My Journey to Become a Diver - Part 2

I had my second pool session last Saturday and couldnt complete any of the skills my instructor was teaching. I had so much trouble breathing properly cos I was breathing through the regulator as well as with my nose. Water will seep into my mask when I do that and when I continue breathing through my nose, I start to panic and forget everything and immediately ascend to the surface which is a no-no cos this is very dangerous while diving. Ascending too fast will cause lung over-expansion which will lead to lung injury.

I was at the pool again today to practice with my buddy and did ok but I could only intentionally fill my mask with water one time and clear it only once. Tried a few more times but I could see and feel the water filling up my mask and my nose, I start to panic again and inhaled water through my nose. 

Spent two hours in the bathtub at home last night with the snorkel and mask trying to learn proper breathing and came out looking like a prune. Right now, I feel like the worst thing that can happen is that I will never graduate out of the pool and into the ocean.

Hopefully my next post will be more positive and cheerful. ;(

My Journey to Become a Diver - Part 1

Having never learnt how to swim since young, I had never thought that I would someday dive in the oceans. However, after visiting Redang island several times last year, I gradually found that snorkeling just wasn't enough anymore. After seeing underwater pictures taken by numerous divers, I had to admit that the thought of taking dive lessons started to occur to me.

Naturally, I thought that this would not be possible since I could not swim and I suspect I have a slight water phobia too. While snorkeling too close to a reef or coral, I would immediately imagine things lurking behind them, waiting to attack me. During one snorkeling trip, I was nearly attacked by a titan triggerfish, a fish with teeth capable of breaking bones. I had since learned that it was due to human error since we got too near it.

Diving like any other sports has risks. Which is why it is very important to go at your own pace and not rush. The PADI package that I am taking consists of two classroom sessions where you will learn the theory as well as four confined water sessions in a pool.

I have completed the threory sessions and had two pool sessions so far. One of the difficulties I encountered is not breathing properly ie: breathing through my nose and not my mouth. When you breathe through your nose, water will enter the mask and therefore you will breathe in water through your nose. The proper way would be to inhale and exhale through the mouth and most importantly, to relax. I think once I learn how to relax and breathe properly, I should master the required skills quite easily.

To become a diver, swimming skills are not necessary since you have a BCD (bouyancy control device) that keeps you afloat while at sea level. All that is required is a bit of faith and passion. I am not the bravest of persons cos I am quite 'kiasi' (hokkien term for scared to die) and is quite a scared-ey cat. 

One of the many benefits of diving is that not only you will have fun, but a diver sees things that most other people on this earth will never see or experience in their lifetime.

I just hope that by my next pool session I will be able to breathe properly so that I can take my open water test soon and be declared a diver. *fingers crossed* (",)

If you want to find out more about diving or dive courses, check Diver's Den where I am taking my course. They are conveniently located at Jalan Universiti (opposite Universiti Hospital). They have an in-house swimming pool as well as a resort in Pulau Redang where you will take your open water exam. 

 Diver's Den

THE DIVER'S DEN
Address	:	No. 4 Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya
Tel	:	603-7960 7163 / 8163
Fax	:	603-7960 9163
Email	:	ddenmsia@tm.net.my

Sawadeeka Bangkok

Just got back from Bangkok at 1 am last night. The weather there was cold and rainy. It is now their winter season and was rather enjoyable if you do not get caught in the rain. It usually rains in the late afternoons so we just plan being indoors during those times. 

I fly to Bangkok an average of once a month or around 10-11 times per year for my business and although I do tend to go on autopilot mode once I touch down, I still do really enjoy every minute of it. The best foods are found on the streets and the best shopping can be anywhere from the many malls around the city as well as the countless night street markets along the walkways. The adrenalin rush you get from finding a great bargain as you try to choose from the myriad of items for sale is a kick, especially when it happens at one of the stalls on a bustling street.

Back in December 2010, hubby and I celebrated our anniversary at the tallest building in Bangkok, the Baiyoke Sky Tower in Pratunam. We had a buffet dinner at the Crystal Grill restaurant on the 82nd floor. The food was kinda lousy for the price we paid, which was 590 baht per person, excluding drinks. The beef was overcooked and rubbery and the desserts were kinda sad, with very few choices to choose from. The only thing that was really good was the lamb, which was perfectly seasoned and cooked just nice. They also had phad thai and tom yum goong but I have tasted better ones at roadside stalls. A selection of sushi, salads and pastas are also available.

 

Still, it is a nice experience if you have never been there before because as you dine, the superb night view of Bangkok accompanies you. The 590 baht includes a ticket up to the revolving observation deck which has a stunning view but it does spin a tad too fast for me and before you know it, it is over. While I don't think we will ever go back there again, it was still a enjoyable evening.

I shall do a post on the best, must-eat roadside foods that you must have while in Bangkok next. All in all, cheap and delicious food are easily available anywhere in Bangkok. Be adventurous and try the roadside foods. If you have a weak tummy, be sure to bring along charcoal pills in case you get food poisoning although so far, I have not had a serious case although my stomach is pretty sensitive.