'Sometimes good things fall apart, so better things can come together'
Today it is with sad sad news that I announce my 'Once in a Lifetime' experience to live in Indonesia (Lembongan & Komodo) comes to a shuddering end. It was planned to volunteer (Intern) my time for a period of 6 months to assist in the Data collection, Photo ID, and much more concentrating on Manta Rays in South East Asia.
However last Monday 26/11/18 it was announced the Intern Program was to cease immediately with the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), and there would be no further intern positions effective immediately, or within the distant future.
This comes as a huge disappointment, not only for me but many others committed volunteers currently here in Indonesia, but also for future Interns alike and so on, as my 6 months was reduced to 6 weeks.
So to share some great Team memories, please enjoy the slideshow below of our 'Last Supper' evening at Sandy Bay on 'Dream Beach' enjoying each others company, the gorgeous Lembongan lifestyle, magical sunsets and Fun.
The most colourful and impressive 'Sunsets' I have EVER witnessed, what a Send Off.....
The experiences of the people, culture, food, lifestyle, beaches, diving & acceptance was humbling and memorable, so if you are considering a relaxed different style of Bali holiday, DO NOT overlook Lembongan. If you ever want any ideas of where to stay, dive and eat always happy to help!!!!!
I have now absorbed the shock of the NEWS!!! accepted the change and strongly believe in that better things will come together.
So, on my last day of Fun Diving I took the opportunity to go out to the North Side of Nusa Penida to enjoy some dive sites I had not yet explored; Buyuk and Sekolah Dasar (SD).
Now you must understand the timing of the Season for this dive and for what I am about to reveal. It is 1st December and the waters are warming up to a toasty 28-29dg and I have never had the fortune to dive with and witness with the mysterious Mola Mola until today, yes today when Mola Season is generally in Oct-Nov. Not only on this one dive did I have Mola Mola, but it was accompanied by 2 Eagle Rays, Octopus and many Moray Eel's........WOW WOW WOW.........
So lucky to witness Mola Mola in December, and soo fortunate to watch and video it for at least 7-8 minutes whilst getting cleaned by Banner Fish and alike. If you (divers) respect the space of Mola they tend to stay around, however more often than not they do descend away, quite shy and bashful (fearful).
To continue with 'better things will come', as part of an innocent conversation with my dive guides I discover an opportunity at the last minute (11th hour) to join an Indo run Live-a-Board dive trip to the Wondrous and Majestic 'Raja Ampat' in late January 2019. Would I still be with MMF this opportunity would have gone knocking, and Raja Ampat has been at the top of my "To Dive List'.
When all said and done, "Accept Change and Live Life to its Fullest" as you never know whats around the corner......
I am now having a Holiday within a Holiday and about to experience to Marvels of Tulamben and its Wrecks, Macro, Reefs and Critters, again another opportunity which would have gone begging.
In closing, 'Take Every Chance You Get In Life, Because Some Things Only Happen ONCE', & let my stories and experience give you inspiration to create your own Moments.
Another 'Rivetting Moment', to inspire & ignite the traveller in you, to broaden life challenges & experiences!!!