Happy Turkey Day from the Carpe Diem Hongi Group. We have had an amazing experience here in Cairns. The fun started at the airport in Alice Springs and continued all the way through our time here. We were given a taste of Australian paradise the past two days. We took a boat Thursday morning and headed to Fitzroy Island. We arrived and everyone automically was on “relax take it easy mode.” We started our day with a beautiful snorkel with our new friend and instructor; Kurt. Kurt also became our scuba guru and anxiety counselor. Then the certified divers and the students who were unable to dive (aka yours truly) headed off to explore the island while the other students continued there certifications. After a long day of paddle boarding, diving, swimming, and training we had our thanksgiving dinner. We went to a restaurant on the water at sunset, it was unreal. Everyone in the group went around the table and said what they were thankful for. We were all thankful for our families at home that helped us get to this point and supported us every step of the way. I am not only thankful for my family at home but my new Carpe family of 12 siblings and 2 amazing adults. As dinner continued we all laughed and shared memories of thanksgiving at home. I realized at dinner how much i’m going to miss my Hongi Group when we depart and say goodbye in a short while. I think even though we all missed home we were all so thankful to be spending it on an amazing island with a group that cares for one another dearly.
Sending lots of love to the states. We will see you soon!
xoxo,
Melissa