Saturday 19th November

Today we had our first great adventure in Cairns; we went diving in the Great Barrier Reef. We were booked onto a boat tour which took you out for the day with about 50 other people as well. We had a long prep talk as we got onto the boat and we were told there were sea sick tablets available if needed and best to take them before the boat sets off to prevent any sickness. So because I have been on boats before I assumed I don't ever get sea sick so ignored this piece of advice.

Later on we were given our scuba diving prep talk where we sat at the top of the boat (the rockiest part). As the boat is zooming through the water to get to the first reef destination, I was trying very hard to listen to all the instructor had to say about scuba diving; however, I was also trying not to throw up!! Breathing deeply in and out and feeling very faint, getting pins in my fingers I was begging for the talk to finish soon! As soon as it did I went downstairs and took the sea sick tablets (which I was warned about before that tasted disgusting but I had to take them), luckily they finally made me feel better.

As we got to the first reef, we were the 3rd team to go scuba diving so we got our wetsuits on and then when we were called for our dive we headed downstairs to get kitted up. Weights round our waist, air tank on our back (it was probably just a little bit lighter than my rucksack) but still very heavy, although you can't feel it in the water. We were given a quick demonstration as to how to use the mouth piece to breathe, I was eager to double check our tanks had plenty of air! Then when we were ready we took our flippers (although apparently they're called fins, mum and dad, another word I seem to have misunderstood in my life!) and our goggles (which are called masks with the snorkel tube) into the water. I was ready first and headed down under the water where the instructor was waiting for our group. I had a few issues with sorting out my mask; water seemed to be filing my mask every time I went under water, so took a few minutes to sort that out. Our group took a while to prepare and be ready to dive, but eventually we got there. As we began to swim deeper, my ears felt the pressure but we were told to pinch our nose and blow to equalise the pain. We had hired an underwater camera to take on this trip so we were able to get plenty of cool photos of scuba diving and of the fish and the coral (which will be added later on when we get the photos back). I wanted to see a turtle but we never did. I might just do another dive in another location just so I can see a turtle. I was also given a certificate for completing my first scuba dive. I'm very proud of myself!

After our dive we had lunch and then the boat continued onto the next reef location. I had booked myself into a 10 minute helicopter ride. It was amazing and I wish it lasted longer. We went over the reef and I did see turtles but they were tiny from up in the sky but all in all it was still a cool ride.

As we got back to the boat, back into our wetsuits, flippers and snorkelling masks, we went snorkelling! (Again photos of this will be on the way very soon as well).

We met a nice couple on the boat who we arranged to meet in the evening but I am still struggling with jetlag so I had to pass on a night out. I feel like such a grandma!

Sunday 20th November

It's early in the morning now and I feel a bit more awake. I am moving to a hostel today so will hopefully start to make some friends and get me out of my comfort zone in my luxury hotel where I have been desperately trying to catch up on sleep.

We will be playing volleyball later as well which I signed myself up for to meet some people at the hostel so hopefully should be a good and chilled day and then out partying tonight, fingers crossed I don't get too tired to go out!

Will update again soon and look out for my diving photos! Speak soon xxx

P.S. anyone who wants me to add their email to the update list so you know when I have updated my blog please send me a message and I will get that done!