I keep thinking that we should have taken before and after pictures. I’m not entirely sure what they would show to the naked eye. We are more tan and more blond, certainly. My eyebrows have turned entirely blond and Roger’s hair is lighter than I’ve ever seen it. My hair just looks like I paid to have blond highlights.
The after pictures wouldn’t show significant weight loss (diets suffer on Utila), but we both have a greater ease in our skin. Maybe it’s because it’s just too hot to do otherwise, but I find that when I put on capris now I feel over dressed. Short shorts and bikini tops have become de rigueur (just another way that Utila has helped me recapture my youth).
The pictures couldn’t show what we’ve learned or accomplished. We are officially divemasters, which qualifies us to work leading scuba divers anywhere in the world. We have continued practicing law (on a small scale), ensuring that we could make a bigger move and perhaps continue to make money.
Most importantly, I think that these hypothetical “after” pictures might show a trained observer our total shift in priorities. Watching the sunrise over the water is important. Wandering through town and saying hi to your neighbors is gratifying. Helping load a boat full of divers is good hard work. And dancing underwater in celebration of an amazing find (a dolphin leaping in the air, a nurse shark rubbing up against you, or spotting a scorpion fish, to name a few) is warranted.
We are off today for the second half of our adventure. Indeed, I’m writing this post as we fly over Mexico on our way to Atlanta. We said goodbye (or at least see you later) to Utila, and are on our way to board a sailboat. We have some interesting guests coming aboard (at least one pirate we’ve yet to meet) and amazing places we plan to visit.