Beaches were GREAT.

We went snorkeling with amazing weather off the coast of a small island Tanankely-- "small earth." The water was unbelievably clear (average visibility 45ft...meaning sometimes more....!), sands were white, and the sea life was incredible. I'm ignorant concerning the sea and therefore know very little about what I saw. Nonetheless....amazing!

At first I thought to myself "Whoah...I need to remember that!" but then it became impossible to remember. So many beautiful tropical fish of such diverse colors and shapes. A HUGE sea cucumber, sea anemones, many different types of coral, sea urchines of large black spines, shrimp-like somethings. It was unbelievably gorgeous. The only thing stopping me was the eventual salt in my lungs from being very unpractised with the snorkel. To top it all off I saw sea turtles!! my sea turtle expert of a friend informs me that they were hawksbill turtles. I got to swim with sea turtles! and even touch one! in nature! oh la la. moreover, my friend andrew got a short video of me swimming up to and touching one of the turtles.

after a morning of exploration of the sea, we had a beautiful picnic lunch on the beach under some trees that look like hibiscus. at least the same family. although I know i've only seen a small portion of this country, i didn't expect a coral reef habitat so lovely. maybe i subconciously thought that all it's wonders had been revealed?

We are back in Tana now preparing for departure. Last minute gifts, last minute internet, sharing a final meal, etc. Some of us are going to hitch a taxi to an artisinal market that should be interesting. I hope all is well, and I will be seeing you soon.

love, em