Palawan - whale shark adventurer!

Well, broke bananas today! I overcame a giant fear today and jumped in when the giants came. Started my day like Otis Redding at 6 am. Coastguard check was 15 min behind, so I jumped the docked ship to grab an iced latte. The quirky coffee shop across from the boats had random (or not so random) books for coffee sippers to puruse. I kind of took the titles as a message for the day and embraced the message. First time in (video attached) I did the mandatory “slide into the water” but hovered back to let the others be eaten or tossed around first (haha), but as the only “solo” in the group, the guide chose to team up with me and grabbed my hand underwater to swim with me to the front. Or he knew I was a lurker and scared shitless! Next time I’m bringing a whale friend to cower with me. lol.

Intimidating and amazing at the same time. And the unusual current and long fast chase (executed many times) is surprisingly exhausting. Oh, and swimming after your iPhone that floats away doesn’t help either. Someone forgot her water phone neck cord and had to McGyver one lol. Lost all fear as they are absolutely gorgeous and the whole thing doesn’t feel real. I’m soooooooooo glad I did this. Again and again. Finally decided to do the Titanic thing and watch for flying fish on the way back- which is also amazing. Once in a lifetime experience. And magical.

In addition to the gentle giants we were blessed with skip jacks, birds and schools of fish to mesmerize and amuse our eyes. The sea glistened and was the most amazing color and if the water temperature had an adjustable dial; it was set to perfection. 6 am to 3pm of chasing these beauties in their natural habitat. I chose to do it ok this island vs in other counties or Ceibu as there is no feeding, touching or chumming allowed. It’s a encounter in their natural environment and wide open waters. Lots of boating and searching for the jumping fish (skip jacks) that hang out with the plankton which is whale sharks food. After you see the jumping fish, you look for bubbles and the guides announce when to slide in and swim! Amazing. Did I say “amazing”?! Well it was. Another fine meal prepared on the boat by a whale spotting chef and I’m tanned, waterlogged, exhausted and exhilarated. So glad I didn’t chicken out! It was National Geographic in real life. Note: I was the oldest in the water by maybe 30+ plus years. My fellow swimmers were from all over the world and all under 25ish. Of everything, this was a game of endurance and athleticism. Or for me- endurance, excitement, stubbornness, determination, tenacity and self competitiveness. All of which, I’ll admit to having more than my share of….

I am blessed and grateful to my friends Jean and Martin who I would never be here without! I am changed for having done this.

Palawan did not disappoint and I will be back many times.もっと詳しく