I, on the other hand, will raise my eyebrows and give him a cautious look while nibbling my fingernails.
This was precisely what happened when the BF suggested to go for our PADI Open Water Diving Course - a certification that allows us to dive to a maximum depth of 18m with a buddy.
Seeing the excitement in his eyes, I decided 'what the heck'. Since I've never done it before, I might as well try. So on the 2nd week of June, our diving adventure began..
11th June 2012: We headed to Orpheus Dive Centre for our theory lesson, where we were taught the different aspects about diving, pressure, diving equipement, safety etc. Though the lesson lasted about 3 hours, it was a fun and interesting learning experience nonetheless. All thanks to our humorous dive instructor - Lester Kwok!
13th June 2012: For our pool lesson, we gathered at the swimming pool of Outram Secondary School, where we had to put what we've learnt into practice
Here, I had some trouble because I couldn't regulate my breathing, as I was inhaling from my regulator (which is correct), but exhaling from my nose. That said, this breathing pattern wasn't an issue, even though most people breathed in and out from their regulator. But because we had to go through some drills like clearing our mask, or taking out of mask and putting it back, my breathing patterns got all mixed up! As a result, panic and stress caused me to inhale some water (through my nose, by accident of course), which made me choke and rise to the surface for air.
Now screwing up in the pool is perfectly fine. But if this were to happen at 18m underwater, I would have ruptured my eardrums or lungs. Or both.
So at the end of my pool session, I started worrying and getting stressed about the 'what ifs' that could happen during our actual dive. Thankfully, the BF managed to calm me down and provide some tips if I were to panic underwater.
15th June 2012: I met up with the BF and his colleagues at their workplace. Shortly after we've gathered, 3 MPVs arrived and picked us up.
After which, we fought through the peak hour traffic and causeway jam, before arriving at Taman Sentosa for dinner.
By the time we arrived at our accommodation for the night, it was about 11pm thereabouts. Without hesitation, we checked in, took a shower, and catch some shuteye.
The next morning, we arrived at Mersing Jetty before 6am so as to catch an early ferry to Pulau Tioman. Upon arrival, we were stunned to see that the jetty was crowded with people!
Immediately, our dive instructor went to get our ferry tickets and we started joining the queue.
An hour later, most of the people in the queue had boarded their ferry. Those that remained were us, and other small groups of people who looked like they are on their way to a diving trip as well.
After an hour of ferry ride, we finally arrived at Pulau Tioman, where we were greeted with clear blue seas, and good weather.
Walking to our dive centre
Welcome to B& J Dive Resort!
Due to my mild OCD syndrome, I'm usually quite wary of the cleanliness of the hotel / resort room. Which is why I rarely go around bare footed in the room unless I know for sure that the room is squeaky clean.
And surprisingly, B&J resort has met my standard of cleanliness! So before we entered the room, I actually told the BF to take off his shoes before entering the room.
Apart from the cleanliness, I was also delighted to be welcomed with the smell of lemongrass when I entered the room. Seriously, it's all these details that make the stay an enjoyable and comfortable one.
See, even the toilets are spacious and clean!
The view from our room's full length window
Having checked into our rooms and changing into our swimwear, we headed down to the dive centre to fill up some paperwork.
Then began our first dive! We were split into 2 groups, of which one of them consist of people who are less confident in water. It's needless to say that I'm in that group. The BF however, was in the "better" group.
But before we headed to the sea, we had to check and assemble our equipment first. Check out my equipment! If you're wondering why it looks weird / small, that's because it is KID'S SIZE; thanks to my petite physique.
Anyway, I was proud that I could remember how to assemble all the necessary equipment without any help. Pre-dive satisfaction - you bet!
Meanwhile, the "better" group which was led by Dive Instructor - Raymond, also did their briefing, equipment setup, buddy check etc. Can you spot the BF?
Once all our equipment had been setup, my group had a short briefing before our diving commenced.
To summarize my dives, I..
.. Was upset that I couldn't go beyond 2m due to the inflammation of my Maxillary Sinuses. In fact, it hurt so bad that I literally felt as though someone was squeezing my cheeks and trying to crush it. As a result, I ended up "Advance Snorkeling". During the end of my last "Advance Snorkel", I even came out of the sea with a nose bleed! Needless to say, thoughts of not being able to dive again crushed my enthusiasm, which led to a night of worry and anxiety.
.. Was excited and thrilled because of I spotted the island's resident turtle while "Advance Snorkeling'! My group also had a chance to interact with the various marine life i.e. Sea Urchin, Sea Cucumber, Corals etc.
.. Was guilty because I felt as if I wasted the BF's money (yes he sponsored my entire dive course). However, he was sweet enough to reassure me that it's ok, and that my health is more important than anything else. *heart melts*
After an afternoon of diving, we headed back to our resort to shower and change. Since we had some time before dinner, the BF and I went out of the resort to do some sight seeing.
But instead of walking around, we ended up at the bar and decided to relax and watch the sunset.
The bar just in front of B&J Dive Centre
By 8:00pm, everyone had gathered at the bar. We then made our way to our dinner venue which was a 5 minutes walk from B&J Dive Centre.
With food aplenty and marvelous company, we ended the night in high spirits. And despite our fatigue, some of us loitered at the bar, chatting and drinking to hearts content.
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