Two years ago, I left the states to join a six month long
marine conservation and divemaster internship program in Seychelles. I had no
idea what to expect, I just wanted adventure, a break from my life, a challenge
outside of my comfort zone and to meet some new people – all while living in
one of the most beautiful countries in the world. A country that I had dreamed
about since I was 15 and first saw pictures of those beautiful white sandy
beaches, dramatic granite rocks and crystal clear blue topaz water on a
calendar. Since June 2012, I’ve had
twenty-four months of simple living on this rock in the middle of the Indian
Ocean to grow and change in many ways, some I expected, many I didn’t and
things have turned out better than I could have ever imagined.
Almost exactly two years later, I am now wrapping up my life
here and preparing to move back to the US of A.
As much as I have loved it out here, I have decided it is time for me to
be closer to home again, near my family and friends and maybe try something
that vaguely resembles a “normal” life for a little while. I got all of those
things I asked for here in Seychelles, and so much more including 8 months as
the community coordinator and almost a year as the base manager for the marine
conservation project that I loved so much. I came out here with 4 dives and no
experience in marine conservation nor any idea how to drive a boat. I am
leaving with 400+ dives, 200+ hours driving the dive boat and can now name all
the coral, most of the fish here in the Indian Ocean and tell you fun facts
about green and hawksbill turtles that you never wanted to hear. Did you know
that Seychelles is one of the only places in the world where Hawksbill turtles
come ashore during the day to lay their eggs? Or that green turtles got their
name because of the color of their fat? (Hint:
it’s green.) Fascinating, I know. I’ve traveled to 6 of the 115 islands here in
Seychelles (including 4 trips to my favorite island – Bird), took a trip to
Tanzania and see the incredible wildlife roaming free in the Serengeti, spent a
night looking up at Kilimanjaro, have dived all over Mahe with multiple
turtles, a few sharks including one very impressive whale shark and a manta ray.
I’ve lived with and worked with amazing people from all over the world whom I
have learned so much from. Most of them Brits, and I have picked up a bit of
their lingo, so apologies in advance for anyone I confuse with phrases like
“cling film” and “stop winding me up” or “she’s just taking the piss out of
you.” Don’t worry, soon I’ll be back to saying things like “hey y’all, I’m
fixin’ to go to the store. Any y’all need anything? What kind o’ coke you want
me to get?” Oh, and I met a very cute boy who makes me smile, a lot.
I will be very sad to leave this place, but am very excited
about this next adventure in the homeland which starts when I land on American
soil very soon. I will be in Texas for a bit, making the rounds and enjoying
all those delicious culinary treats I have missed – Mexican food, Bluebell ice
cream, Mexican food, a variety of fresh fruits & vegetables, Mexican food, real BBQ, Mexican food – you get the idea. As
for what I am doing next…….stay tuned, that is for another post that you won’t
have to wait 6 months for, I promise.
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| Baby tortoise! |
