The Engleson Files

One of the huge highlights for the family (Svea excluded probably) was the snorkeling on Gili Trawangan. It was a highlight for a couple of reasons: it was Magnus’s first time ever doing it and the area in which we explored was as good as anywhere in the world. The island had many different areas to explore with thousands of different marine life to watch. At the main beach area the drop off was literally 15 feet from shore and was all lined with gorgeous multi-colored coral (my pictures do not even come close to portraying their beauty); the water easily went down 60-100 feet at the drop off. I was not sure how Magnus would take to all of this and thought he might be a little scared of how deep the water was and what lurked down below; but he took to it the very first second he tried! We were all so proud of him. Together, Magnus and I snorkeled everyday for two hours (at least) and became completely addicted - even so much he dragged Kristin out and taught her how to do it as well. On a couple of occasions the family hired a boat and went out to some other key areas - I was so impressed with how our little 5 year old handled himself out in the middle of the big, wavy ocean! Without question our biggest highlight in the water came on three occasions when we got to swim with turtles; I cannot describe what a special feeling it was to watch these gigantic, beautiful creatures swimming about in their habitat and just doing their thing. It was such a fantastic time and it is my hope/dream that Magnus will always remember his first time out snorkeling at Gili Trawangan.

Again, sorry, I only had a film camera underwater and lost a lot of quality in the scanning.