Trip 2: Gone Fishin'

25 September 2011

Hangovers. I hate you. At 6am, I was doing everything I could do to pull my old butt out of bed. What were we thinking? Regardless, I must rally. We had a boat too catch in a little over an hour.  All I could think about was “Where’s the ibuprofen? Water?”

After a shower, I felt much better. Still very sun burnt and hungover but excited about the day’s events. We were going fishing on the Indian Ocean. Only two more oceans to go...WOO HOO! Raced through breakfast to head out on the water.

Luckily, it was a perfect day. The water was glass. Big puffy clouds. The sun was staying away from our sun burnt skin. We threw the lines in and began to troll. 3.5 hours later, nothing. Not even a single bite. But, that’s okay. We kept trolling and enjoying the water and hiding from the sun. Around 1pm, I hit my done point. I was hot, sun burnt, and rapidly entering miserable. But, I wanted to fish in hopes that we would at least get a bite. But, no such luck. Liam was a trooper and still tried to fish with a line and a GIGANTIC lure. I didn’t think anything would bite off of that thing. But, I was ready for a nap, shade, and some juice. Next time, we are fishing day one.

We did find a school of dolphins that we played with. I sat on the bow and got a few pictures and a long video. At this point, I was also kicking myself for not having brought our better camera. I need to find a way to waterproof it so that it goes everywhere.

A few of the dolphins.

 At around 3:30pm, we headed back in hot, more sun burnt, and exhausted without a fish. They were off in some international business meeting. At least that’s my conclusion. Or, they were just terrified of our ability to bring the fish in the boat once we have them on a line. Either way, I don’t know if I would have been physically able to fight a fish today.

I avoided the bar like the plague. Well, I did have to get juice. They have a great menu of smoothie type beverages and that’s all I would touch tonight. Ironically, the same went for everyone who had been sharing in the festivities last night.  You know, many years ago when I was a kid my parents would hang out with their friends and the next morning they would come crawling out of bed like death had overtaken their bodies the night before. I get it now. And I’d like to take a moment to apologize for EVERY annoying noise I made those mornings!!

There were a few couples at the bar trying to get us to take shots with them. I wanted to celebrate their joyous unions with them (Fundu is mostly honeymooners). I just couldn’t rally. I’m not 22 anymore. A decade has made me wiser and I have no problem following Dare’s slogan and “Just say(ing) no.”  We did however convene a meeting of international relations for Liam’s trip report. The following countries were in representation: Germany, Tanzania, France, England, Spain, Canada, and USA. It was very interesting hearing everyone’s opinion of what is going on in the states. My awareness of how little Americans actually leave the States is broadening. Every one spoke several languages, were world travelers and had great life experiences. Yet, we were the only Americans most of the people had encountered on their 2 week to month long treks through Africa. Americans just don’t get out much. Kind of sad when you think about it. So, folks, here's my plea. Step out of your comfort zone and go somewhere beyond your wildest dreams. It might even be better than you think.

 We tumbled into bed early because we were exhausted.