BACK TO SCHOOL

«I know that diving certification is very important. So, here is what I need from you”, - Faura at the front counter is both, taking our routine temperature checks and typing something with her other hand. “PADI open water certification requires 4 open water ocean dives. I can schedule those for you once you complete the e-learning course”.

Every thought that was simultaneously running through my mind during the casual conversation stops. An e-learning course? What course? How?

“We have to do the course?” - my brain is still hoping to hear that this comment was a mistake.

“Yes. It’s required by PADI to first complete the course before you can schedule your practice and ocean dives”.

Not the news I want to hear today…

…”So, it looks like there are a few sections. I’m sure we can get it done soon enough and pass the test, too”, - not passing the test is not even an option in my mind anymore. This diving thing has been the main reason we chose Belize over any other place right now. Can’t believe I didn’t know about the e-course before.

The sunrays playfully glimpse through white curtains. The sea waves are drawing me in.

“Do you want to go outside and study at the beach?” - it takes an effort to unglue my eyes from the window.

Bobby shakes his head: “it will be too distracting. Let’s just get it done and over with”.

There is no arguing here. “Done and over with” is all I want right now, too. Well, how hard can it be? My mind dives into memory archives, trying to bring all the information collected over the past year to surface. Well, Ricardo from Mombasa said it was an easy process. I’m sure we will be done in no time.

… “100%!” - Bobby’s victorious tone rubs it in double. 98% is not a failing grade but is surely feels like it to my overly perfectionistic mind. “Ok! That was not so bad”, - Bobby’s definitely riding the high wave. “Section two!” A silent extra second alerts my attention and pulls my half-grieving mind away from dwelling on the defeat.

“Wait…”, - Bobby’s tone sounds confused and concerned at the same time. “Is this just a part one of first section? How many are there?” This answer I want to know myself. My eyes scan through the page as the brain makes simple calculations.

“There are… five total. Test after each. And the exam at the end”, - the mind double checks on calculations. Yes, everything is right. “FIVE?!”- the heavy sigh on my left says more than words can ever express. “At this rate we will be here all night.” - Bobby’s tone sounds defeated.

…”I missed you at lunch! Did you have lunch in your room? Or were you away from the resort?”, - our waitress’ curious eyes are both, mischievous and kind. It’s fascinating how much one’s eyes can tell about the person.

“We didn’t have lunch!”, - Bobby’s tone sounds both, scandalous and victorious at the same time. We were STUDYING! All day! First say in this paradise and we spent ALL DAY studying for diving certification. But it’s done! We both passed and now it’s just dives”

The waitresses’ head nods in support as she skillfully navigates between tables.

A sudden realization hits: “Bobby, let’s hurry up and eat. We are probably their last guests. AND! We have to be up and ready to be picked up by 8 tomorrow morning.”

Diving! Finally diving! Exciting and exhilarating. A cold shadow of a fear tries to make an appearance but my overly-worked and determined brain shuts it off. Yes, it will be IN the open water. And it will be GREAT. It takes every fiber of my being to focus on the positive. I’m facing my biggest fear tomorrow: the open water. Willingly.