The rest of Sunday was spent exploring the grounds of the resort, and they are amazing. Big full trees, thriving mangroves, and an abundance of wildlife (granted I am sure if it were put into the hands of good old Hubert and his ministers it would deteriorate very quickly). We went walking out on balance beams that will eventually become a walkway over the mangroves; it was a challenge walking on single boards of wood passing high over mud that you certainly do not want to fall in. It was so challenging that infect when I got off of the boards onto solid ground I walked straight into a tree, because I was still watching my footing. While on the beams the sounds that filled the air were astonishing, birds of all shapes and sizes soared through the air with acrobatic precision, picture the red bull air race with birds weaving through trees singing beautiful songs, rather than planes flying through hoops with roaring engines. Leon and I plan on returning to this spot early one morning to shoot some birds, and unlike Dick Chaney if we accidentally misfire on our shooting partner, the worst we will get is an ugly photograph.
After this spot we wandered off to the backbones of the resort, behind the generators, and went into another section of the jungle, it was a bit too dark for photos at this point, but we plan to be the first to climb the mountain back there, and get some good ariel shots of the resort. The trees in this area were breathtaking, picture Heidi Klum 15 years ago and Jessica Alba today doing a topless photo shoot. Ok maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but these trees were massive, with amazing root structures. On our walk back to the resort Leon took me to meet the carpenters that are responsible for the amazing resort, and the sculptures around it. These guys were sitting in a little wooden shack chiseling away at blocks of wood, making the most amazing pieces of art with the most basic of tools. Picture a five year old with finger paints cranking out the Mona Lisa time after time. These guys really have a skill, they make piece after piece with no more than hand tools.
By the time we got back to the photo studio, the sunset was in full swing, and was perfectly viewable from the restaurant. Leon, Claudia, and I stood around and took some pictures of it before dinner. As is everything at this place, dinner was amazing. We had some form of mushroom and ginger chicken, a green chili curry chicken, chicken and chili rolls, and amazing local hot chili paste for some pepper. The atmosphere at dinner is unmatched, very relaxing over the sea with great company. Eudon, another guest from Singapore surprised us with a pleasant surprise after dinner when he pulled out a bottle of 7-year-old Havana Club anejo, a great end to an amazing dinner. I am now writing from the comfort of my bed, listening to the waves breaking beneath me, it is certainly an inspiring and beautiful place, and thus far my only complaint is that it is so nice I know I will never want to leave.
The showers here are certainly different, you fill up a rock with a carved basin in it with hot and cold water and use a wooden pot with a handle and pour the water over your head, I'll post photos of the set up but as I am not a senator in the united states and my last name is not Weiner I do not plan on posting photos of myself in the shower. At first glance I was a little uncertain about this set up but having used it, i have grown quite fond. Not only am I sure it saves water and energy, you never have poor water pressure, and it's incredibly refreshing, leaving you feeling really clean.
The Mosquitos here are definitely more aggressive than those back in Nassau, they have a thirst for my blood. Fortunately there is no shortage in supply of bug spray, although the application process makes you cough like a coal miner with black lungs. Jet lag has finally hit me, it's midnight here and I should be tired after being up at five, but my body seems to have finally realized that is morning at home, so I am a bit restless.
Monday has hit us on this side of the globe, and I cannot wait for the day to start. I spent some time in the photo studio today setting up al, of my camera gear, and cannot wait to stare taking photo and video on the very much alive reefs here, and learn from experienced dive photographers the likes of Leon and Claudia. I am not certain as of yet where we are diving today, but Leon mentioned going to a spot where jungle meets reef and doing some wide angle over/under shots, definitely a first for me.
I didn't think it was possible to live in a more relaxing life than I have been in Nassau fir the past month, but being out here is so calming, very little western influence exists outside of the photo studio, and it is a refreshing change. All I have to worry about is getting up in the morning after that I trust that at least three amazing dives await me. I love the mosquito netting around my bed, it gives a cool feeling, like a little kid who has built himself a really bad ass little fort, I feel although I should be hopping around the place shouting out "pow, pow" reenacting the Alamo, for now I can contain myself, but I make no guarantees, after all I will be here for 4 weeks, and at some point I am sure I will have to cave into my eternally childish urges.
So here I am up at 5:45 on day two, and all i can think is that I must want to dive more than even I can have imagined. I mean me up before 11 is like a pyromaniac playing with a fire hose. I woke up this morning to the pleasant surprise of calm water, and will be heading out on the dive boat soon. Photos will be up later today.
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