Fish and Fins

Due to airline weight restrictions, Dan and I decided not to bring our diving equipment. (OK, we probably could have brought it but it was old and we didn't want to pay extra to haul it.) Last week we got a chance to replace our masks, fins and snorkels at a shop in Sanur. We probably saved a couple hundred dollars over what it would have cost in the States.

Our villa is located a couple of kilometers from Petitenget Beach, on the Indian Ocean. Dan and I walked down to the beach a few days ago. The water is warmer than the Gulf, but be warned: These waves can knock you over! This side of the island is a surfer's paradise. Dan and I, however, have decided to look for a place to stay on the other side of the island where the ocean is calmer and meant for those older, out-of-shape types who prefer masks, fins & snorkel.

Guess what snorkelers can see here? Raccoon butterfly fish, Moorish idols, skunk clowns, decorated dragons, mini seahorses, and bumphead parrotfish. If we go diving on a reef we can see mola-mola, blue-banded octopus, mimic octopus, nudibranches, various sharks, sea turtles, eels, all kinds of clownfish, anemones, and shoals of anthias. (Eat your heart out, Andrew!) We'd love to take photos, but our cameras are not waterproof.

Speaking of eating, back in America giant gourami are sold in pet stores. Here, they're dinner. (I have a photo, but can't upload it. Suddenly having problems. Oh, well, maybe I can upload it later.)