When it Doubt - Head North

Bali. The name itself conjures up images of beaches, surfing, cultural dances and thanks to Eat, Pray, Love, Julia Roberts. But we had images of one thing. Sun. And upon arrival were disappointed to see grey skis and rain drops. As Jon tried to find us lodging, I asked where the most likely place sun would be. The answer: head north to Amed. We rented a little Jimney and off we went.

A 2 hour drive turned into a 4 hour adventure as we navigated unmarked roads on our sun quest. We ate oreos, took U turns and belted out Michael Jackson from our newly found English radio station. Thank you 103.6fm.

Snorkeling in Amed was beautiful, but the sun it did not possess. Making the most of the area, we drove the 30 min to Tulamben, the site of the US Cargo ship wreck. Shoving my body into a too small wetsuit, then strapping a weight belt on, plus an oxygen tank vest had me breathing heavy. I wadded into the water and at five feet panicked. "Oh my gosh, I can't breath (yes I could), what if I panic (I had begun to) and can't get to the surface??"

Above water, I asked repeatedly how my oxygen tank worked. Voice quivering, I agreed to go only a few feet deep and look around. It was settled. But you see, I had a clever guide. He pointed out sea creatures of brilliant colours, coral so detailed I had to swim closer and fish that begged me to follow them. Ten minutes later I was at the wreck site - 10 m deep. Well done Guide, well done. You tricked me and I loved it.

As soon as we were out of water, Jon and I kept repeating "that was amazing!" Then, after we removed our wetsuit it came. Out of the clouds it appeared in all its glory. Sun. We stripped down and stayed for hours. Refusing to leave until the sun did. Absolutely wonderful.