| 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 29 August 2010, 13:07  All good things come to an end. That in contrast to misery, which sometimes seems to be no end to come. But it was a nice time here on Koh Tao and thus the moment of farewell had come at once. Day before yesterday we last worked yesterday is a big part of our stuff has already been washed and packed. Today, remaining so really only another round to say hello. A whole day we did not really more of it. We had little inspiration. Yesterday morning we had some time to rush to the post office to be (our study wanted to go home), this morning no one waited on us. So last breakfast, last shower, last cup of coffee last five minutes on the bench for the home, toilet last visit, last sweep and so forth. It also surprised me how much crap we have in three months but in that little house have managed to drag. But it's all gone. Some things we did not need, but were still too good to be disposed of (including a beautiful kettle). That we have kept separate and 'shifted' to friends who still remain on the island (though they are now all equally not). As a farewell package for Ed made. A large bottle of Tiger beer with two postcards (and a loose crown Chang and Schweppes look tab). It may be false sentiments, but it still seemed like a good way to cozy drinks at sunset at the end of a day in the water to commemorate. This afternoon we have a last round Sairee made. Just seen some shops, the beach walked and 'beach front' lunch. After that we ever allowed ourselves a massage. The only once since the last day on Koh Tao. Both a delicious Thai style oil massage fee. Very relaxing and Thai massage for the first Judica. And then the scooter: who had also returned. But not before all the luggage was dragged out of the house. I ride from home to the village so a few times up and down ride. A good way too much heed to the 'last ride on Koh Tao to save. The bike had a few scratches behind, so we had docks. Fortunately not fool many, but given the size of the scratches but still a lot. Ah, a known problem here on Koh Tao. Now we're last in Pranee's Kitchen, waiting for our sinful Summer Burgers come to greet us. Four minutes ago, the first night movie, this time 'Fun with Dick and Jane "(?) Started. So let's say half past eight we will continue to hang out, then we go on the boat. Which departs at 9 am for an 8 hour cruise to Suratthani, southern Thailand. Then with a minivan to the border with Malaysia in search of new adventure in Penang. Frankly, my travel skills after 3 months of rest and ease some become rusty, so completely at ease I'm still not. But that good weather will come soon enough ... michiel Dewit | Tags: Koh Tao , Thailand , Departure
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | 2 Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 27 August 2010, 9:16 We are back in the dive shop, the sun is burning and we are tired. The last two dives just had. With a fundiver our own boat and we left this morning. At Chumphon. In the water showed that there was great itself, hundreds and thousands of fish, wonderful to view. Huge groupers that are as big as me and trevelli's so big that it's almost like sharks. A good start. The second dive was at White Rock. We expected that there was poor visibility but were surprised when we jumped the water. Down and looking for stingrays, our client had not yet seen. After yet another trigger fish I had not so much afraid of. Beautiful Angel Fishes and here and there a ray. A little further and there was swimming against a huge rock on a huge turtle. His shield only about 0.8 to 1 meter in diameter. We were the only divers in the area and have good self-enjoyment. Super cool! We zweommen just around the block because of trigger fish and came back to the same rock. There were adnere divers we have told where the tortoise was. Just when they went to look he swam away and we have the turtle is still in action. Later in the dive, there was still a young bat. They are very curious and came around to my mask swam. It felt a bit like a sort of farewell and it was also one of the best dives on this island. Soon we get paid for the last few weeks and we will elaborate lunch. Our client today has a 12 euro tip what is left is a small fortune. He also enjoyed our trip and wanted to further sponsors. What a morning .... Tonight we celebrate that we do not work tomorrow and I dare slowly to the alcohol at the pool party. Unfortunately there is nobody that we know to join us to celebrate but it must be a success. juutsel | Tags: batfish , Diving , Koh Tao , last dive , turtle , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 22 August 2010, 11:33 The fan blows cool to me what. The benefit little. My head is hot with anger, frustration and fear. Behind bars is a felang 'on a white ear gently snoring. We await the police. At the desk sits a Thai man whose official function completely eludes me. Beside me sits the wife of the Thai half an hour earlier still lay groaning on the hot asphalt. I've tried to explain the situation. The line drawing back some note in illegible handwriting, is their witness. It gives the street again with the attached side street which we were hit on our scooter. For security and to show that I was aware of all traffic laws are on the drawing of a stop sign for the street and a highway speed limit for the scrawled. I must strongly urge in English to be spoken to. "Speak English, I do not speak Thai. Speaking Thai is impolite! " For some time I expressed my best wishes to give some money so her husband can pay his medical expenses, but I'm certainly not going to guilt or promise to accept a crazy doctor's bill for my account to participate. I explain once again that we neatly stopped, but that gentleman rode too hard and therefore could not brake in time. Moreover, I suspect him of having a drink. All that means, but not answered. The money I'm offered is too little, is always telling me. I must wait for the police and the entire medical bill, whatever it may amount to. When I ask if I should wait outside me is brutally denied. Lady and the man behind the desk unclear conspire in their attempt to make that clear to me. I look again at the hapless tourist behind bars and do not insist further. Then I realize that maybe I could use some help. Immediately after the accident I had the keys to the scooter already given Judica and asked her to go home. Better to go it alone regulate. You never know with those Thai. The phone is still in Judica's bag and which is now home. I decide to take a chance and puffy Thai office to request a call. From my wallet I take the card from the dive and I question whether I should call number on it. The business card is taken out of my hand and studied. The Thai and Mrs and I hear them discuss the name of the Thai owner of the diving call. Perhaps you know of them? I know that he esteemed, but will that help me? The phone call I will not need to commit. Ms. running like a leaf on the tree in the wind and starts talking about money. In my bid of 50 euros now suddenly I received a counter offer: 75 euros, that should suffice. I decide to choose eggs for my money and no more whining about money. Carefully concealed from my portfolio I get the money. Everyone looks suddenly friendly again and now things are done is greeted. Mrs. offers me a ride home and I decide to just one piece to drive, just to show good will. The last kilometer I walk home. I know Judica waiting for me and probably anxious. Everything went so fast that I had not had time to see if she had hurt. Everything seemed okay, but still ... At home it appears everything is in order. Judica was obviously worried, having no idea what was going to happen. Miraculously, our scooter appears determined not to have suffered damage or that gentleman had been to collect. Without scratching he stands on his familiar place under the tree. I tell Judica that everything is over with a damp squib. Mr. had a few nasty scrapes on his left foot behind, but the foot itself was also not broken, what most bruised. A lightning fast X-ray was that while I was on the desk sat shown and Mrs was not too unkind to me that you know to remember. Whose fault was it exactly remains unclear. We were politely waiting for the intersection to turn, but had by the steepness of the side road at the junction is already do. Mr. rode too hard. He suffers the pain and we are now a daily budget poorer. Forget about it and not talk about it anymore. michiel Dewit | Tags: Crash , Koh Tao , Police , Scooter , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | 1 Comment » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 22 August 2010, 11:00 We lie in bed with a big bucket of ice. Comfort food again today because a stressful afternoon. As Michael has his side of the story described here is just my experience. After a delicious lunch on the way home, to pile up on the main road running. While Michael's facing left, I see an engine right toward us. I call 'caution' and Michael looks around in slow motion, the engine getting closer. Not enough time to still move forward. The driver brakes, slipping and sliding our last few feet across the tarmac to meet. I jump off half of the bike when it hits us. Within half a second Michael and I are back on their feet to us about the Thai bending. Everything okay? We push the bike and motorbike on the side. Our motorbike did not drive so I was afraid he was broken but Michael kept a cool head and pulled him out of gear. My attempt to shift the bike went now very easy and prompt, I pushed the bike against the Thai to those for our motorbike was standing and began to groan. Oepsiefloepsie. From previous stories, we know that you people apparently well off can buy. Michael tried it with a bid of 50 euros but was repulsed because 'You were wrong'. I asked Michael if I should leave, taking all the evidence and think less hassle. While he was the man to the clinic located 20 meters away, I try to help the moped. The mirror is crooked but he started. Michael is still out and I say that I go home. Along the way, I dare not drive over 20 and I'm afraid to be haunted. We hear so many stories about mafia on the island. At home I put the bike 'up' from the road down so that it can not be seen and go inside. Vibrating and I'm worried. How is my love? Walking back and forth, go out and go inside. No second rest in my head. A cold shower air and what I take myself for not thinking the worst and wait. In my mind images of Thai prisons come up, lawyers, lawsuits and other disaster scenarios. I might even call someone to help? Michael said he would handle and I do not want him in the way. He knows wat'ie does. After 1.5 hours (was not too bad though I'm a hunk of stress) is knocking at the door. Hopeful, I ask "Michael" and I fall into his arms. Eventually it all and we are particularly terrified. Just cuddle in bed and a bucket of ice to help it better for it. michiel Dewit | Tags: collision , moped , Thai
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 21 August 2010, 5:24  After the message from yesterday was the boat back on time. When all his belongings to the excesses I heard rumors that the guests would come along to the DJL pool party. Thanks so fun because they had just completed the practical part (or only a theoretical competition to make) and they are also ready. Anyway, we have at this time as guests but several couples together a nice group of young (18-35) by the mutual well with each other to find. The more the merrier. After we have dressed and dry weather stuff for later, packed on to DJL. We were the first and it was very busy. The rest came slowly trickle in and we are in the queue for the BBQ. The crowd there was not enough salad, corn, and ultimately not enough not enough potatoes. It should not spoil the fun. I have the snorkel test the prospect tried to eat as much as possible so that a bit of a ground for all the alcohol. Tim, the owner of DJL, found it no problem if I was doing my snorkel test. In fact, I would get the bucket with alcohol free  Because we have come as a big group we also got free shots, very nice and the atmosphere there was already good at. After dinner I had there to believe. Sooner rather than later otherwise you lie at night in bed as spinning. Marielle and Ed have the bucket ready and obviously I could not see what it was. She smiled rather sadistic and slowly I began to be nervous too. Soon the guests explained what really is the whole idea of the snorkel test and then it was time. On a chair and put a small short speech by Ed. Then the mask and snorkel in. Just a deep breath ... and then swallow a lot. I did not expect so much press would face. My cheeks were completely straight ball and snorkel did not fit perfectly so the drink came from all sides off. Tim pulled the mask from top to bottom with a little breath the message, unfortunately this he pressed my nose is completely closed and that was completely impossible. Ultimately, I have again cheated by sliding my finger underneath but the very full bucket was almost gone. Cheers all around and then immediately with Marielle pool, it remains a 'pool party'. The ladies were still waiting but the gentlemen jumped directly chasing me. The rest of the evening is becoming blurred for me. Somewhere started again very hard to pour, even though it does not make out in a swimming pool. It was really fun and the challenge to sit on the banana was also adopted. It remains difficult but we have a few winners  The snorkel test was around half past nine and at 11 o'clock, my dear dear friend took me home. In between some things done that I can not publicly put on the website ga. Everything fit in the company, there are no clothes ... but assumed the snorkel test haunt me for years. Michael, the angel showed me through the pouring rain drove home while I could do little more than hold me. Home is "das Klo geküsst, teeth brushing, drinking water and rolled into bed. Tonight at 4 am I was nota bene awake and could not sleep. Outside there was a party going on either Castle called the bass beats even through the night. Awake until 6:30 and got a nice breakfast. My poor intestines could use some solid food. Nice weather in bed and crawled back up to fifteen minutes I was on one ear. Some more thoughts ... I'm glad I do not suffer from my intestines with every bit of alcohol but I do not drink the next time more! Not sick and no headaches so the hangover is not too bad, life is really better when you're sober. Oh ... and having someone to save you in embarrassing situations and you can take home and make you laugh is really great. I really appreciate it! juutsel | Tags: dive master , Koh Tao , pool party , snorkel test , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao | 1 Comment » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 20 August 2010, 12:03  Only 7 days to work here and I start the meantime sat quite touching. The communication is even rougher and on top is another kind of paranoia come from the dive manager that we manipulated. Yesterday, after frequently asked Ed to be said that we are not so happy (which is true). Immediately after he had said he sorry because it was hooked. The first reaction was' I knew that something played 'and' if they are not happy they can still just go away. " This morning when we came in running the dive shop manager wanted to dive with us. He had heard that we're not happy were and ... when we wanted to give that especially with the communication (as a dive master, you may have the dog path of the diving industry but that does not mean that we barked need to be) were all other irritations. Apparently it was not that we were not happy but that he was not happy. According to him, communication is not the biggest problem but there is something else. Either we have not convinced him that we are not manipulated and that he can provide the solution. There were customers inside and the smile reappeared on his face. Although yesterday was told that there were no fresh Fundi (no work), there was a fundiver and Michael went out on the boat. I would still take it easy since we're gonna party tonight. We are both ready for a while and I would still like the semi mandatory snorkel test. It's Friday and time for a pool party. We have our neighbor (Kartik from India) and also invited all instructors with a partner. It is really enjoyable and tomorrow I go sleep. Below is some good pictures of the dive shop, it's nice to yourself to have pictures of where we worked. Tomorrow photos of a (hopefully) super fun pool party with snorkel test. juutsel | Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 15 August 2010, 11:04  It is still very busy at the dive. Michael and I try to vary it so that if possible we are not two consecutive 4 dives a day. It is physically exhausting.
The atmosphere has not really improved ... even though the air was cleared, there are still other things to make sure we avoid the dive manager as much as possible. Thus my papers for the DM shelf until two days ago sent. Michael had his number please note though, and I was ready a week earlier. Now it would not much matter if I'm not even supposed to do my internship. Let's see if we have it all arranged before we get away.
The work itself remains as stated still very nice. Customers are generally very nice, cozy and the mood on the boat is usually positive, with a bit of tension for those who only just started. There is currently a Turkish couple where I take a lot of diving. They have made 10 dives per person and that means 5 (half) day work. Both are good divers and I have also just feel that I must work. We have in recent days, although quite what is seen. The good news is that Murat a camera with him and that there is also photos of his. Below you can see some pictures of new animals we have seen for the first time. I am now on my own in a completely empty dive shop. Before everyone went away again the delicious pancake for lunch and met after everyone had gone well in my uppie fiddled around a bit. Everything is ready for the big group comes back soon. In two weeks exactly (as it looks now we will leave July 29) we are going away. Time flies when I say so, but on the other hand, we are working not even a month and even though it feels longer. Want to leave I do not have everything packed and lugging around ... The road, as I look back or forward, just different things and see people. In discovery, and then about a month and again two weeks vacation. It seems so strange now to Asia to leave, but that is gradually getting closer. 2 more pool parties and somewhere a snorkel test.
Now we enjoy the lovely sunshine here and humored all guests and clients. We are still on a paradise island and taken together, the disrupted communication than just a small blemish on an otherwise wonderful life. juutsel | Tags: Diving , dive manager , leaving
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | No Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 10 August 2010, 15:45 Today was just our world upside down. This morning we had a fight with our dive manager. A quarrel in particular caused by the fact that the tone and plans change (which we for the second time a bag of money expense). Without too much to elaborate, I was later (Michael would still remain ashore because of ear problems) because I thought I needed to be there later. First a phone call with the message 'you have' (on a not so friendly tone). Then in the dive shop the message that the plans had changed and therefore at least 600 TBH I would miss (you think, 12 Euros, which makes, but a meal here costs 40-80 TBH so it's a lot of money). In response I stated that I did not mind the change, but the way this was communicated (especially tone) did. Michael was already quite pissed off after the call and threw something in the lines of "so everything is broken" after it. Eventually we arrive 5 minutes after the store out again with the message that we were not diving. There was a huge group of customers in the dive, so stress everywhere. The dive manager came chasing us to say that we were not professional (my thought, your communication is not very pro). Back home and a lot about our tours. We think it's fun diving and we work hard but there's much good at. Convinced that we no longer have to come back, we went back to the shop to pick up our stuff. The other instructor (Ed) regretted already fairly well at the thought that we would go away. When everyone was gone this afternoon, we sit in the shop and have geinternet and figured out where we would go day after tomorrow. Meanwhile, I was already fairly calm but Michael was the anger still slumber. The first dive group came back what we have not reached out to help with clean up (later we are still accused of something is broken). The group of divers who were diving in recent days which we had already dived. They were now in a group of 7 (normally max 4) dive and instead of 60 minutes to 35 minutes, they were overcome. The dive master who at the last minute as a replacement was called did not meet the quality requirements. He had no briefing, the dive was too short, he was not approachable, etc. In short disappointed customers who all said; with you was better (though I wonder how seriously I with a group of 7 had done). All in all a helping hand to hear that our work we have done well lately. After a half of the afternoon hanging around, I could not leave my hands itched and although Michael prinicipieel nothing I wanted to do it here and there cleared. The second group diving (including dive manager) came back and we have helped clean up anyway. Our dive manager is a little known as a mule. We would still like a conversation, otherwise the money we earn in recent weeks. To be honest, I really have not gone but was not planning to go through the mud. Eventually we had a conversation with the tone gradually became more moderate. Halfway there were new customers and some customers were complaining today. Then we continued the conversation and both sides have apologized. So it ended with a fizzle, but this morning we were already working on how we all had to get back into the bags. We stay here. A tired-using day, but tomorrow we go diving. Chumphon, a deep dive site where the view at this time must be super. Let's go diving (again). juutsel | Tags: Diving , Koh Tao , hassle , stress , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | 2 Comments » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 7 August 2010, 16:54  Life as dive masters (since I am now finished my training), is rather monotonous. I'm not complaining because I love a bit of regularity. Morning to the dive shop, material from the laundry room clean, bags for the divers ready, a few new divers 'dress up' in the media room, coffee, diving, material flush with the divers what about fish talk and their logs fill then maybe have a beer with the dive staff while the sun sinks into the sea ... no annoying regularity. Yet it is nice if every now and then something else goes. After a stressful day in the water and in the shop ('what is the pet of the boss today? ") We usually go to one of our regular turf, some food: schnitzel with Bam Bam, curry Pranee's, fried rice with Tukta or a filled omelet at Yang's. But not yesterday: we were invited to pool party at David Jones' Locker, the dive shop where the high-technical instructor of our Dutch friend Kris Marielle works. Every Friday there is the party in and around the pool. With free barbeque! We were naturally in front for a couple of fresh burnt large skewers with chicken, peppers and onion. Delicious! And after a javelin, corn, baked potato and some chitchat direction pool. Actually, no big change, because the bar literally adjacent to the water. From the water pilje has ordered all his own charm. Judica's waterproof camera could come along and we have all the necessary corniness than silly snapshots taken. There are pictures of Judica trying to climb on an inflatable banana, images of dive instructors (engaged and all) do not take their eyes off all the womenfolk keep and of course a number of obligatory funny faces. Oh, and I started a small outlet doing. On the island are cards with the most common fish sold. Useful to explain (or to search) what swims down Zaal. Even the most simply designed cards still go for 600 baht (15 euros) over the counter. That can, of course, also be different. After 5 days behind the computer (Judica: is it's not ready yet? I miss you!) All fish put on a list too, I have today in a small crowded row on the island of my own fishing licenses make ... for a fraction of the price. Now see if I can interest people to my little plastic almanac for 200 baht to purchase. They happy, I happy. So you see, even in paradise being traded. I had already mentioned that we now have rain every day big hoos? Paradise is a little disorganized ... michiel Dewit | Tags: BBQ , Diving , Koh Tao , pool party , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | 1 Comment » 10 ° 6 'N, 99 ° 50' E 6 August 2010, 4:26 The life of a dive master is about diving. It is now well clear. Even though the terms of courses not so busy in the cool dive, the Fundi stay fresh come in and provide a stable workload. In fact, we work our enthusiasm to death. Michael has been a few days finished his dive master training and working hard with it. He is busy making accurate visherkenningspapieren. If you know Michael a little bit you know he does and no half hours on the internet is working good names for the fishes. He amuses himself perfectly between the dives. Normally we would dive master with two easily cope with this. Especially when you consider that a morning dive and the other afternoon. Yet it has happened that I swim four times a day, purely because it was busy and that therefore a DM from somewhere else it was requested. This only because there DM programs which we are only 1 customer at a dive back to Earth. It is great fun but also hard work. At 7:30 in the morning we are in the shop and if we in the evening at 7:30 we leave exhausted. In this work we do in paradise, we are generally very nice customers and the atmosphere in the dive restored. Life is good. juutsel | Tags: DM , Diving , Koh Tao , Thailand
Posted in Koh Tao , Thailand | 1 Comment » | |
