Well we've done it. We booked two more nights in Paradise - hoping we'll get some money back from the other reservation - but we didn't want to lose the room here. So that's settled. Besides we are not to keen to take the two hour speed boat ride any too soon. Yesterday, I was conjuring up images of Lost - it felt like we were the new cast.
Took some more touristy pictures of this place. It is really wonderful. No hoopla or funky shows. Just peace and quiet. They keep and grounds and beach immaculate.
Went down to the dive center after breakfast for our morning snorkel. It took about 15-20 minutes to get out to the reef in a small speedboat. We were joined by a couple of young honeymooners from France. The water was wonderful. And I have to say the snorkel gear was excellent. The coral has seen better days, however. What fish there were, were of the small variety. To name a few: trumpet fish, big eyes, parrot fish, mutton snappers, sgt majors, and others that we can't name. The little snappers were nipping at my hands.
Had a nice chat with the new bride on the way back. The four of us plan to do the phosphorescence plankton swim tonight. You can only do that when there is little to no moon -- so we are in luck there.
Walking back from the dock, we stopped by the bar and chatted with Alejandro, brother of Martin. This is a family establishment. He told us the history of the property. It started as a summer home for the family and eventually turned into a small resort. He explained the problems with the current government and trying to hold on to the land.Apparently, the government has proclaimed all islands property of the government unless proof of rights from back when the Spanish were here. They have been fighting for 20 years to keep their rights and are still fighting. This hotel provides much employment and financial assistance to the local community. If they are forced to shut down, it would defeat the whole purpose of the goal to promote tourism. Politicians are so short sighted - especially the corrupt ones.
Strolled back to our casa, showered off and got comfortable on our private dock. Every so often the speed boat comes by and picks up or drops off folks coming and going. The coconut committee is always there to greet them.
Lunch came and went and it was back to the beach. Talked with a couple who brought their own snorkels and they said the fish right around the resort were worth checking out. Looks like that'll be our activity tomorrow morning. Didn't do much of anything until Happy Hour. Went to the inside bar with all of our electronics and tried to catch up with the world. That didn't last too long.
Pretty soon it was time to go meet down at the dock for the plankton swim. There were about 14 of us -- 12 of us were 20 somethings.They were Germans, Brits, French and two gals who never talked. We were the only Americans. It was a long wait till our guy got his stuff together. We were all handed life jackets and piled into the same small speedboat we took snorkeling. My first concern was that this thing had no light. Sure enough, our captain starts the engine and pulls out a flashlight -- OK. The clouds disappeared from the sky as it grew darker and the stars grew brighter.
We soon came to a lagoon where everyone jumped in with their vests. The bio-luminescent phosphorous plankton effect was amazing. Every time you moved, the water just lit up with sparkles. The water was quite warm and it was lovely just to lay back and watch the stars and look at the twinkling of the water. Absolutely amazing feeling. Tried to take pictures but really could not capture anything.
Stuff like this really makes you feel like a kid again - so it didn't really matter that we were not 20 something. The ride back was chilly and wet but so worth the evening's entertainment.
Took our fourth shower of the day and went to dinner in another garden. Three bathing suits in one day!! Now that's a good day at the beach.
Next time... More exploring
On the eve of our 3rd noreaster it is nice to know that you guys are in Paradise playing in the sunshine. Sounds like you visited the reef just in time.
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