OK. I'm just home from a two week vacation in Florida where I went on
Disney's Divequest. It was my first experience swimming with any amount
of wildlife.

Let's see, there were three sharks, three turtles that pretty much just
sat there, a bunch of rays, some big ugly fish and a lot of smaller fish.

There were fourteen of us in the group. Once the names were taken we got
the backstage tour. We saw where the water is filtered and where the
food for the animals is prepared. They showed us the labs and how they
lift the larger animals out of the water.

After a briefing of what was going to happen, it was time to get suited
up. We each of got a shot of Mickey's spit in our mask then we were off
to the buoy to start our descent. We all had to hold at about 15 feet to
let a shark move out of the way. We took our turn going in the
glass/acrylic bell then we played with some small cannonballs.

Then it was time to find our families and pose for the camera. When that
was finally done (it took forever) we could go off and explore on our
own. It was a great experience, even when the 10 ft. shark circled me
four times in a row. I didn't know what to do, if I should do anything.
I just settled softly on bottom and kept an eye on him. When he left I
turned to check on my buddy, he just shrugged his shoulders. Later we
were trying to see the dolphins through the bubble wall and gate and the
same shark zig zagged in front of us a couple of times. Then it was time
to get out. The fastest 45 minutes of my life.

I'm pretty sure I was safe both times, but images from Shark Week kept
popping into my head.

We were using ScubaPro brand everything. This was my first encounter
with split fins. I must say that I really don't like them. Sure they are
easier on the feet and legs, but I had to kick twice as much to move the
same distance as with my Genesis Aquaflex.

All in all it was a great dive. I may do it again in a few years when we
go back.

On a side note. My wife and kids were waiting when I came out and we
walked around the world showcase. When we walked through Norway the
workers were talking to each other in Norwegian the China workers in
Chinese the Japan workers in Japanese etc... It struck me funny that the
USA the workers were speaking to each other in Spanish.