10 Days in Raja Ampat
When you hear of sailing through Raja Ampat on a liveaboard I’m sure you imagine the beautiful waters and locations you will get to experience and dive at. The part that may not come to mind initially is the group of people you might get to connect with while taking that journey. Last November, my good friend asked me if I wanted to join him and a group of 5 others to photograph our adventures for 10 days while on a liveaboard to Raja Ampat. Of course, this had been on my bucket list for a while, but previous to this some of the other liveaboards I was intending to go on just kept falling through for one reason or another.
Ten days spent on a liveaboard traveling through Raja Ampat with a group of strangers turned into an unforgettable experience that felt more like traveling with family. I never would have guessed that I would bond so closely with a group of people I had never met before, but I suppose that's the magic of traveling.
One of the most memorable experiences was when we all decided to give each other stick and poke tattoos to bond. We laughed and joked around while trying to create the perfect design. The tattoos may not have been perfect, but they were a testament to the fun we had and the bond we formed.
We also had a great time photographing each other. Whether it was snapping shots of the beautiful scenery or capturing each other's silly moments, we all had a knack for bringing out each other's best sides. It was incredible to see how everyone was able to bring their own unique perspectives to the table, making the trip even more special.
Of course, there were plenty of adventurous moments as well. One of the most exhilarating experiences was when we all started backflipping off the boat. I'll never forget the rush of excitement I felt as I soared through the air and splashed into the crystal clear waters below. It was a moment of pure joy and freedom.
But perhaps the most rewarding experience was learning how to backflip off my friend Josiah's shoulders for the first time. It took a lot of practice and patience, but with his guidance and support, I finally nailed it. That feeling of accomplishment and camaraderie is something that will stay with me forever.
Looking back on the trip, I realize that it wasn't just the incredible scenery or the exciting activities that made it so special. It was the people that I was with. We started out as strangers, but by the end of the trip, we had become a family. We shared laughter, tears, and unforgettable memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
Traveling with strangers may seem daunting at first, but I learned that it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of all. When you step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new people and experiences, incredible things can happen. So don't be afraid to take a leap of faith and see where your journey takes you. Who knows, you might just find yourself making memories that will last a lifetime with people you never would have met otherwise.
