Alright, so I’ve only been in a swiming pool so far, and in inclement weather (read: rain), but it’s good so far. The company I’m with is Down Under Cruise & Dive and so far I’d happily recommend them. The teaching facilities are clean and tidy, the instructor has a sense of humour while still really knowing what he’s on about and not taking and messing about and they provide free tea and coffee all day.

Our group is quite varied: 1 Aussie, 1 Frenchie, 2 Swedes, 1 Spaniard, 1 Columbian, 2 Yanks, 2 Dutch, 1 German and myself. The three instructors are Aussie and Japanese. Manuals are available in multiple languages, but everyone seems to have opted for English. The German guy I’m buddied with (the one from the hostel who’s name I promised I’d get and forgot, sorry) is struggling a little with the English but I’m helping him along with that which is making life easier for us both. It’s a 4-day course, so there’s a lot of cramming and a couple of hours’ homework to do this evening.

The pool experience was marred only by the rain and cold winds, which is a shame. Especially as up until lunchtime while we were in the classroom, there were blue skies and blazing sunshine! Ah well.

As I have work to do and dinner to get, I’ll leave it there for this update. The only other thing to add is that a Swedish couple moved into our room last night, so we’re now fully populated. They’re starting a dive class with another company tomorrow so we’ll probably catch up with them in the evenings.

And with that, I’m off to see my German “buddy” to study chapter 3, and then out for dinner with him and his girlfriend. I think I may be tempted with a steak tonight. I’ve not swum so much in one go for a long time…