| 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 29 July 2010, 13:59 Woow ... I'm done with the dive master course.
Today is the last 'assignment', lead a dive under supervision. Of course I was incredibly nervous, it's a while since an instructor to come along looking at me. I had ghedacht that Ed would be the one in my last training dive but it was a bunch of fresh Fundi EN necessarily so Rob went along. The dive itself was not so good, the dive site was not really well known to me. The way so I could not approve and therefore went to swim quickly. Ah, the dive went well and we have some things. The group consisted of father and two sons. The ouste son (14) already felt not so good but after the dive was clear that he had fever. The other son and father would still like to do a dive. This dive was in Japanese Garden. It was a really great dive, very relaxed, nobody meezwemt etc. Many saw and retrieved the boat and 60 minutes hiding. In other words, exactly what you want. After returning, I have some feedbqack morning and had the paperwork filled out and I can work. In recent weeks was absurd pressure and now it's awfully quiet. We'll see what comes in the next few days, hopefully a scuba review for Michael and otherwise we should imitate. Then we're both ready. Look forward to it! Now we are celebrating with food (Ed, Gloria and us) to do some things to discuss. The results shall be announced. juutsel | Tags: dive master , ready , Koh Tao , Thailand , training dive
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | 1 Comment » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 27 July 2010, 8:44  The largest and was critical test of the dive master course is to exchange your vest, fins and mask while underwater from a breathing device uses. That means you half the time without air. Today there was finally some time to do something for our course. Micah leaves tomorrow on the island and had the stress test do to the course to complete. Michael and I had it also still open and so we went with three of us together with Ed down. First I would take the test with Micah and then Michael. In particular, so that we all did. Yet a little more exciting we went to practice the "buddy breathen ', or sharing a breathing apparatus. Then slowly things change. To add insult to Ed would ensure that we "little" problems by loosening straps, full masks to run etc. It went super well and the stress was mainly for the exercise and not during. Then Michael and I together, we are really already well accustomed to diving and this was really a 'slate dakkie. It was Micah's last dive so I have some fun with Micah extracted and Michael went with Ed another circuit or demonstration of skill exercises. Also a requirement for DM's what he had not yet completed.
Micah's tank was empty and he went upstairs. I stayed and took some pictures. Suddenly I feel that someone in my tank and rides. Micah is back  Because it was his last dive we did some crazy things. I dismissed his weight belt, fins Ed has been stolen and then I have taken his mask. Poor boy, he regretted a lot but it can have. All in all a fun, great and useful dive combined. Refreshes you come over this afternoon and I have nice Fri Two more things to do and then I DM for Michael's only four ... we're getting there. juutsel | Tags: Diving , Koh Tao , Micah , stress test
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 26 July 2010, 14:19 Again a short message from stormy Koh Tao: it's not great (in terms of weather), but we have certainly not affected by bombings, unlike Bangkok. Who is so worried: not necessary, calmly enjoying the summer weather! Dewit michael | Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 24 July 2010, 14:38 Fate has some wonderful twists. Yesterday we have not been out, it was a rainy beetj and I had a headache and not much sense. Therefore, we offered to our shop to take cover. This means that you remain in the store and helps potential customers. It was very busy, people pick up, house show, books to give to inform about the course etc. Actually I thought it was great fun, so hanging around and do useful things in the shop and a little chat. Gloria came in the afternoon in a long-sleeved shirt inside. I asked her if she went on visa run, the answer was 'no'. A little later I asked if they actually had to run on visas, she said her visa expired Aug. 23. Busybody that I am I asked if she had a visa for 3 months then. We are since June 2 ophet island and they had not been run on visas. No, a visa for two months but they began to doubt. Just to the motorcycle rental for her passport and you guessed it not. He was just yesterday. Stress of course, quickly see where they best could go. In 3 days vertrekkken Jorrit and Micah went home. She did not miss their farewell so she decided to Burma for a short ip. The disadvantage is that they only get a visa for 15 days before Thailand can get them the next two weeks again on visas should run. Because she did not know she had this morning for another 3 Fundi are fresh ... and guess who that could take about diving: moi! Avery had already pledged to assist and was unavailable and Rob asked us. You understand that I have the whole night all kinds of doomsday scenarios in my head I had. This morning half awake the bags packed. There was a cancellation so I had 2 customers. A boy of 12 (just klaarmet his OW) and a man who had dived a few times. We start with a drop-off (Red Rock). more than the boat and swim to another place to anchor. The man had trouble clearing the DSU it took awhile. After 10 minutes we were at 6 meters and I was ready to hang on the line so we are mid-water swimming. It was super, we have seen quite a lot. When we arrived, I looked over the boat, but could not find him. I turn around, the boat is still in Red Rock, about 200 meters back. A long surface swim because the plans were changed at the last moment and I am not told. The second dive at Japanese Gardens was also great, it's better and that is for geodesics confidence.
Originally the boat in the afternoon not go out, the students would go along with another boat which for us means that we do not take off. Eventually the boat well and I was 5 minutes before leaving asked if I wanted to assist Treat. The Klaten were 5 GB ers who came along yesterday. Ed and I have never had a difficult dive. It was really not to the customers, well, maybe a little. But the bottom line is that we both were exhausted. First there was a breathing so scary that they went up every 30 seconds, although the exercise went well. Then I had another problem with clearing at 30 cm (a depth where you do not need to clear). Then when I returned with her shallow swam to the boat and the rest went along with Ed, her friend along. They were Ed lost. Together with the father and son they were with me. I on the surface looking for Ed, I look down, father, and so away. STRESS. Ed also push e surface (mother) and search together for father and son. Eventually everyone back and to the boat. On the boat has arrived to help with cleaning up the stuff and back to shore. All in all an interesting day, I've never experienced so much. My first dive is over and lead was a success. Tomorrow I assist in the course of the 5 people ... it will be tiring and fun. juutsel | Tags: lead diving , Koh Tao , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | No Comments » 22 July 2010, 10:38 A short service notice. In the small moments of idleness that busy travelers exist let me, I succeeded in a frequently reported problem with the website (finally) to another world to help: responses seen in our pieces are finally placed in the right place correctly. Previously, an obscure problem, reactions to seemingly random stories posted. All this, dear ones, is past. Take the opportunity to advance to this beauty feel free to try. Dewit michael | Posted in General | 3 Comments » 6 ° 7 'N, 102 ° 15' E July 20, 2010, 5:38 Malaysia was as Michael wrote really a different experience. For still our loyal readers, when we actually start traveling again in a month really follow weather reports each day because we then things did happen. After 3 days have been gone for three new posts, we have experienced so much. The slightly longer version of the story before yesterday morning when we rolled off the train came we walked quickly to the exit (again much power display with big guns) where there are already dozens of motorcycles were ready to transport us. The small rock nap took us still 30TBH (0.75 Euro) and quickly across the border. As mentioned, we shared a taxi with David, a Frenchman for his visa went to Kota Bahru. From the way up in the taxi, I can not remember the view, I am talking generally much but when David came I will not intervene. Passports taken away and quickly with its twos on the road because after a night sleep is not a talkative Frenchman something too much. He advised us to still get past Mydin, a supermarket. After a round of hotels finally found a hotel in price and service was consistent with our wishes. Delicious and showered but still outside. At the supermarket, we made a real success. On the island, everything is twice as expensive and the choice is minimal. Toothbrushes, shower gel, baby oil and table tennis balls (for Ed, attribute to deep dives) were smashed. Michael and I foraged sometimes spread through the shop. At moments like this I could tell that young adolescent boys like me "subtle" haunted. Of course I had long pants and covered my shoulders but probably I looked after local standards still look like a prostitute. There was even a lingerie department where I (thought I) had found something in my size, European sizes op.Nadat we were there (without the row to mind) had settled our bags were sealed with a cable tie, the coupon was on the bag and stuck at the exit of the store you got a stamp on the receipt. For example, you create or work and is also very difficult to steal something. We have the stuff a little back to the hotel and came to the conclusion that the purchased bra did not fit anyway. Back to the store, and coupon along to the customer department. It was initially impossible to trade. Since I purchased well less than 3 hours in my possession and all the tickets had sat there I realized something more. The woman asked if there was not anything in my size on Sat What then was my size? I repeated that size on the bra in Europe was just my size would be. On to the lingerie department to see if there was something else. Before I continue I must admit that among women in the Islamic culture is a kind of connectedness know that I am not used. Several times I was right by women looked and there was friendly and polite laughter. It felt like we shared a secret that the rest do not know, very different and special. The lingerie department was then moved heaven and earth to do something in my size and taste to find. There was something I looked around and found that there was not somewhere a fitting room. again without buying something I dare not really fit anymore. Anyway without further ado, the saleswoman kept it for, making the bra to the rear and there I was, right in the store / supermarket, fully dressed with a red bra over my clothes. I admit that I'm not easily embarrassed, but this was really about my limit. Of course I have not bought that bra but we could get a voucher for the amount. Still searching for things we needed to semi to the amount of 3 euros to come. Can you still buy quite a lot for The next morning quickly to the consulate, by taxi, on the border with the bike to the station. There plenty of time and we have enjoyed delicious special crispy fried bananas. The train journey was long, tiring, hot but we are there come. This trip I will not soon forget, but it's really wonderful to wake up on a boat, the sun's coming next to your temporary home paradeiland. juutsel | Tags: bra , Khota Bahru , Malaysia , paradeiland , visarum
Posted in Visa run-Kota Bahru | 2 Comments » 6 ° 7 'N, 102 ° 15' E July 20, 2010, 5:36 A brief summary of the logistics operation from the last 48 hours: 2 hours by taxi, 20 minutes on the bike, 22 hours in the train and 9 hours on the boat. Why? Because our visas for Thailand threatened to expire and had to be replaced by new ones. And, believe it or not, the easiest way to do that is by a return to Malaysia to do. Across the border with Thailand is Kota Bahru, a provincial capital with one of the main attractions a Thai Consulate-General. Our journey started the 17th. With the most luxurious boat that rich island, a 10 chairs wide catamaran, we left halfway through the afternoon to the Thai mainland. Despite rain, wind and waves the boat whizzed almost silently and without rolling or bobbing on the water. A very pleasant experience. Especially when the rain on the windows and turn off the bow waves splashed high, it is not difficult the luxury of a comfortable chair and cooling air to appreciate. The 'real travel' (a word that ought to rhyme with fighting spirit) only began on the mainland. A coach had us from the pier to Chumphon town and put off the train. The train was just before 9 o'clock in the evening on the starting state and all was still light outside. What walking around killing time in Chumphon. The city is not very exciting, but certainly not without its comforts. Anyway, Judica wrote about our super ice cream. The train trip to Malaysia was exciting. In a couchette Thai life but in Chinese, so we learned. We were on the Trans-Siberian train coupees pretty accustomed to, this time we all slept in the hallway. At dawn, heavily armed soldiers joined in our group. The track runs straight to Malaysia by three rebellious provinces: the cutting pliers of the conductor is not enough to impress. From Su-ngai Kolok, we could easily cross over. A taxi ride of an hour, shared with French inn keeper David Pangan neighboring island, took us in Kota Bahru. About the city does have some things to say. Malaysia is an Islamic country and Kota Bahru is the showpiece of that identity. Unveiled women allowed themselves to a search vegrootglas and on every street were texts in Arabic-Malay read. Many men in dresses too, and absolutely no pork on the counters of street corners, even the toothpaste is halal. Every now and then was also the call to prayer can be heard even inside supermarkets on the intercom. Quite a culture shock. What we really noticed was the overwhelming friendliness of the Malay: Thai, the name, but we have more friendly faces across the border in 24 hours than seen in Thailand in a month. Very helpful and sociable. Yet it is strange to see how society is arranged by the Islamic identity: in the supermarket, we found bijvoorbeelod separate queues for men, women and families. At McDonalds all the ladies wore a neat uniform costume except the matching uniform headscarf. And the burgers on the street, everything halal and the taste of a double kipburger is certainly not wrong. Our hotel room we had picked out on luxury. The Malaysian Ringit relates 1:10 to the Thai Baht and we had the luxury limit of 100 Ringit for a hotel night set. That's about 25 euros. With all that traveling, a man to himself as some tickling. Anyway, we had already understood that Kota Bahru is not known for its cheap places to stay. Anyway: after some searching we found a pleasant hotel. The room was wonderful: very spacious and clean with a soft bed, plenty of space and seating. The bathroom was therefore in stark contrast, but the upcoming renovation solves that hopefully. The water was warm as well (my last hot shower was already a month ago) and we have the luxury of coffee and tea in the room is very comfortable. Applying for new visas went very smoothly. The application we had in Thailand printed and filled in, so we had to do little more than the paper through the window to scroll. The next morning, after a less successful Malay hotel breakfast (with rice and various dishes like soup, but no sandwiches or yogurt) we got back our passports with new visas as easily pushed back by the counter window. Very fast. The taxi was still waiting for us and drove us an hour to fly quickly back to the border (ie we had a train to pick). Stamps, a walk on a bridge in one country and we were back in Thailand. The train left obviously delayed and when we after long hours of sitting and kanenbraaien life in the coupe thorough Sat begun to touch (even though many vendors with all kinds of food along the wagons leurden sometimes quite amusing), we were by two friendly fellow travelers tipped off that we were almost at Surattani, where we would have plenty of time for the night boat. Our original plan was to go back to Chumphon and then after a night on the street / on the pier the morning boat to Koh Tao to take. The night boat appeared to be a better idea. Many luxury of course we did not expect: the boat was already full, but we were still a number of makeshift beds. At night the boat everyone sleeps on narrow mattresses on the floor, so we were not at all. The piles of fresh eggs and prominently drawn scooters gave our bed for some shelter. On the boat we could get some sleep. Just in time for the sun to come up at Koh Tao we were awake. After a passage of a small 8 o'clock the boat back to our familiar paradeiland. Glad to know all those places again to see, especially after the long train ride with machine guns and endless drives. Our motor bike was still waiting for us and we were relieved to see that (thanks to our watchful cockroach) in our cabin everything was where it belonged. Now we are back in bed. Our bedding is nice and clean and we thoroughly enjoy the feeling back 'home'. Malaysia feels like a silly dream, a crazy lightning fast trip. About six weeks we go back to that mysterious country and we will hopefully reveal more of the country's beauties. michiel Dewit | Tags: malaysia , Veil , Thailand , Visarun
Posted in Visa run-Kota Bahru | No Comments » 6 ° 7 'N, 102 ° 15' E 18 July 2010, 4:58 Bags packed and on to the pier. The Visarun probably lasts only 3 days so we do not have much to carry around. Sometimes nice for a change. This adventure began with a large catamaran boat to us within 2 hours ashore would bring. An experience it was. We almost forget that there's a world outside the island existed. The first thing that came to us was the air conditioning. Apart from 7-11 (shop) we come to the island where there is no air conditioning, so get used a lot. A warm jacket made amends. Along the way it started to rain outside, we sat there in the super luxury boat through the window to see how wind and water fought for. The boat itself also enter a rotgang splashing waves were so big there. On shore we were nicely orchestrated (thanks to our T-shirt stickers that say where we were going) to a bus to take us to the station. It was kind of confusing to outside shops and markets everywhere to see. Please remember that we still fully seated in Asia. Great to here from off the island and again really surprise outside to watch. We noticed that we were both in one way or another also very exciting place. Sat too long in one place and then get used to traveling and stuff. It's all good, we did not rush us and what can actually happen are thoughts that may help. Around six o'clock we arrived at the station, another 3 hours respite before the train departed. The small town but then explore. We are a market and eventually ended (it will not agree) ended up in a mall. After some in the supermarket for some snacks we bought Afternoons outrageous conduct and eaten at KFC. A bit oriental, instead of chips we were still good for the rice. On the other fellow was a subsidiary of Schwenders (oid). The large signs emblazoned with delicious ice cream. JUMMIE. This kind of luxury we are no longer used and we have not been awarded since we have shore leave. After this pleasure we had still a walk. Slowly return to the station where we have long waited for the train. we thought with a 4-person second-class coupe to have made, nothing was further from the truth. Upon entering our beds were just made. It is a long corridor with several seats, including two chairs that evening to bed and turned over a bed that evening unfolded. Top and bottom so you can cover it with curtains in your own corner ligt.Het was around ten, so we both went into our bed soon. This morning at 5 am I woke up because all around me a lot of noise was, there was soft singing, loud talking and much litter. Around 6 hours anyway but really the eyes open at 7 and our beds were cleared and we were to sleep in the eyes facing each other. Since then there has not much changed. I closed my eyes a bit, Michael has a cup of coffee and reading a book. The train also has received some additional security. In the few small naps I've done there are apparently groups of men with machine guns came on board. In the past, shows the relatively poor population of the South ever to have had ambitions to the wealth of the Rail to take over by train robberies. I think I was too dull for me to worry, though, I was shocked when I do the military for the first time by herself. It is now a quarter past ten and if everything goes according to plan we are about half an hour in Sungai Kolok. Then with a motorbike taxi to the border, stamp and get a taxi to Khota Bahru where the Thai consulate is located. Tonight with any luck a luxury hotel (and a massage in advance), we have earned it. juutsel | Tags: Malaysia , Thailand , visa run
Posted in Malaysia | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 17 July 2010, 6:52 You would think that a joint training dive master track also means that you often dive together. Mass! Judica diving and I almost never together. Assisting in the course of an instructor is usually done alone and our programs are often forced apart. The more fun it is, therefore, while we're together once more to go under. Yesterday morning we made a double dive at Chumphon Pinnacle, one of the deeper and more remote dive sites of Koh Tao. A double dip there is a small party, because it is very beautiful and so often we're not. Unfortunately, the water in many places around Koh Tao lately cloudy. It rains here at night quite often and therefore a lot of dirt washed into the water. But our double dip, the water was very clear best! We could easily 15 meters ahead. More diving schools had plans in this beautiful place and when we went we saw submerged initially more divers than fish. It seemed as if we saw a school of fish swim. Particular, but also a bit sad. The first of the two dives we were not together, but the second dive was fun. Judica took a slate with some of the rocks to map out and I could see her from my own memory all that around. With two diving is very special. With more people it feels like a trip soon, but if you only have to look at a person, you are much freer. Does your instincts left at the next rock, then you can do just that and you do not in conclave with the dive leader. We saw many beautiful things under water: large groupers and prawns, small fishes cubic yellow, dotted and striped many shoals and beautiful predators. Very pleasant. And even better, because we were together we could undisturbed underwater even a hug or a (slow) exchange kisses. Nobody who sees it or who it bothers. michiel Dewit | Tags: Diving , Koh Tao , together , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 15 July 2010, 15:59 After 2 days' droog'te been (my stomach did not cooperate) yesterday I returned to diving beaten. The magic number of 60 dives was already getting closer and yesterday afternoon the counter stood at 59. To the Dive Master course to close may need a minimum of 60 logged dives, hence this number stands above the other numbers. The first dive today was so "the sixtieth 'dive. When I walked into the office today I was told that I would go with the course which I had assisted yesterday but I went along with Gloria two funduiken guide. This is because Gloria was not sure whether her ears today was done earlier this week was not successful. On the way to the boat went unfortunately wrong. The pier that we use is made of wooden planks and is not well maintained. I fell across a plank over which my beautiful brown legs now battered, scraped and blue. So far, so good ... Mango Bay drop off, an easy dive when it comes to navigation, nice and not too deep. Ideal. In the descent became clear that Gloria could not clear her ears and hop .. I only priority. Thanks so exciting course even if you have already dived 59 times. There was poor visibility and I was in my head to think if I knew where here stingrays, scorpion fish and the like were ... and that while you swim and really looked after every 30 seconds. After 5 minutes, Gloria still down and she took it further on, quite a lot relaxder. A little later I looked at my gauge ... I had consumed in 10 minutes 50 bar (normally at that depth, I would have used max 20 bar). This shows again that it was still more exciting than I thought. On the boat some feedback, slower swimming (beginner's mistake of anyone who starts with diving lead) but nothing else (it was after all only a short time). During the second dive of the day the same, again Gloria could not easily done and I could start again. I continued on my slowest swim and after 5 minutes added Gloria to rejoin us. The Fundi verse that we guide was a bunch of early 30. A Parisienne with chinese achtergornd and a real Frenchman. The woman was beautiful ... short, slim, beautiful teeth, great hair and also another kind, gentle and intelligent. When I was sick in bed I had a customer got what Dutch magazines (Elle) and thus I was at the height of current fashion. They met all the requirements and terms and I felt again a boerentrien. Oh, she must hand over 1.5 weeks to go home and I can longer enjoy in this paradise. Tomorrow we go on visa run to Malaysia, I think I was there once again quite pampered with manicures and pedicures. After sixty dives we both deserved it. juutsel | Tags: Diving , Koh Tao , pier , Thailand , sixty
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