Day 3: Operation Snorkel Prep

The good news is nothing can keep a good man down.  Our water walking hero survived the night and the morning check up. It was nothing ice, rest, and a few cervezas couldn’t fix.  We just had to abide by the ‘not a lot of walking’ rule for the day.

Unbeknownst to Gaston, my secret plan is to take Gaston snorkeling on a catamaran.  He is deathly afraid of submerging himself underwater and cannot swim.  This would prove to be a daunting challenge for most, but I prayed to the Cuban sun and water gods for support.

Step 1: Find a catamaran

Apparently you can use a catamaran for 30 minutes a day if you know how to sail them (I don’t) and you reserve in advance (I didn’t).  I find the boss of the catamarans.

Me: Hola señor!

Boss: Hola señorita bonita (Hey pretty lady)

Me: Are there any boats left for today?

Boss: I’m sorry, we are all booked for today.  Why don’t you come back tomorrow?

Me: <pout>  … <disappointed face>  … <sighing>

Boss: I’m so sorry

Me: <begin broken Spanish> Okaaaaay.  But I super really wanted to go today. And my boyfriend is scared, so he has to try it first, and I want him to like it, so I can go on my tour, and it’s my secret plan and…</end broken Spanish>

Boss: Okaaay, ok.  Go get him.  Manuel can take you guys out for a quick ride.

Me: <smileys> <happy dance> <blows kisses>

Gaston loves the ride. Pretends it was his idea. Agrees to go on a longer 2 hour tour.

Step 2: Get Snorkeling

I use cigar shopping as a ruse to lure Gaston into the store. “Oh look babe, they have snorkels and masks for sale.  Wouldn’t it be fun to buy one and practice in the shallow water?”

He agrees and we head to the beach with our new purchase.

We snorkel all afternoon and find crabs, fishes, and a starfish.  He loves it and forgets about being submerged in the water.  He’s hooked and says he’d be open to trying again.

I put the little man down for his afternoon nap and sneak out to book the snorkel tour.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!