Hello from Manta Ray Island!

Has been a very busy weeks since last being on here. Our last day at Wayalailai was spent being going on a village visit to the local village that runs solely off the profits from the backpacker resort. We were shown around the village by the self-proclaimed 'Sexy James' (he ways about 30 stones and has only 2 front teeth), and sexy he is not! The villagers were great and really friendly, and village kids were adorable and loved having their photos taken (will be added later). We were shown their church and school, and it was quite humbling how little they have and yet how much they give, the culture here is very open and giving, and they have the mentality of what is mine is yours.

We then jumped on the Yasawa Flyer to Manta Ray Island, which is a smaller island, more proficiently run by an australian guy. The food and dorms here are great and we have spent a lot of time with a lovely sweedish couple called Martin and Jenny. Also randomly met someone that lives in Upper Village Road, in Sunninghill!

Mainly here we have been doing our open water scuba diving certificate. We have now done four dives, and it is one of the best things I have ever done, it is so beautiful and colourful under the water, and after the intial breathing panic you get completely absorbed by your surroundings. We dove to about 15 metres but havent seen any sharks yet, although these are shark infested waters! Have however seen lionfish, which are pretty dangerous (as the name would suggest).

So, I had better get back to my Scuba revision, have been doing it all whilst laying in a hammock!

Hope you are all well and not to jealous!

Take care,

Liz and Tom xxx