Spotted: The Rare English Squatting Fish.

The Plan: Take a bus from Cairns to Port Douglas to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World... The Great Barrier Reef. The Actual Occurrence: the shuttle that picked us up got us there late and the boat had to wait for us to arrive, the sea was insanely choppy and Tom needed some Travacalm to make it without using the vomit bags on board! Alas, we arrived at the outer edge of the reef, Tom felt better after some tea (English through and through!), and we suited up for a scuba of the reef. Because there was such a small group on board, Tom and I got our own private lesson with the Dive Master... a guy who looked like Fabio and sounded exactly like Arnold Schwarzenegger! It was a great spot, and we saw some beautiful coral, lots of big fish, and my favourite the Christmas Tree Worms! Then it was off to another reef area for a snorkel. We snorkeled for over an hour and saw clown fish (Nemo!), more colourful coral, and some insanely bright fish species. Tom and I touched a particularly massive giant clam... check me out on the video. They are so cool and squishy inside! I have posted some pics of Tom and I snorkeling. Despite him being English, I think I like more like a Bond film actor! Hehe. After some initial difficulties with the underwater breathing (the instructor actually just threw him in!) Tom had a great first scuba experience and we both had an amazing time exploring the reef!!
P.S. For all those from cold climates, you can sympathize.... check out the picture of me experiencing Aussie winter: I needed a hoodie AND some tea to keep warm in my bikini! haha.



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