While I was in the Abacos in the Bahamas, I had the happy occasion of going snorkeling. I had to search around for a good place to get in because the water was so rough that day. However, I was in excellent hands. Award winning guide Brendal of Brendal’s Dive Center found me a calm, clear location with lots to see.
He then took me to a tiny, deserted shore where he made me a stupendous lunch of grilled fish and other fruits of the sea. Then came the best part. After lunch, I waded into the shallows and sat in the warm, blue waters. I put chunks of raw fish in between our toes and, in minutes, several rays came by to have themselves a snack.
I could not believe how strong their tiny mouths were or how smooth and silky and soft the rays felt to the touch. They let me pet them and kept coming back for more fish until I ran out. I’m anxious to go back one day. I’m a very new snorkeler and even newer diver and I would love to learn more under Brendal’s tutelage.
Jenny Block is the author of "Open: Love, Sex, and Life in an Open Marriage" (Seal Hardcover, June 2008 and Seal Paperback, March 2009), which has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award. She writes a weekly column for the Dallas Morning News publication Quick called "Sex Talk with Jenny Block" (quickdfw.com). Jenny holds both her BA and her MA in English from Virginia Commonwealth University and taught college composition for nearly ten years. She writes for a wide variety of publications and websites, including huffingtonpost.com, yourtango.com, American Way, Veranda, the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Voice, edgedallas.com, literarymama.com, Spirit, chow.com, and ellegirl.com.
