Everybody recommended me to make the PADI licence with Tim and Leslie, who live a bit on the outskirts of Madang. As all the other interested Expats finally jumped off the list, I ended up having a private course with Leslie on my own. Pure luxury!
So last Wednesday, PNG Independence Day, I got picked up and had the first half day theory in the classroom: how much volume does a balloon loose, when you take it from the surface to 20m under water? What is a squeeze? When diving for 40minutes in 16m depth, what is your minimum surface time before could do the same dive again? Where do you attach the second stage of the alternate air source on your BCD? Well, the divers amongst you know what I’m talking about.
Tim & Leslie's surf school
gearing up Tank & BCD
gearing up Tank & BCDThe afternoon in the pool was much fun. Old swimmers like me have no problem with buoyancy I suppose. On Saturday I had theory again and then I did my first dives in the sea. I made my first moves at the reef of Wanget Island. Not the worst spot to get started. 
I learned to take off my mask under water and clear it from water again, how to properly control the BCD inflation levels and emergency ascends with and without air. Diving with Compass was really fun, but after following the given route, somehow I did not quite end up where I was supposed to. Anyway – no problem in this fantastic clear reef water and Lesley is such a wonderful, experienced instructor. I never felt insecure or uncomfortable; we had a great time out all day together.
Leslie & Frauke
Albert, our boat driver
My first serious dive was directly down to 18m (the maximum allowed depth for me) to a shipwreck. Fantastic! It was as if one enters a new dimension: covered with coral and many different, colorful fish we let the light current carry us over the deck, observing the wildlife. Impressive. I think I understand why people say I will be spoiled for the rest of my diving, having learned to dive in PNG. It is said to be one of the best spots in the world.
As the wind got more intense and the sea more rough, Leslie decided to reschedule my final qualification dive to next weekend. There I will already dive with other certified divers and we will go to a special place.
Will keep you posted on this. On Saturday evening we went to the East New Britain cultural night (for the Experts: this is the Province having had Rabaul as Capital before the great Volcano breakout in 1994, which buried the town like Pompeji). Although it was interesting to see the traditional dresses and some dances, such as the famous Tolai Wip-dance, I think I am already spoiled from having seen the big Sing-Sings at the cultural day and other occasions.
As the wind got more intense and the sea more rough, Leslie decided to reschedule my final qualification dive to next weekend. There I will already dive with other certified divers and we will go to a special place.
Will keep you posted on this. On Saturday evening we went to the East New Britain cultural night (for the Experts: this is the Province having had Rabaul as Capital before the great Volcano breakout in 1994, which buried the town like Pompeji). Although it was interesting to see the traditional dresses and some dances, such as the famous Tolai Wip-dance, I think I am already spoiled from having seen the big Sing-Sings at the cultural day and other occasions.
Honor & Frauke at the ENB-night
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