Cairns, Barrier Reef and back to work in Sydney

Diving on the Great Barrier Reef was incredible. I was originally booked for 3 days and 2 nights but extended the stay for an extra day as it was so good. Went for a total of 14 dives over the course of the trip. That means I'm now an advanced diver and am hoping to scout out some spots to continue diving around Sydney now that I'm here.

Shared a room with a Scouser and an Aussie in Cairns, staying in a place called Shenanigans. I liked the name so went with it. Was a bit worried about leaving my stuff in the room and going out for the night with a Scouser around so made sure he was with me all the time. The Aussie lad was a one-off as well. One of those guys who elaborated on the truth somewhat every time he spoke. Most nights he'd be in the room boozing and ordering Dominoes.

Stayed there for 2 nights while we trained for the diving in the pool. There were only 2 other people in our class - Natasha from Tasmania and Corey from New York. We all got on well and that made the course much less boring. Left for the liveaboard boat on the 3rd day. That was class - the schedule for every day followed the same pattern:

6:30 - morning dive
8:00 - breakfast (the smell of bacon was the first thing encountered leaving the water)
9:00 - dive
11:00 - dive
12:30 - lunch
2:30 - shore transfer for those leaving/boarding
4:00 - dive
6:00 - dinner
7:30 - night dive

On the first night our group was not allowed to dive because we weren't certified divers so they lowered the back end of the boat into the water and we watched with snorkels as the fish and sharks were attracted to the back lights. The crew threw food into the water just over our heads so the fish got pretty close.

Got certified on the second day at sea and was able to have some fun dives without any instructors and also dive at night. Didn't see any sharks that night though. Hired an underwater camera that day so have some pictures to put on at some point.

Arrived back in Cairns a day later than the rest of my class and met them later for a few beers back at Shenanigans and the Woolshed. Was also staying back at Shenanigans and saw Shane, the Aussie lad from before, jumping over the back fence to get into the room as they were trying to kick him out for not paying. He had imported a couple of lesbians into the room as well so it was double booked. Meant I got moved into a double room for free though.

First day back at work today so a few things to catch up on and learn as it's a different job to the previous one - supporting the multimedia side of the company websites. Yes, I'm a geek.