easy!
week 4
Alright, brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride through the hilariously challenging realm of the Open Water Diving Certification Clinic at Bondi Dive Center.
Our adventure began on a fateful Friday, when my roommates, Aiden, and I bravely embarked on a 3-day aquatic journey. We started at the dive shop, faced with a mountain of diving gear – BCD, regulators, aluminum tanks, tight 8mm wetsuits that were quite literally a second skin – and trying to play Tetris with it all without causing a disaster.
After successfully stuffing the van with our aquatic arsenal, our fearless leader, Luca, declared, "Swim test? Easy." Apprehensive, we plunged into the pool, conquered 4 laps, and a 10-minute water tread, and proved that we are basically Aquaman's distant relatives. Then came the drills – dropping regulators, de-fogging masks, controlled ascents, and sharing air with our buddies. It was like a crash course in underwater acrobatics, but with less grace and more flailing.
Day two, we hit the open seas at Camp Cove. With our newfound diving prowess, we tackled the ocean drills like aquatic ninjas. Sure, there were some mask malfunctions, but we triumphed with our first 5-meter dive in the open water.
Sunday, the grand finale! We delved into the deep sea, learned underwater navigation, mastered emergency ascents, and practiced boat safety. Oh, and I lost my mask, but no worries – Luca, the underwater superhero, retrieved it with a casual eye roll and a nonchalant "easy,” his signature catchphrase. When Luca would throw out his "easy" line, it became a running joke. We'd all laugh and play along. But as we surfaced on our final dive, there was this moment where we all kind of repeated, "easy," as we swam backward, and it felt like this wave of nostalgia and knowing – a collective, "Yeah, we did that shit." Luca, being the wise guy he is, just chimed in, "Life really is pretty easy." And, let me tell you, even though my own life hasn't exactly been a walk in the park lately, having that energy around, even if it sometimes feels silly, feels oddly comforting, 7,500 miles from home.
Two dives later, totaling 84 minutes of antics, we nervously surfaced for the dreaded exam. Spoiler alert: we aced it! We're now certified Open Water Divers, ready to conquer the depths up to 18 meters.
Here’s the crew! Carson, Leah, Luca, Me, and Aiden!
But wait, there's more! Our bond with the dive shop fam grew stronger, and Luca teased us with the prospect of a shark dive at Bushrangers Bay. Of course, we jumped at the chance – Wednesday's 5 AM alarm be damned!
The shark-filled adventure unfolded, with massive Blue Gropers, Stone Fish, and Grey Nurse Sharks stealing the spotlight. We ended the day on an adrenaline high, treating the entire Bondi Dive Center crew to a round of drinks at Salty's. Cheers to a bunch of newfound underwater buddies!
Now, back on dry land in Bondi, life wasn't all underwater escapades. Other than the diving, this week was slow at home in Bondi. I did lots of reflecting, walks, beach time, BBQing, card games, and a fair amount of class work. I'm researching an Australian Sparking Brew for my Business of Brewing class and having fun with some corresponding collaborative work.
I am certainly taking advantage of all the good things Bondi has to offer. I live in a beautiful place. I’ve yet to have a day in Bondi where I haven’t dipped in the ocean. And I'm hopeful to keep that streak going. In the mornings I step outside and every day I am thankful for another one. It took many years and much work to feel so at peace and so when I have “slow weeks” in Bondi Beach, Sydney, AUSTRALIA – I say I'm rich! I’m rich! I'm doing the things I love every day!
In between our scuba diving, my roommates and I became Instagram sensations, documenting our travels for all the world to see. Check out our adventures and maybe even throw us a follow. We've got an awesome weekend getaway in the works, and we'd be thrilled if you joined us for the ride! (click this little camera below)