min] / 26.5 [m] | Petra: 64 [min] / 24.8 [m]

Even without the Eagle Ray - like last time - this is still a beautiful dive site. Lunch at It Rains Fishes: Good choice. Later we drive around a bit and end up at the Donkey Sanctuary. We buy a thimble for Fatima and than drive on. Past the Mangrove Center towards Cai, enjoying the Flamingo's from the car.

I have a lot of fun racing the dirt road, but Petra finds it way too bumpy and is happy to be back on the main road. Dinner at GooodResort: Self made pasta.

January 31st - Kite Burger

The plan for today: 2-tank shore dive. Esther advises us to try Margate Bay, and so it will be. During the first part of the dive there is an odd current, and it's quite dark. On our return, during the dive's second half, and hence less deep, the light and the colors pick up bringing out the reef in it's full beauty.

Jos: 63 [min] / 29.0 [m] | Petra: 63 [min] / 27.4 [m]

We drive further South and think about doing White Slave, but there is no mooring (so difficult to navigate) and quite a long patch of sand before the reef starts. So we opt to go a little further and choose Tori's Reef. During our safety interval we watch a big group of Spanish speaking divers enter the water. After the last one goes under, we slowly start setting up our gear and enter the water as well.

Jos: 65 [min] / 28.0 [m] | 66 [min] / 25.3 [m]

Again a nice dive. The "Spanish" divers were nowhere to be seen under the water. Hungry, so it's time to check out Bonaire's latest culinary attraction: Cactus Blue on the Beach. A mini-mobile-hamburger-shack. The rumors are positive as well as the reviews on Trip Advisor. Both are right, the Kite Burgers are super!

Time to return to GooodResort. Washing, showering, logging and relaxing. Eating out tonight .... life is Goood.

February 1st - Turtle

After a restless night (I had to get up at 4 to take my medication) and a good breakfast (French Toast as Paul recommended), we go to Germaine to check the status of the painting we ordered. Wow .. she already finished it, and the turtle is beautiful!

We are not in a hurry, so stay for a coffee and a chat. When the subject diving pops up we ask one of Germaine's friends, who is also visiting, where we can find the turtles. She advises Andrea and further North. After lunch we decide to check it. As we already did Andea II we take a few dive sites further: Weber's Joy.

Jos: 62 [min] / 28.4 [m] | Petra: 61 [min] / 25.8 [m]

Again, the dive site is very beautiful. But, again, no turtles. Back at GooodResort Esther advises us to try La Diana's Leap to Karpata. Let's try that tomorrow.

Until now we have only see one turtle on Bonaire, and that one is coming home with us to enjoy a long long time.

February 2nd - North and South

The plan was: 1st North, 2nd South → Kite Burger. But okay, that's just a plan. Already at GooodResort I was think of doing La Diana's Leap to Karpata, so I check again where exactly and how we need to enter. Esther explains exactly what we would see would we pass the site .... so we must pay good attention as we can't turn around on this one way road. The clue where to stop was very accurate as well.

The descent (with all gear on) to spot where to jump into the water wasn't that easy. Certainly for Petra without her glasses. Yes, as promised, and immediately when we jump in: a turtle! We see two more, the last one a very beautiful Green Turtle.

Jos: 67 [min] / 15.9 [m] | Petra: 67 [min] / 13.6 [m]

Hmmm. We have forgotten our 'in between dive snack', so back to GooodResort. Esther just prepared lunch for Menno, Irene and herself. It smells good ..... and she has a little more. One burger for me and one for Petra .... what a nice gesture. No need for a Kite Burger now.

Our second dive is at Angel City. Slowly, slowly and not too deep we swim along the reef. After almost 35 minutes we turn around to go back. No, not yet. First enjoy the stingray that cruises along. At what should be the end of our dive we fail to locate the buoy, so after more than 65 minutes in the dive we decide to start swimming towards the shore line. We pop up exactly at a dive site, but we don't see our pick-up. We are already at the Hilma Hooker, so we ended up at the next site.

Jos: 72 [min] / 19.9 [m] | Petra: 71 [min] / 19.0 [m]

Esther's hamburger filled us up quite good, so we decide to eat 'at home' tonight. Pizza or so ... .

//New guests: The one couple we already saw yesterday - they seem to shy away a little. The other couple we'll see tomorrow I guess. Paul's sun is visiting.//

February 3rd - Hospital

As planned and agreed, at 8:28 am (!?) we leave for Cai for a "Wild Site Dive". We all (4) join in our car. After a fun drive over the bumpy dirt road we are there. Menno does a briefing and then ... of we go. Going from the mangrove over the reef ledge to the ocean is easy as there is a nice outgoing current. We pass the Tarpons at their sandy pit and then see the reef. Due to the current the visibility improves fast. Only after 40 minutes we turn around, just before Petra and I hit the 100Bar mark. Slowly we go back. Just after 85 minutes we emerge. It was - again - a very nice dive. Unfortunately no Eagle Rays this time.

Jos: 85 [min] / 17.8 [m] | Petra: 85 [min] / 15.9 [m]

Back at GooodResort. Washing the gear, taking a shower, having lunch. And than all of a sudden Petra says: "I think I am going to faint". I hold her while she sits on her chair and slowly sinks away in unconsciousness. She flips back and sinks away again. When she comes back she says she needs to throw up. It is not going well. Irene jumps up to help. Also the new guest, Sue - who happens to be a nurse, steps in to assist. She strongly suggests to go to the hospital.

Esther leads the way and Irene joins us, to support Petra. I drive. We quickly register and then Irene leads us to the Emergency Help. Petra is in good hands. The doctor is friendly (I didn't catch her name). Also the nurse, Dennis, is a very friendly guy. Some tests, oxygen and a fluid drip and Petra already feels a lot better.

The final person to see her is the Dive Doctor (Dr. Hermelijn). He repeats some tests and concludes that the issue is most likely not dive related. To be sure he wants to see Petra again tomorrow for a final check and conclusion.

Man ... exiting day.

//The new guests are Sue and Mike from Austin Texas, the other couple now also have a name: Tiffany and Jeremy. Paul left.//

February 4th - Do Little Day

Sleep in late and a slow breakfast. I was think of a "Ty Special", but at the time I figured out what it was I already decided on my pancakes with apple and bacon.

We called Dr. Hermelijn and left a message on his voice mail. We didn't think it was needed to have another check-up. But as we assumed to have an open bill, we decide to go and visit him. The doctor wasn't there. We were asked to come back in an hour. Okay, an hour playing cruise boat passenger it is than . Filling an hour in Kralendijk is not that easy. We go back to the Doctor. He insists on a second check. Same conclusion.

Back to the resort for some chilling and reading. Dinner at At Sea. Fair to good, but not as jippie aj yo super duper as all the reviews on TA make you think it is. Of course being from Maastricht, the Culinary Capitol of The Netherlands, doesn't help here I suppose.

February 5th - Boat Dive

After the mandatory 'no dive day' yesterday, it is time to enter the water again. The whole bunch joins on the boat today. Jeremy and Tiffany spend the day snorkeling, while Mike and Sue join us on the 2-tank dive from the boat. Menno guides the 1st dive, Irene the 2nd dive. All in all a very nice day on the boat. Really nice. Dive sites: Monte's Divi and Just a Nice Dive.

Jos: 63 [min] / 18.0 [m] | Petra: 62 [min] / 17.4 [m]

Jos: 64 [min] / 19.5 [m] | Petra: 63 [min] / 18.6 [m]

Tonight dinner at Cappricio.

February 6th - Eagle Ray

Traveling half way around the world to "Eagle Ray City", and than haven't seen an Eagle Ray. To bad, but still two days to go. In the morning we check with Esther where our chances are highest. In the South, on the sand. Of course. But you never know.

So to the South we go: Aquarius. Easy entrance, but no buoy. So some compass training. Once on the reef I want to start against the "current", as usual. Petra wants to go the other way. Okay, no prob. No more than 10 minutes in the dive she spots an Eagle Ray on the sand below us. Quickly we descent and then try to follow the ray. My air consumption increases a lot, 31 meters deep, trying to keep up with an Eagle Ray. It takes some time before I catch my breath. Checking Petra's air I see I consumed up an extra 30Bar on the chase.

When it is time to turn around, 30 minutes in the dive, Petra notices a 'dust cloud' on top of the reef. Is the ray still there? Yes! We spend another 10 minutes with the Eagle Ray, while it is digging up some food, before it 'jumps off' the reef edge and disappears. What a beautiful dive that was.

Jos: 61 [min] / 31.1 [m] | Petra: 60 [min] / 30.2 [m]

In the afternoon we are confronted with the charm of an island. Two of the three gas stations are without gasoline. Quickly we rush to the third station, at the airport, before we are out of gasoline .... as our truck is almost empty. Pfew, they didn't run out yet. A few minutes later we have filled up our truck, so we can cruise the island during our last two days.

Time for the weekly Rum Punch, and BBQ. Yummy

//Cappricio, last night, was delicious. The most expensive, but best, mail during our stay on Bonaire. !! Nothing beats a good Italian !!//

February 7th - Tolo

The last diving day has arrived. Back to the South, or another one North. The latter it will be. Esther recommends Tolo. I think we haven't done that one ever before. For shore not as a shore dive. After a simple step down it's an easy entrance. The sea is clear, the light is beautiful. It is a very nice dive to end the diving part of the holidays.

Jos: 77 [min] / 24.4 [m] | Petra: 77 [min] / 23.3 [m]

Lunch at GooodResort, where we spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing. And some reading.

When Petra asks when we have to leave our room the answer is a bit disappointing. We had seen the room was only occupied as off Sunday and hence anticipated on being able to stay in the room until we left. Unfortunately the new guests arrive very early and the maid is off tomorrow afternoon. That means already packing in the morning. Bummer.

We decide to eat "at home". In stead of the planned pizza, we changed our plan to Sweet Potato with Harissa Chicken (a good choice).

The line up at the gas station was still very long. Hopefully we have enough fuel for tomorrow.

February 8th - Island Tour & Gooodbye

Already before the breakfast Esther had an announcement that brought big smiles on our faces. We can keep the room until the end of the day! Soo much more relaxed.

As it is the last day - so a none diving day - we decide for a final tour around the island. We start towards the North. Stops at 1000 Steps and of course Lake Goto. On our return we decide not to do the South side as well. The line up is still huge, so we better save up fuel.

For lunch we stop in Kralendijk. Remembering the super low cosmetics prices on Aruba Airport, we decided to check them out on Bonaire. Wow, really really cheap. After Petra replenished her cosmetics stock sufficiently we went to Rumba Cafe for lunch.

The afternoon we spend at the pool at GooodResort. You know the time for the bill will arrive, but it never feels pleasant. Quickly pay and back to relaxing.

Then the holidays slowly come to an end. Packing, saying gooodbye to Esther and Menno, dropping the car and checking in.

Our Turtle painting is just too big for the X-Ray machine, but after an 'off line' check by local authorities we are allowed to take it home.

Another Goood Holiday on lovely Bonaire has come to an end ..... .

Kuredu

Prologue

The story begins months and months earlier. We were supposed to go to Egypt, back to the InterContinental in Port Ghalib. Unfortunately the developments in Egypt made us decide to cancel. Alternatives: 9 hours to East or 9 hours to the West. As we already opted for Bonaire in February, we chose to go to the Maldives. We finally decided for Kuredu as we could find a good deal going there. It had been 8 years that we had been there.

September 26th - Arrival

The trip to Kuredu was quite tiresome, especially as I wasn't really fit when I left. Luckily all went quick and smooth. In no time  we are welcomed by the Kuredu's welcoming drums.

Jacuzzi Beach Villa #160, the last one before the long sandbank. Totally great! It all looks perfect.

The 1st lunch in the Sangu restaurant tasts really good (waiter = Minax). During the afternoon we get mail: an invitation for the Repeater Party in the early evening. After touring half the Island (yes, our room is located at its top spot!) and relaxing a bit more, we decide to took a look. The Tea House at the end of the pier is where it is at. A good cocktail, some delicious snacks and a tour on the local Live Aboard - The Monsoon.

We walk back over the beach to the restaurant to have dinner. Indian tonight. Very good, although we miss a curry.

Time flies ... the 1st day has already ended.

September 27th - Lazy Day

As we already agreed long time ago, the first full day will be a lazy day. In the morning we have a late breakfast. A bit of swimming in the lagoon. Check in at the ProDivers ".. since you have been here before you don't need to do a check dive .. " Jippie! The resort had left a welcome present in our room: a bottle of red wine and a fruit basket.

The rest of the day we slowly passed. We watched Russian couple having their Island Wedding. A cocktail. Dinner. A long walk ... and the lovely lazy day came to an end.

September 28th - House Reef

After a slow start of the day, we take the "taxi" to the dive shop. Putting our gear in the lockers and analyzing the tanks for this afternoons dive.

After lunch our 1st dive is on the program. We will dive the House Reef. Just the two of us. Just when I enter the water, I break the strap buckle of my fin. Shit, what now? Back at the dive shop they tell me they don't have a spare part .. but, without hesitation the guy at the dive shop counter borrows me his, brand new, fins (thanks Veit !!!).

The House Reef is a lot nicer than it was in my memory. Okay, visibility is not super, but we do see a lot of 'old friends'. The rest of the equipment is performing good, without issues.

Jos: 71 [min] / 24.5 [m] | Petra: 69 [min] / 23.6 [m]

After the dive we went to the local dive shop, to check for a new buckle. They only have a newer version, and the girls in the shop are not 100% sure it can work for my fins. We buy 2 T-shirts.

10 minutes later, at the bar, I decide to take my chances and simply buy the new buckle. Good decision, they fit perfectly.

Time to relax and have dinner. We have booked for a full day out tomorrow!

September 29th - Noonu Atoll

Wake up alarm at 5:50. Today we will go to Orimas Thila. That is located in the next Atoll, quite a boatride away - hence we need to get up early. The taxi at Sangu Reception is taking we to long to arrive, so we decide to go by foot.

It will be a relaxing day on the boat: 3 crew members, 4 fellow divers (Sebastian from Karlsruhe, Allen and a Swedish couple from Shanghai) and 2 guides (Reni and Marcel from Komandhoo), only. 

The dives are amazing. Many Grey Reef Sharks at Orimas Thila. Beautiful coral and clouds of glass fishes at X-Mas Tree Rock, so many it made big Stingrays disappear in front of your eyes. The last dive, Raa Fushi, was a lovely wall dive.

Orimas Thila:  Jos: 58 [min] / 24.7 [m] | Petra: 58 [min] / 22.6 [m]

X-Mas Tree Rock:  Jos: 62 [min] / 27.4 [m] | Petra: 61 [min] / 25.6 [m]

Raa Fushi:  Jos: 61 [min] / 24.4 [m] | Petra: 60 [min] / 22.0 [m]

Getting up at 5:50? Anytime .. for such a fantastic diving day!

// Nice to see how Seb was making small movies for his little nephew //

// Reni and Marcel are going back to Switzerland in a few days. As their 

replacement already arrived on Komandhoo, they completed their contract in Kuredu //

// Seb wanted to leave his email address so I could share my movie .. didn't happen //

// Swedish couple was moving back to Sweden after 2 yrs Hong Kong and 1 yr Shanghai

- starting a family //

September 30th - Round the Island

As this is a holiday we already agreed to, after the long and full day of diving yesterday, this would be a nice 'doing nothing' day. Well ... we did a little more than nothing, but not much.

After a long and big breakfast we rounded the Island. We stopped halfway at the O-Resort. The whole trip was close to 2 hours. Kuredu is beautiful Island, and improved to what we remembered from 8 years ago. The conclusion that room #160 is at the Islands top spot also still stands (lucky us).

After lunch I did a bit of snorkeling. Ending the afternoon around Happy Hour at the bar ... enjoying a Piña Colada.

Again, a lovely day.

October 1st - Full Day Manta

We hear and read, much to our surprise, that there had been spotted quite a few Manta Rays in the last days. We didn't expect to see Manta's this holiday (as the mail from ProDivers said: "not yet the season"). A bonus maybe?

After packing our gear and having had breakfast with "Sweden", we head for the boat. Elodie (Parisienne) and Greg (South Africa) are our guides for the day.

The plan: snorkel with Manta's at Fushivaru (expectations are that the current is too strong to dive the small Thila), 1st dive at Anemone City, 2nd dive at KFFC, snorkel again with the Manta's, followed by the 3rd and last dive. That was the plan.

As we arrived at Fushivaru Thila we found it without any current: we are going to DIVE! The hope was to find Manta's on the Thila's cleaning station. Finally, after waiting for 40 minutes .. the Manta's arrive! The Manta's didn't stay on the cleaning station, and after 57 min we were told - by the dive guides from the other boat that joined us- to end the dive.

Elodie didn't agree and signed us to stay ... "when we see Manta's we care about air, not about time" she told Greg when we were back on the boat. And air we had plenty! After waving the last Manta- and the huge Napoleon - goodbye (we saw 8 Manta's in total), we climbed on the boat after a 76 min dive.

Jos: 76 [min] / 14.6 [m] | 76 [min] / 14.3 [m]

After this dive the plan has to be abandoned. Anemone City, a deep dive, is not a wise choice after this shallow one. The guides pick a wall, so we can dive any depth.

My god, where is the boat going. And the waves. They are huge. In our 6 previous visits to the Maldives we haven't experienced anything close to such waves. Quite an adventure getting off and on the boat.

Jos: 63 [min] / 22.0 | Petra: 62 [min] / 19.2 [m]

After the dive we look for a more quite spot to have our lunch. It is still a little choppy, but it's okay.

Juvenile Manta's are often spotted in this area, so - in case we find them - we will snorkel with them. Unfortunately the juveniles don't show themselves this day. As compensation a small pod of dolphins swims along the boat when we move to the next and last dive: AAA Giri.

The dive spot is not that beautiful, but has a lots of fish. Unfortunately Petra doesn't feel too well and can't really enjoy the dive.

Jos: 61 [min] / 22.3 [m] | Petra: 61 [min] / 20.1 [m]

We had asked if we could do a Scooter dive (s we remember from Egypt it is lots of fun), and Elodie confirmed we could, but we decided on another plan. Tomorrow: Holiday. The day after tomorrow: back the the Noonu Atoll!

We ended the day with another lovely diner at the Sangu restaurant, followed by a movie from the ProDiver Team. Another great day came to an end.

October 2nd - Jumping

As planned, today will be a holiday. Sleep in late, a long breakfast. Some reading. Ooh .. time for lunch already?! Up and down to the dive shop to check next days planning. Slowly, but surely, the day passes by.

At Sun Set we try to make some "jumping" pictures. Not that easy with a point-and-shoot camera. The delay is almost every time too long, making us standing on the ground - in funny posses - already before it takes a picture. Finally we have a few shots that are worth keeping.

October 3rd - Grey Reef Shark TV

5:50 beep beep. Pfew, it's early. Grab our stuff and to the dive shop (walking). Our Guide of the day is Karola. Also Sven, the videographer, joins. On the boat mainly Germans (male) and a British couple.

After almost 2 hours we reach Orimas Thila. The visibility is good. The sharks are home ... but move to the other side of the Thila when we arrive. Some swimming against the current later we arrive there as well. Let the show begin!

For more than half an hour 8 Grey Reef Sharks keep cruising up and down the reef in front of us. This is SUPER! An Eagle Ray joins us to watch the show as well. Nice bonus.

Jos: 65 [min] / 22.3 [m] | Petra: 63 [min] / 21.0 [m]

After the dive we are chitchatting with Karola. Despite of her perfect German, she had never been to Germany. She is from Namibia. Sven, also fluent in German, happens to be from South Africa.

// The German guy next to me recognizes the "Aegir" bag we have. He dives their local pool in the Netherlands (Bosmolenplas) almost every weekend. His name is Klaus and his is from Mönchengladbach //

Second dive is again at X-Mas Tree Rock. This reef is how you imagine a perfect reef to look like. Beautiful coral and packed with fish. Next to Orimas Thila our main reason to return ... this reef is like flying in a dream!

Jos: 62 [min] / 29.3 [m] | Petra: 62 [min] / 26.8 [m]

Lunch and than the last dive of the day: Raa Fushi. The wall is again gorgeous, but it's a pity this is the 3rd dive. Earlier in the day, with higher and better light, this wall must be even better.

Jos: 60 [min] / 19.9 [m] | Petra: 60 [min] / 20.7 [m]

 Back at our room we find that the Sangu restaurant is booked out. The standard Kaomas it has to be than. It is very fine, even more choice, but tomorrow we are trying Sangu again. (much) Closer to our room and (much) more romantic.

Time to sleep, it has been a long day ... 

October 4th - X-Press

The "Classic" is on the program today: Kuredu X-press. Our boat picks up the 2-tanks (Klaus and Markus), as well as the single dive group (us). As the dive site is just of the island the single dive group is disembarked during the safety interval of the 2-tank group.

Before we arrived at Kuredu we had read reviews with quite a variety of comments about the X-Press. Ranging from "they are all gone" to "we have seen sharks". One hour and 5 Grey Reef Sharks later, we are sure: they are still around! Also the Eagle Rays still pass by.

Jos: 62 [min] / 23.6 [m] | Petra: 62 [min] / 21.7 [m]

Due to the outgoing (Atoll -> Sea) current, the visibility wasn't that great, but at least we have seen them!

The rest of the we take it slow ... ended with a lovely cocktail at the Sangu Bar: Shark Attack.

// Funny. We brought quite some books, but neither of us has read a letter.

Relaxing has priority over reading it seems //

October 5th - 2-Tank

After a 10 min walk over the white beach and good breakfast at Kaomas we head for the dive shop. "Tauchst du alein heute" says Klaus. Hmmm ... Petra is not on the list. A small hint to Karola, our guide for the day, and Petra can join.

The 1st dive site is The Peak, a nice site with, again, some Grey Reef Sharks.

Jos: 61 [min] / 30.0 [m] | Petra: 61 [min] / 28.4 [m]

// Where we were used to seeing only White Tip Reef Sharks in the more southern Ari Atoll, over here in the Lhavyani Atoll the vast majority of the sharks are Grey Reef Sharks // 

As the British Couple didn't see Manta's yet, we make a detour to enable them to snorkel with the Manta's. We see 3 Manta's.

Due to that detour the 2nd dive, Maa Giri, starts quite late ... due to which we are back on the island only just in time for lunch.

Jos: 62 [min] / 23.6 [m] | Petra: 62 [min] / 20.4 [m]

Cleaning and washing after lunch then. We ask again for a Scooter Dive (as the British Couple did that today at Peak and saw many many Eagle Rays and Sharks ... up close), but they didn't have a spare guide to join us tomorrow.

Okay. Than tomorrow will be a relaxing one-dive day then.

October 6th - Green Turtles

The changed the schedule for a change: relaxing in the morning and diving in the afternoon. Halfway through the morning I suddenly realize we forgot to book the Sangu Restaurant for today: "sorry sir, we are fully booked". Also the "O" Restaurant was booked out. Pity, but as we had planned to go to the video show at the dive shop we had to go the Koamas direction anyway.

After lunch we stroll over the beach towards the dive shop. The other "Classic", The Caves. is on the program today. 13 Divers on the boat, guide is Fabrice. The other guide, Yafees, dives with a smaller team as well. The dive is great, the viz is super and the dive site is much better and more beautiful than I remember it. The huge Green Turtles are still around, sleeping in the small caves in the wall. One after another they go up to the surface for a breath of air. It feel like I am in the middle of Turtle Airport.

Jos: 63 [min] / 21.6 [m] | Petra: 63 [min] / 20.5 [m]

In the evening, after the cocktail and dinner, we decide not to wait for the ProDivers video. We are tired. We'll see the next updates on YouTube (sorry Sven).

Another 2-Tank tomorrow. From the (lack off) notifications on the board it seems the Manta's are gone .. we'll see tomorrow.

October 7th - Napoleon

Ai. 15 Divers and only 1 guide. That's a full boat! We go (again) to Fushivaru Thila. Last chance for Manta. On arrival we see them at the surface, but that's no guarantee we see them during the dive.

Or .. . Yes. At the beginning of the dive we spot one. Petra spots a second Manta. From there we wait wait and wait on the cleaning station, but no more Manta. We do see the big Napoleon again (at least I think it is the same one). He lays side by side with Petra on the reef (almost arm in arm). A little later I position myself also next to him. I can see how the cleaner fish are doing their job. The Napoleon even opens his gills .. I can see right through him. And that so close by i could easily touch him .. if I wanted. I see the camera starts to fog up heavily.

Jos: 64 [min] / 13.7 [m] | Petra: 63 [min] / 13.4 [m]

Back on the boat I see the camera housing is quit wet inside! I try dry it a little while on the boat, but that doesn't really work nor help. Hence the 2nd dive will be without camera.

Due to the current we quickly loose the group. So nice, to dive just with the 2 of us. At the end of the dive we hear Yafees' shaker. He found a Nurse Shark on the reef. Nice end of the dive.

Jos: 62 [min] / 19.5 [m] | Petra: 61 [min] / 16.0 [m]

Back at the room the camera is in much worse condition than I thought. Probably it died .. .

October 8th - Last Diving Day

Last night the room boy brought us an envelope. O shit, I hope they didn't make a mistake in our check out date. No, it's a letter from ProDivers. The Scooter Dive for the afternoon wasn't possible. They rescheduled us to the 2-Tank boat and will bring the Scooters. If the current allows we will be able to use them.

Small panic in the morning: no beach towels. A quick ring to house keeping and a few minutes later our room boy pops up with fresh ones.

Our Scooter Guide is Darron, overall Guide is Veit. half way to the dive site some Manta's are spotted. Quickly grab the snorkel gear and in the water to enjoy a last few minutes with these gently giants. Arriving at the channel it doesn't look good. Darron, to be sure, makes a current check. But, no, the Scooter Dive is off. The current is in the wrong direction. No disaster, the dive is very very nice, and much different than a week ago.

Jos: 61 [min] / 26.5 [m] | Petra: 61 [min] / 24.1 [m]

We return to Kuredu as new couple isn't comfortable in their 5mm wetsuite (to buoyant - extra weight can't fix it?). They are offered a shorty.

"It's your last dive, any preference?" Hmmm, let's do X-Press again. Even though we don't see any Grey Reef Sharks this time, it was a good choice. For minutes an Eagle Ray hangs next to us on the reef. Viz is not good, as it is out again. Around the corner it clears up and the viz is stunning. The current picks us up and we fly over the reef. Napoleon after Napoleon passes by, at one point 3 together. It was a very nice dive .. pity it was the last one.

Jos: 62 [min] / 23.0 [m] | Petra: 61 [min] / 20.8 [m]

On the way back to the island a pod of at least 50 Spinner Dolphins escort us back. What a joy to watch.

// Strange?! i didn't miss my camera at all during the dive?! //

Later that afternoon, what was about to happen for days, really happened. We locked ourselves out of our room. Easily corrected by the friendly staff .. but stupid from us of course.

October 9th - Last Day in Paradise

Man .. time flies .. . The inevitable last day had arrived. Still some "Things To Do": 1) Book the Sangu Restaurant 2) Check the bill at the dive shop 3) Pay 4) Clear our locker and pick up our dive gear.

Task #1 is easy, it takes some time to get through to reception, but than it is completed .. successfully. After a long and good breakfast, and a coffee, we head for the dive shop. Task #2. The bill is impressive, but correct. Task #4 was not too much effort.

// When packing our gear we run into Veit. He had looked up the fish we saw at the safety stop yesterday, and both didn't recognize. The were Rainbow Runners, the fish we had for lunch every day on the boat during a full day trip. //

At the dive shop we ask to put on last weeks video. Also the footage from our trip to the Noonu Atoll is included. Petra seems to be the lead character in the video. Also nice to see myself under water. I decide to buy the video. As Sven has a day off he can't manage to burn a disk, but he'll send me a link through the mail so I can download it. 

Before lunch a lost puddle in the lagoon together. Lovely. After lunch and coffee it is time for Task #3 .... .

Back. A shower. To the Sangu Bar for my last Mojito of this holiday. Before dinner we quickly check our flight time for tomorrow: 5:40 .. oef that's early, but at least no stress at the International Airport, as we will arrive well in time.

As promised Nimax had prepared a beautiful decorated at the beach. The last dinner tasted, like all before, very very good.

Back at the room our room boy had also made an effort to make an impression. The whole bed was decorated with colorful flowers.

Another few hours of sleep, and than we have to leave Paradise behind .. 

*******************************

We felt bad, having had to cancel Egypt. And despite the good deal from Alltours (AI at HB price) we weren't 100% we were making the right decision going to Kuredu.

Retrospectively we couldn't have made a better choice! This holiday was really FANTASTIC!

The Maldives haven't seen the last of us .. 

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It's an expensive addiction .... but a beautiful one!
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Positano - 2013

Positano - May 19th

O boy, it's still very early. The alarm rings at 06:30, where we went to bed at 01:00 due to the Eurovision Song Contest last night. A slow breakfast and than off to Brussels Airport. Well in time we arrive (no surprise there). The flight is 15 minutes delayed, but we still arrive as planned in Naples Airport. The luggage takes forever to arrive (knowing that Brussels just ended a weeks strike of the ground staff this was quite nerve wrecking). "Deja vu". No driver waiting for us. After waiting 15 minutes and grabbing a quick sandwich I call Tiziana. "Petra and Jos to the Information Desk". Out of thin air the driver appears?!

In a private Mercedes (?!) we drive all the way to Positano, and we arrive about an hour later. Tiziana welcomes us with open arms and three big kisses each. The Wifi password is still the same .. feels like coming home.

An hour in the spring sun on the terrace .. man did we miss her!

Just lazy - May 20th

Not much to say about today. Wake up late, long breakfast. Strolling the streets of Positano. Lunch at the smaller beach - Spiaggia del Fornillo. (Window) Shopping. Strolling. Dining.

What a lovely day!

Anacapri - May 21st

We take the Jetfoil to Capri in the morning. On arrival we decide to go to the top now the weather is still good (a very good choice we find out later that day). From the Marina Grande we take the Funicolare to Capri, where we get on the bus to Anacapri, and finally the chairlift to the top of Mount Solaro. The highest point of the Island of Capri. What a view! Not only can you see all around Capri, in the blue Mediterranean Sea, but also the the Gulf of Naples and the Vesuvio. Some pictures and down we go, back to Anacapri.

The recommended restaurant was closed this day, so we end up at another one a little further on a small square. The food tastes good.

Back to Capri is a bigger challenge we find out. All the buses are packed on arrival and all pass by without stopping. The line only gets smaller because some give up and some start walking to an earlier bus stop. "5 Euro per person, 4 sharing" I hear a taxi driver of an open "limousine" say. An older Indonesian couple (actually from New Zealand) joins us, and of we go. In no time we are back in Capri.

We wander the streets of Capri and end up at the amazing view at the Gardens of Villa Krupp. Little later it starts to rain ... and doesn't stop raining anymore.

Pooring Rain - May 22nd

The weather forecasts are not good (60% chance of rain / 20mm) but we give it a go any way. Tiziana provides us the Beach Towels and an umbrella, and we walk the 200+ steps down to the main beach - Spiaggia Grande. The sky is blue, the sun shines, only some clouds in the distance. Two sun beds and a parasol are arranged .. time to enjoy the sun and the beach.

After some gushes of wind the beach boy comes and closes the umbrella. "Too dangerous, only 5 minutes". Ten minutes later I open up the umbrella. Way too hot for me without. The beach boys warning wasn't a joke. Another wind gush and off our umbrella went, landing an odd 15 meters further. Good thing it isn't busy today.

The clouds become bigger and darker. The sun disappears. And than 'someone' switches on a big big shower. We think we are smart, hiding under our umbrella, but the rain comes right through after less then a minute! We hide under the parasol, as the people next to us do. And than the shower is switched off.

We, our towels and my shoes are all wet. So what now? Lunch? Back to our B&B? First to the toilet. Hardly arriving there it starts again. This time even with hailstones.

Once the shower clears the skies open up again. We decide to stay. "New York" (the 2 retired couples in front off us) are also still there. After drying a bit up in the sun we go for lunch at Lo Guarrancino. A beautiful view on the small beach and the sea. The food is delicious.

Back on the main beach we have the best weather ever. New York didn't give up either. Slowly the beach is getting busier. The sun is so nice that I even try the sea. Damn cold, but very nice.

At 17:30 the sky closes again. Let's call it a day.

Back at our room, we decide to have dinner at the restaurant we were recommended to go to last night: Bruno. Yesterday we passed on it as it was too cold to eat outside there. Today the nice tables have already been reserved. Lunch was good .. so we go back to Lo Guarrancino. Jummy! Rocket salad with Bresoala. Raviolli with Gamberi. Grilled fish. Lemon cake. Espresso.

The sky has been black all night. Lightning at sea everywhere. We already seen the weather was going to be bad: All the boats at the main marina were taken out of the water! When we leave, the restaurants black cat blocks our way, as if she wanted to say .. better wait. And than the rain starts to gush down.

For almost an hour without calming down the rain is poring down. A nice Lemoncella later it stops. Time to go. Water flows from the mountain everywhere. The footpath is a small flood. But the rain had stopped and the wind lay down, so we are good.

Antonio looks worried when he opens the door on our arrival ... "don't worry, we are fine".

No boats - May 23rd

Again the weather forecasts are promising bad weather. So we didn't plan ahead for today. In the morning all seems not too bad, we could even have breakfast outside. After a slow start we walk to the other side of Positano, to see how the restaurants are over there. Only Il Capitano seems nice. The rest is either too far or lacks a nice view. We descend through the small inner food paths back down to the town center.

The sea is beautiful, but wild. Arriving at the marina we want to check when the boats to Amalfi leave. Hé? All the ticket booths are gone or closed? We also don't see any boats today. The sea is obvious to wild to moor the boats.

After a good lunch at Capricci we take the same route, so via the outside, back. Once back in the room it starts to rain again. And it doesn't stop .. time for an afternoon nap.

We are not too hungry, so we simply get a sandwich from the nearby Mini Market.

Amalfi - May 24th

This is our 2nd time at the Amalfi Coast, but we have never been to Amalfi itself, so we decide to go there today. The bus is packed (no boats, so all tourist, as far as from Sorrento, are all on the bus!) and we have to stand for an hour. Brrr. It's cold in Amalfi, there is a lot more wind than in Positano.

Let's 1st check out the main attracktion: Duomo di Sant'Andrea Apostolo. Very nice, but after a good 15 minutes we have seen it all. We wander through some streets. Hmmm ... Positano is by far nicer!

Less than an hour in Amalfi and we are back in the bus to Positano! Again packed, and no seat for us. Luckily the people next to us have to get off fairly quickly so we can sit a good part of the bus ride.

Yep. Positano is much much nicer. Lunch, Espresso. Life is good.

In the evening we get a sandwich (enough after a big lunch), an espresso and something sweet & delicious. We soak up the view for a last time ... tomorrow we need to leave this beautiful place to go back home.