I now have a definite answer to the question "where is the most exotic place you have thrown up?". That would now be without doubt the Great Barrier Reef. Twice. I thought I didn't get seasick. Evidently I do, and without blaming anyone, it's all my mum's fault. Those pesky genes again...

So I'm avoiding eating anything until I'm safely back on dry land. Or wet land (this is Cairns). I have been on a boat out at the Reef all day, and the trip out this morning was very choppy. Two coffees was at least one too many, and I didn't feel quite right during my first snorkel, or my first ever scuba dive.

But to hell with the negatives. My first ever scuba dive! It was incredible. I got the hang of it after about 15 mins, though it was just a 30 minute introduction. It was still amazing and there was a professional photographer who successfully got me to part with some hard-earned cash for three nice shots.

We moved on to the second dive site and I armed myself with a small amount of lunch, most of which I was able to eject into the sea whilst snorkelling (not actually through the snorkel). I felt a bit better after that, but still managed to fill a "souvenir bag" on returning to the boat. I actually fed the fish too, which the other snorkelers seemed to appreciate.

So, we're on our homeward journey, slowly - thankfully - due to one dodgy engine. The sea is calmer and so is my stomach. It's been a good day so far!

So let's recap the last few days. It should take very little time. On 3rd Feb, the cyclone had passed, we went back to the hostel, slept and drank. On 4th I spent all day looking at roadtrips, car hire and diving tours. On Saturday I spent the day with Louise and Veronica, two scots who might be interested in tagging along on a trip to the non-damaged areas around Cairns. Oh and last night I went out. I didn't drink much, but it may not have helped my feelings today!