"So, what did you see today?" "Oh, you know, sharks." Our TOPdive leader Bernard Begliomini laughed and responded, "Only sharks. And mantas … and eagle rays. Less than one week in Bora Bora and now these things are common?" Society member Al Kelly laughed, realizing how nonchalant his statement sounded. In Bora Bora, shark and ray sightings are almost as routine as diving with a buddy, as the Society members who attended the Tahiti Dive Festival in March discovered. By the time this conversation took place, the event had truly hit a rhythm. Long sleeves had long been replaced by lightweight wraps and sandals, as the event was blessed with picture-perfect weather and seas. Pale winter faces were now glowing from the kiss of the Tahitian sun. And strangers from all over the U.S. had become good friends. The Tahiti Dive Festival took place at two properties - the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and the Bora Bora Dive Resort (formerly known as the TOPdive Resort). The mornings were filled with the flurry of dive activity. The rivalry between Team Purple and Team Blue was particularly fierce as they were all members of one dive group from Midwest Diving Specialists in Normal, Illinois. Each team was hell-bent on stealing the flag from "the other half of Normal." Bragging banter ("There were at least 15 sharks!") would often carry over from lunch on the deck outside Bora Bora Dive Resort's restaurant into the afternoon events, which included the first-ever Society Sports Invitational - a buddy-team competition that included a volleyball tournament and a kayaking race against the clock. All winners received top-of-the-line equipment donated by our sponsors, Tusa and Sea & Sea. Others enjoyed the competition on the sidelines, immersed in the cool comfort of Bora Bora Lagoon Resort's amazing infinity pool (yes, with drinks in hand), and then joined in the Society treasure hunt afterward. The Society Sports Invitational wasn't the only first for this event. Guests also played on the canvas under the direction of marine artist Ron Steven. The creative genius behind Art by Rogest, who provided the artwork for this year's Society membership card, Ron held clinics each day following the dives and taught guests how to apply the unique technique of aboriginal dot art to make their own masterpieces. When not diving or teasing the guests, Ron devoted time to the residents of Bora Bora, conducting paint clinics with the local children, whose combined creation was presented to the Mayor of Bora Bora on the final evening of the event. From watching an authentic Polynesian dance and fire show, sponsored by the Tahiti Tourisme and Tahiti Maeva, to watching shooting stars blaze across the night sky, every evening moment was magical. We shared a bit of our own culture as well, especially during the Hinano Party. Local Hinano Brewery donated lots of prizes, including - of course - beer for an evening of fun and frolic. TOP dive's always playful staff was introduced to two American traditions - Pass the Grapefruit and Musical Chairs. It's amazing what adults will do for a free beer! Between the diving, the events, the seminars (which included the opportunity to earn two PADI Distinctive Specialty ratings - Shark Diver and Manta Ray Diver) and the parties, the week flew by too fast. On departure day, the communal message board was filled with notes from the guests, "Bora Bora Airport closed due to snow. Russ is sick and can't leave until next month. We love you, TOPdive!" Our adventure in paradise was over, but it definitely was not forgotten; the guests are still exchanging e-mails and photos and planning their next Society adventure. So where are we off to next? Cozumel for the Dive Fiesta in July and Roatan for Society Singles in September. For more information on both events, see the ad on page 93 and visit www.padi.com and www.sport diver.com. You can also contact your local PADI Dive Center or call the dive travel specialists of PADI Travel Network at 800-729-7234, ext. 2, to make your reservations.