On the first dive, I was taken to see the wreck of the Amami, a Japanese Coastguard patrol boat, which sunk off the coast of Yoron in the 1980s. The wreck is 40m down, so we could only observe it from a depth of about 25m. Still, it was very eery, even from a distance. I've been interested in wrecks, so it's a nice first experience. Unfortunately the photo doesn't come out well, as I've had to tone down the blue, which has left it washed out and looking more like a painting. I took a very short video too though.

At the end of the first dive, as we were ascending the rope back to the boat, my guide suddenly started pointing behind me. I turned around and was shocked to see a large turtle swimming right at me!

Little did I know then, that on my second dive, my guide would take me to a place where turtles were known to sleep and hang out. We arrived to see two or three resting, and before we knew it, one by one they started to appear from all directions. My guide reckons he counted eight of them! I had a big grin on my face as I attempted to swim alongside a couple; a truly wonderful experience!

Did two dives this morning; saw some Nudibranchs (sea slugs), a lurking moray eel and held a puffer fish.

It takes five hours, but they provide small beds.

I can't believe somebody can manufacture this, with the metal, plastic, rubber and packaging, and still make a profit from selling it at 70p! Still, it will complement my daily exercise regime¹.

¹ When I say complement, I mean encompass.

I discovered this place, less than five minutes walk from my place, only yesterday, thanks to some information from a couple of new couchsurfing friends. It has wifi, LAN and power points, and a view out over the harbour. My new office.

They have a different lunch set (all ¥400) every day, and Friday is soup day. Many choices of soup too, including minestrone and clam chowder. Other days they have pasta, rice and curry with naan. Considering their coffee is ¥280 on its own, it's a great deal!

Today I'm staying on Zamami, a small island an hour boat trip from Naha. With a population of about 1000 people, it's a very quiet place. I booked a room at Patio House Reef, in a small hamlet called Ama, a 15-minute walk from the main Zamami village. I chose it because it looked comfortable and clean, and they have wifi internet access.

When I arrived, I was told to feel free to use the bicycle that had been left outside my room. So use it I did, to cycle around the western half of the island and visit the four viewing platforms. After I got back, I made the most of their lovely garden and deck area, sitting outside under the covered part until dinner time.

I had opted to have an evening meal on top of my room rate, and boy was it a feast. The wife of the owner prepared it for me, and it had everything: fish, meat, tofu, sashimi, vegetables, noodles, and even a piece of fruit and a yoghurt. Delicious!

All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to stay again. Thanks to Dave and his Zamami English Guide for pointing me toward this great find.