Day 12 - Diving with Duncs

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The Thai Island of Koh Toah is supposed to have the best prices in the world but this is pretty much the same. $99 USD for two discovery dives is pretty good and, if anything, there’s more fish here and a lot more chance of seeing turtles, eels and stingrays. Once Ian had mastered equalising his ears, we were good to go and find some. There were no turtles but we saw some rays, manteray eels (which have a pretty scary grid on them), lionfish (don’t touch), clams and plenty of angels swimming around our heads. Two 45-minute dives later, we were done and, looking back, it was an amazing way to spend a sunny Monday afternoon. But, as someone not that interested in naming slightly different patterned fish I think the novelty of coral dives have worn off now. If I dive again I’ll probably be keen for some shark, cave, or cenote diving.

Back at the dive shop, we chilled out with a few beers with our heartthrob instructor, Duncan. Filling out a very Australian singlet, at about 6’ 3”, with a Mexican tan and English accent, we were both developing man crushes for Duncs. Half-way through his Coronita, a little Corona that made him look huge, some girl walking past in tiny shorts came over and hugged him like she’d really been missing him. Bitch. Everyone at the dive shop breathed a huge sigh of relief though when he turned around and reassured us that she wasn’t his girlfriend. Spanish speaking Duncs from Kent, master in kite-surfing and diving, was really living the life – one of those people who just follow the seasons around the world and seem happy than everyone else around them. Unfortunately he had other plans tonight so couldn’t meet us for a beer later. I must have been upset because I deleted his photo.

Back to the Palace then and we thought we’d try our luck with the Maya’s own Japanese restaurant. Despite my very awkward attempt to tip the maître de we were eventually ushered in for some sake and sushi. Ian’s main of tempura prawns was the best we’d had in Mexico. A few more warm sakes down, we went to see Omar at the buffet for a cup of coffee. He sat us down at a table of four and five minutes later sat two American girls next to us. They were straight out of NYC medical school and were keen to chat after Ian expertly broke the ice. Another dollar for Omar…

Straight off the plane, Ingy and Trish were getting pretty tired. Maybe they were getting tired of our conversation or tired of losing at pool, but they headed to bed about one. Ian will tell you that, in the same way most Latin American countries have a $25USD exit tax, I have one of my own: a cheeky pat on the bum for the lovely Ingy. I honestly don’t remember doing this but I’ve never known Ian to lie…

We left the Riu for the last time and headed in to town to check out the Blue Parrot for a neeeeeedless two beers. There were loads of girls there. Mainly Israelis. And even with my newly acquired tan and permanent Jewish nose-hair combo, any half-hearted attempt to integrate was swiftly rejected.

Time to leave Playa.

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Photos

Exit tax
Trish (left), Ingy (right)