Waking up on your birthday to sunshine and warm weather is really weird when you have a December birthday. My last hot and sunny birthday was when I was 3!

The other thing that is weird is that it's always Christmassy around my birthday and out here you would hardly know what time of year it is - there are a couple of Christmas trees and a few bits of tinsel but mostly it feels like a normal summer abroad.

Yesterday evening we took a walk (more like a hike actually) up to the Viewpoint at the top of the island. It took about 10 minutes and we were knackered by the time we got to the top but the views were amazing (photos coming soon). That was about the most strenuous thing we did all day yesterday; most of the day was spent lazing around by the pool and reading (and doing homework for our diving today). We've also met another couple from England who have been backpacking for the last 4 months so have been getting a few tips about places to go and what to look out for.

We had a bit of a lie in this morning as we didn't have to be at the Dive Centre until 10, and had to do some theory stuff before going in the water. Hiking down to the beach with all the equipment and a full tank of air on our backs was a bit of a trial but once we were in the water it was fine. Getting used to breathing was really odd too - Simon got the hang of it much quicker than I did and I breathed through my nose and inhaled salt water a few times before I got the hang of it.

We saw a few fish and some coral but not too much as we were quite shallow and learning skills rather than looking at stuff - more of that tomorrow as we have 2 dives off a boat and will be going a bit deeper (early start though - we need to be there by 7.15 *ouch*). Same again the following day, and we have to do an exam and then we will be qualified to do this on our own (that prospect is still quite scary but hopefully won't be after the next 2 days).

We have been recommended a good restaurant to go to tonight to celebrate me being another year older so looking forward to a nice evening and to relaxing after today's exertions.

Hope you are all well,

Simon and Jane xx