Day 18: Bohol "I can't believe I didn't hit that van."

B & I had scuba this morning around 9 am. We hopped on our motorbikes and took off towards the large beach and Genesis Divers. Yes, there was more staring; I'm still a spectacle. This time I just smiled and said hello, and then they would break into a large grin and say it back. Guess I just need to break the ice? With every islander! I needed gas, so we stopped at a roadside hut and bought 1 liter for $1 out of a coke bottle. It's not legal, but that's how it's done here.

Kavita went running and had a similar experience with the staring. Yes, Miss India is visiting also! Since no one runs here, she was asked several times where she was going. After answering once and explaining it was for exercise, they seemed to understand it better and let her go on her way. At one area, a group of workers she passed yelled out to a guy waiting for a bus who was asleep on the bench coming up. He sits up to have look also as she runs by. Hot Stuff passing through!

SCUBA

Scuba was great! We couldn't do a boat dive at a nearby island because it was only the two of us wanting to go today, so we did a dive a ways off the main beach. I was skeptical, but it was pretty great. The first dive was a wall dive, and as I looked down as we descended, I was thinking, "This is preeeeeeeeeeeeety deep." I didn't look at the gauge when we got all the way down because I was too distracted by all the creatures. Boston told me later that we went to 108 ft! Hello! That's much deeper than I was expecting. They don't advise past 60 ft for my certification, but I'm still alive so I guess it's alright! We went by several caves and coral reefs where we could see moray eels, giant fish about 5 ft long, another kind of starfish I haven't seen before, and just loads of fish. Good day!
Afterwards while trying to get up a tight hill crowded with cars and people, I hit the accelerator instead of the brake (It's all the same hand!) and almost ran into a parked van. Luckily I swerved to miss it, but then it got a little crazy with overcorrecting and my feet flying out for balance losing my flip flop. So I stopped to get it but didn't pick where very well (middle of the hill). Then I couldn't get going again so a bunch of local men came over to help hold it. I was all freaked out though from my near accident and wanted to start at the top of the hill. They, of course, don't understand and are yelling at me, "Get on! Get on!" I'm yelling back, "I can't! I can't!" Boston was silent which really was the best choice. Finally the men realize I'm not comfortable starting in the middle of hill and help me almost to the top. I get it started, and we make it back to the hotel. Phew. Clearly, still have some work to do.

We hung out at the quiet hotel patio (we're the only guests!) reading, blogging, working, and eating with the intention to go back to Alona beach (scene of my motorbiking klutziness) for dinner. However, rainy season finally reared its ugly head, and it rained for about 3 hours. After today's scene I don't think riding in the rain is a good idea, so we just stayed put. No massages....Maybe tomorrow...