Just returned from a vacation. As I was out at sea for 4
days and nights, am still feeling landsick (ie: as though still floating in
water when standing on firm ground). But. What a glorious holiday filled with
so many firsts:
·
1st time holidaying with May and Bee
·
1st time to pack so little for a 6
days trip
·
1st time in Similan Islands, Khao Lak
·
1st time to experience liveonboard
·
1st time losing my snorkelling mask
·
1st time losing my dive group while
underwater
·
1st time writing in a dive logbook
Yes. Finally started a dive log, albeit most reluctantly. It
was good fun to sit down and do or copy “homework” after each dive. I learnt
that it’s up to me! So I don’t have to stress over identifying the multitude of
species of sea creatures but just pen down my feelings and experiences instead.
I can do that! And certainly not restricted to dives… time to dust off the many
(empty) travel journals I acquired…
Although I should be excused as it was my first liveonboard
experience, I did feel that I didn’t pack right.. well.. at least I didn’t overpack?!?!
Still, there were many items I wished I had with me during the trip. I wished I
brought along rashguard and long tights – not at all proud of the ugly tan
lines across my thighs and upper arms.. =/ also realised it’s time I invest in
more than just a mask for diving, booties or even socks will prevent blisters
from fins! Thankfully my 2 hair ties lasted the trip but can never have too
many hair ties when you do not want hair to obscure the beautiful scenes the
ocean has to offer.. can’t believe I left all 6 or 7 sarongs at home! Certainly
a better between-dives-attire than just a tee.. Even though I set out not
wanting to be bothered with photo taking, I really should have brought along at
least one memory device! Finally, bring a multi-colors pen!!!
It was a very, immensely, awesomely enjoyable trip! I keep
recalling my huge, sunny smiles and the emotions of joy and carefreeness
throughout the trip. Even before arriving in Thailand, I was filled with excitement
in anticipation. 
At various points: having Dylan and Erica to send me off at
the airport, performing the “manta call”, discovering the tiny beings –
shrimps, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, mothfish – to catching sight of the big
guys – moray eels, trigger fish, marbled stingray, manta ray and whaleshark! -,
showering off in the warmth of the sun after dives, indulging in delicious food
and sinful snack of toasted egg and ham sandwich, jumping off the boat into the
sea and jump shots out of clear waters, reaching the top of Sail Rock, watching
stars and sunsets, relaxing in the pool of an amazing resort, suntanning by the
beach with a book… the list can really go on and on.. Oh! Having someone
assumed that I am a model?!?! Haha… =)
There had been a point when I thought I would never be able
to enjoy holidays again… without a special someone to hold my hand while
transiting, to surprise me with flowers in the room, to share and enjoy the
unique sights and sounds with, to kiss and cuddle up to at night… The sense of
loss still comes sometimes but I certainly realised that I had not been as free
as I had in the last week for some years now…
I am okay.
Oh. Happy international day of happiness.. =)