Filipino Fun

I spent the last week in Puerto Galera, or more specifically, Sabang, in the Philippines. I intended to spend TET away from Hanoi, sitting on a beach and reading, and not doing much else. Instead, I ended up diving for the first time, and then completing my PADI Open Water Certificate so that I can now say I am "a Diver". Interesting, as I never intended on Scuba Diving being a part of my life- despite good friends talking about it- my ear and sinus problems most of my life, and my recent lung difficulties made me think it would never work. Plus, I already spend plenty of money on skiing and other expensive hobbies.... retirement plan is not looking great!

But; given the all clear from the doctor in Australia, being exposed to some fantastic diving facilities and being the only non-diver on my trip in a group of 7 to the Philippines changed all that.  And I am changed. A new Diver in the world, and trying to plan where I'll next go. I had an amazing time, even though I only got to do 4 OW dives. I found the course interesting (well, it's basic science!) and then, my last dive, on the wreck... the fish were amazing! I know I could do that again and again. Very happy my profession gives me holidays to do this!

The views underwater. There's nothing to describe it. It's like being small fish in an amazing, endless aquarium. The fish you see are awesome. Sure, I am still scared of the potential failures in the equipment. There are definitely situations where you could be screwed. But I need plenty of practice that's all! 

I would love to go back to where I was in Puerto Galera because I only got 4 dives, but I suspect there are also way too many other places to go in the world! As I am currently planning to head back home to Australia in August but via Asian places to visit...and now dive. It's looking like Indonesia, Thailand and maybe Kota Kinabalu are in the list. 

So, I had yet another amazing holiday in Asia. In this case the Philippines, thanks to the staff and instructors at Atlantis Puerto Galera. My instructors were excellent. And the staff: super friendly. That's another thing. While Vietnam is such a wonderful place to visit and travel, it is not always an easy place to live.... I wonder what other places are like?

Picture of the Sabang Wreck (2005) from: nathanmasser under this license