One would think that I’d have a fuzzy head given the amount of alcohol consumed the previous day. Alas, I felt my usual groggy self upon the morning of departure to Manta Ray Island.
Two nights was enough for me to enjoy South Sea Island. One weak goodbye later and I was aboard the Yasawa Flyer.
Farewell...
My mood was bright and hopeful for the continued quest of rest and relaxation. To reinforce this sentiment further, I had a Cornetto.
I remembered the little girl who skipped to the tune of the ice cream van as it trundled down the street. Coming to a standstill, the truck’s humming heartbeat could be heard from the living room window. Sweet frozen goodness was within reach and all that stood between the little girl and happiness was a silver coin. Eyes bright and smile wide, the little girl turned to her Mummy and attempted a forced cuteness set to stun and hypnotise. Unfortunately Mummy was immune to such dastardly manoeuvres and, for the most part, the answer no reverberated sharply shooting down the little girl’s dream. But sometimes the answer was yes. The little girl hadn’t even thought that far ahead and indecisiveness took hold – strawberry or chocolate..?
When Granddad visited however, it was a different story. Every day was Cornetto day! It is one of few memories that I have of my Granddad as he passed when I was young. It may surprise you that one cone-shaped confectionery could cause such a swell of happy memories!
Happily reminiscing, I chowed down on a chocolate Cornetto intermittently speaking to a Danish guy from South Sea Island. We poked fun at certain passengers – guy with funny shirt, Asian girl with average looking white guy (that never gets old), smelly guy…The conversation did move forward and we spoke about our travels and how it has affected us.
For the most part, we agreed on certain personality traits that have evolved and benefited from the independent trail we have embarked on. However, Mr Danish also divulged his sexual experimentation. Apparently he’s not gay but used this trip as a trial to see what sleeping with a guy is like. It’s something that he’s always wanted to try. It wasn’t something I could really contribute to. Other than the odd drunken kiss to impress the guys around us or a random dare, I can’t say I’ve ever dabbled in lesbianism. It’s not something on my list of things to do around the world. Not long after that revelatory bombshell, it was time for me to leave.
Another musical Bula welcome embraced me like an old friend and, just like South Sea Island, it didn’t take me long to meet people. I met Helen, a Brit who has been living in Hong Kong running her own practice (psychiatry). I also met Heather and Sacha, two Canadian girls living and working in Australia. I spent my two days in Manta Ray flitting between them but found Helen to be more relatable and easy to get on with. The other two girls were carrying a lot of drama and I didn’t think they saw me as anything more than a way of moving conversation forward.
After a deliciously filling lunch, I made my way to the beach and watched a coconut demonstration. I watched one of the workers retrieve a coconut from the tree with ease and laughed along as others tried (and failed) to do the same. I think we need a bit more practice! I stayed to watch a bit more as the worker explained the many uses of coconut (e.g. jewellery) and observed people peeling open the coconut using a sharp splint of wood sticking out of the ground.
With an expanded knowledge on coconuts, I rested on the beach to catch the last bit of sun.
That evening, Helen, Heather, Sacha and I joined a few others for a sunset tubing trip. We each deposited alcohol in the cooler and set out on a small boat to find the best view of the sunset.
All but one of us plopped into the sea with our rubber rings. Awkwardness ensued at first as I struggled to get comfortable. Soon enough I found the right balance and leant back, beer in hand. Ahhhh…
Sun worshipping
Cheers!
I need to work on my tan lines
Dinner waited for us as we returned. A three course meal filled me up nicely. The evening was finished off with a dancing ceremony.
The resort put a great effort into proceedings and it was great fun to watch. I even got a chance to join in as one of the girls pulled up spectators for a disjointed hokey cokey. We then did a giant conga. I felt like I was at a school disco. I loved it!
With the possibility of swimming with manta rays early the next day, I decided to call it a night.
*****
Sleeping quarters were slightly claustrophobic. I was stationed in the bottom of a low rising set of bunk beds. To fend off attacking insects I was cocooned in a mosquito net. It must have made an eerie sight to an outsider. I’m just glad I didn’t need the toilet in the night as it’s around 50 metres away from the room down a winding cobbled path.
My alarm rang out and I sprang out of bed. It is the only way to wake myself up sometimes. If I just lie there, I’ll need at least half an hour to motivate myself to get up. I don’t think I’ll ever be a morning person.
I fed some fish…
I got a coconut…
…thanks to a hungry worker!
And his friend...
As well as this, I sunbathed and snorkelled. In doing so, I added to my expanding collection of underwater videos.
For my final night, I ended my stay with a watery cocktail and toasted to another successful island.
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