Aluredian 27
could only be climbed by narrow steps all
the way to the top. We discovered a lot
about the history of the Mayan people,
and found the day incredibly interesting.
The view from the top of the temples was
staggering, and the group felt privileged
to have seen the 1500-year old remains.
Leaving behind bats, birds, bugs and dear
old Monty, we headed for the Caribbean
for our underwater adventure (no, not the
leaky ponchos). Akamul had beautiful
beaches and remarkable diving, not that
any of it compared to the hot showers.
Our team leader and host Emma showed
us our rooms and then began our reef
ecology lectures, which ranged from the
flora and fauna we would see to the
causes and effects of global warming on
the coral reefs.
Common to the area were both the green
and the loggerhead turtle, both of which
were our constant companions whether
swimming or diving, and an amazing
night walk along the beach gave us an
opportunity to watch a green turtle laying
her eggs, as well us to learn more about
the hatchings occurring most nights.
For those already qualified, their diving
course began the next day with a
stunning display from two stingrays, and
continued to get better over the week as a
spotted eagle ray made everything worth
it for Mrs Scott, and a nurse shark
casually swam past the group. Those
finishing their diving course enjoyed two
mornings of lessons before receiving their
qualifications and spotting some butterfly
fish. Our final dives focused on the
locating of the invasive lionfish - a big
problem for the Caribbean reefs at the
moment, as they are causing the decline
of many native species. The dive masters
would bring them back to the hostel,
where most of the group chose to
participate in a dissection of the fish,
while several retired away from said
dissection claiming "sea-sickness".
Our time spent in Mexico was
unforgettable for everyone who went, and
was a once-in-a-lifetime experience - the
week in the jungle particularly aweinspiring.
Thanks must go to Mr and Mrs
Scott, Mr Florey and Miss Menheneott for
organising it.