27th January 2013

I'm still finding it hard to get back into the swing of things, especially teaching.   Our first group of Open Water students were a mixture of nationalities which we only met prior to our confined session which made it slightly harder for us to get to know them, but my group seemed to lack personality.

 Even during the confined pool session I was doubting whether or not I wanted to teach anymore as it was such hard work.  I hate it when groups are like that!   

Thankfully after their Open Water, only 1 guy signed up for the Advanced and then I was given a Danish couple, so had a total of 3.   What a difference, the course went really well.  We talked, laughed and shared a story or two, which really lifted my spirits.

Since then, Si's been doing his usual UK work and we've taken time out to the gym and I've actually been out on my bike more.

 I've fixed my new bell and lights on the bike, so I've no excuses, not to go out.   Thanks to all the cycling in the UK, our hill is a breeze to cycle up  :-D

We've now had a couple of days off but tomorrow the Full Moon rush starts.  I'm looking forward to it for the money aspect but that's it at the moment.

Yesterday I'd woke up with a really stiff neck so I went for my first massage (Head & Shoulder) yesterday, which was bliss ... thankfully its feeling much better.

Today, some UK work for Si... a ride on the bike for me, before the week long manic time hits...

Still no luck on the house hunting front... its still too busy on the island.

x

Jenny

24th January 2013

So, its back to super busy time!  The island is packed!

Both Jen and I started Open Water courses just 2 days after returning... each of us had 6 students... and it was a hard one.



But through the tough parts, we came through and some of the students continued to Advanced. In the evenings since we returned, we have been coming home and falling asleep on the couch almost immediately... gonna take a while to get used to this again!

One evening however, we joined a couple of instructors who were heading to "Goodtime Adventures" to have a competition of who could eat the most "Suicide Wings".. I took a video camera and watched them in severe pain as they managed to down 16 chicken wings that were covered in chilli paste.

Of course, wanting to try, the staff made just the paste, and I downed some dipped with bread... WOW!!! It was damm hot... looks like I have to take Roy there when he visits to see if he can break the record and get his name on the "Wall Of Flame"!

I am finishing Advanced tonight, and tomorrow, hopefully working on the backlog of UK stuff... we shall see!

xx

18th January 2013

It was an emotional farewell for both of us this time.  It seems to get harder every time we go away, even though, we'll be back to visit in September and hopefully have some visitors this year ;-D

Our flight from Heathrow to Bangkok was delayed by an hour or so but apart from that, we had a safe and comfortable journey.   I managed to sleep the majority of the way, while Simon wasnt quite so lucky.

To break up the journey to Koh Tao, we spent a couple of nights in Bangkok. Walking around shopping centres during the day, and down various markety style streets in the evening looking for bargains...and having a couple of Singha beers at the side of the road with these makeshift Volkswagen Van bars.... very cool..

It was time to leave Bangkok, and flying down to Samui, we jumped onto the ferry and arrived on Koh Tao later that afternoon.

Moving back into our apartment took a couple of hours, and then it was straight out to attend a leaving party for a friend of ours... I think we got back around midnight.

Waking the next day, we got straight on our mission to look around for another house/apartment and also places for Fiona,Chris and co to stay if they come over in July. We spent pretty much the whole day doing that, with not much success as the island is pretty full at the mo... we are going to try again in a few days.

That night, it was out again to attend a snorkel test that Jen needed to attend as one of her proteges was participating. I think I lasted till 11pm, and asked Jen if we could go home and have a cup of tea (old git I am!)...

Then yesterday, we had our first dive... going to Junkyard with Nathan and his eco students and transplanting some coral.. it was strange after 6 weeks out of the water.. and a great feeling to get back into it.. Lots of coral moved and transplanted, even with a fair amount of surge...

Jenny took photos of her 2 nieces names on the windmill.. Chloe & Iona!

After our dive, we went to Safety stop to have a game of Settlers of Catan with Tina and Carsten before going home to cook dinner, watch a movie, and cuddle up...


xx

SD

12th January 2013

Well folks...

Its been a 4 week break from the blog, while we returned to the UK and spent Xmas and New Year with family and friends.

For a month I have been driving around to and fro to various places... sleeping in numerous beds and spare rooms whilst seeing all the relatives. Our base has been Jen's sisters house.. She keeps a room for us to crash in bless her and makes us very welcome. In fact, today is her birthday... so HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSIE!!

With UK work, xmas, new year and many boozy nights with everyone (plus going to the gym!)... we haven't had much time to chill... but its been great..

We have had plenty of nights out, nights in... all sorts of fun..

Now the journey back begins...

Its always tough to leave loved ones behind... it is the worst part... but venture on we must.... and Bangkok beckons for a night of mayhem before travelling down to Koh Tao.

Its been 6 weeks since I last dived, and I am itching to get in on some water action!!

So.... let the travels begin... again! Koh Tao... 5 days and counting!

x

SD