An early morning ride across the island landed us at the Matemwe Beach. After 3 months of roughing it we were awed by our resort accommodation on a perfect white sand beach with clear turquoise waters, hammocks under palm trees, and flowers on our beds.
This final leg of our journey brought us here to get our PADI Open Water SCUBA Diver certification. We jumped right into classes and pool sessions to learn and practice various skills. It was weird to be back in a classroom setting but at least this class had almost instant gratification. On our second day we found ourselves on a boat heading out to the Mnemba Atoll for our first open water dive. It was unreal to put on all of the outer space like gear and then to be flung overboard into another world. We practiced our skills again and then set out to explore the coral reef and all of the creatures that live there. Time seemed to pass so quickly underwater because there is so much to look at and so much to think about.
The third day was back in the classroom and in the pool for more skill tests and the big examination (which we all passed with flying colors)! On the last day we were back out in the ocean, this time it was even better because we were less scared and more comfortable, thus able to really soak up the surroundings. A big highlight was seeing several large sea turtles swimming underwater. But all of the colorful fish and strange shaped corals added to an almost unreal experience.
But our time here was more than just SCUBA. The quiet, peaceful atmosphere was the perfect place for us to reflect on our past 3 months together and all of the experiences we shared. We listened to music while laying on the beach looking at the stars, we shared stories and appreciations by candlelight, and we laughed through our Carpe awards ceremony.
It was a bittersweet end as we all look forward to the future and reuniting with distant family and friends, but we are sad to leave this family that we have made here. We have all been changed by this experience and will never forget the people and places that have shaped it.
Asante sana to the entire Kifaru Tribe: Katie, Amanda, Nicole, Kellie, Liv, Liam, and Jack. Stay in touch! Tunawapenda. Your leaders~ Gwen & Grant