Another year over...

And a new one's just begun... We farewell 2008 with many fond memories. Not the least of which was had today, when Angie and I went out for a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. After much deliberation as to what company to go with, we elected Reef Magic - mainly because they give a 40% local discount, and because they had a floating pontoon. Very glad we did too - more on that shortly. So we set out, armed with togs and towels and waterproof disposable cameras, for the outer reef to see what we could see. Donning some distinguished looking stinger suits we headed into the water to have a squizz at some mostly bleached coral (few colourful bits here and there to remind us of what once was), and of course loads of delighful fish, including a resident Maori Wrasse who was about 1.2m long (so sayeth the marine biologist on board). We flipped and flopped about in the water for an hour and a half or so, Angie disappearing to the side to try and rescue a train crash of a face mask situation (kept leaking) and me diving down in my attempts to capture brilliant photos of colourful fish... Angie reckons I was diving down 5-10m. I reckon more like 3-5m, but the last few dives i noticed some popping between by eyes... or maybe it was behind my eyes. Anyway, thought nothing of it and we decided to get out for some lunch. This was about the time i realised i didn't feel so good being vertical... wasn't sure if i was gonna vomit or pass out, but definately didn't feel too flash. So i went and curled up on a sun lounger and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon while Angie snorkelled about with glee! (Giant clam below... which is actually about a metre across. Now there's a shellfish!)

Felt ok after a bit of rest, though the next three days had horrid pain in my sinuses. Evidently a pressurised air bubble in them, which took three days to work itself out. Not pleasant. but such is life. Didn't stop too much enjoyment of life!!! Anyway getting back to NY eve... a nice relaxing evening was had at Mikaela and John's with a few drinks to welcome in the new year.

Highlights for the year then... Abbey. Lucy. Mez. (My girls). A growing realisation of the utter primacy of family in our lives. We've been to, and we've seen some amazing places, and critters. The year started with us in the presence of family, and that is indeed how it ended also. Though in different countries, continents and hemispheres! But the utmost highlight has to be the friends in the middle, namely those we met and were charmed by in our small group in Nottingham, and especially Andy, Jess and Rosie Wolfe who amazed us with their generosity, hospitality in welcoming us into their home, and all round niceness to live with! Our three weeks living with them stand out in memory of 2008 as being what really made the year! Cheers to the potential of 2009!!