Diving shiznit

To further feed my addiciton to diving, I took a four day liveaboard to the Similans, and took a Rescue Diver course - the next step to my possible Divemaster traineeship...

01 The deck

I am really enjoying this. I mean, really, it's an equipment intense sport - I concede, somewhat like hiking, but moreso in that it is very relaxed, safe, and focuses primarily on the beauty of nature. However, there are several problems with me stopping my trip to train and work here for two months. Firsly, the cost is slightly substanstial, as I would have to spend a couple thousand on gear. Secondly, I must now carry this gear, or send it home, adding muchly to my already increasing pack size. Thirdly, the season ends in two months, and I would have some difficulty finding a job elsewhere, given that I would have trained on specific reefs and islands here. Fourthly, I would have difficulty finding a job in Canada given that diving is not so popular there, and dry-suit use adds an entirely new dimension to training. Fifthly, and most important - I feel the need to be disciplined here, to 'depart from my cause as soon as it succeeds'. I feel utterly attracted to the comradeship and acceptance of the divemaster group that I experienced this week, and know that this is not helping me in the long run on the 'quest' as it were. This is something I want to return to once I am finished weighing my options, something that is slightly a distraction, like music, like parties, like hiking in and of itself, like getting caught up in specific aspects of the trip that in the long run, do not lend themselves to my enrichment. In short, this diving life is comfortable, exciting, and easy - thus, not the path I need right now. But it is one hell of a sport, something I will pursue when I don't have multiple rendez-vous with more countries, weddings, friends, and family. It was a painful and torn decision, but I have made it. And now, to celebrate ze undaer-water woorlde, I now bless you with pictures of 'the diving life'. Coz I'm awesome like that.

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03 Sea horsies!!

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05 Scorpionfish!

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07 Foggy Octopussiness

08 A not-so-impressed lionfish

09 Again, not-so-happy

10 He likes me though...