Wow, where do I even begin?
I know. Let's talk about how I had a serious misconception about the location of The Great Barrier Reef.
I consider myself to be fairly smart, well traveled, and knowledgeable about the world around me. So I'm embarrassed to say that I thought the GBR was just right offshore. You know, like you go to the beach, swim out a bit, and there it is!
Please tell me someone else thought/thinks this.
Obviously, I was completely incorrect. As soon as we booked our day trip and I learned it was an almost two hour boat ride out to the reef, I knew I was in trouble.
Trouble, as in I could be eaten by a shark in the middle of the ocean. This is Australia, after all.
Three cheers to Will for putting up with a really anxious person on that boat ride. But come on, jumping into the ocean when you can barely see land in the distance is a bit scary, right?!
Anyway, it was 50000000% worth the anxious nerves because let me tell you, The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It's a whole different world down there, and most of it doesn't even look real. There were fish in colors I didn't even think fish came in, caves that seemed to never end, plants that danced and swayed as the water moved.
I wish the pictures could do it more justice! Shout out to our underwater camera who mercifuly decided not to die until the end.
It should be noted that no, I did not find Nemo, and yes, I did see a shark.
HOWEVER, it was a baby shark. And my scream caused it to swim away very quickly.
I highly recommend this experience as a must-do if you ever visit Australia.
I can't wait to go again!
