Teliologically Inaccurate...but I digress.

As the title suggests, the content of this post is out of chronological order. My last post (also completed today, so read on) finished with a mention of scuba certification, which is where this one shall pick up.

I signed up to take my PADI Open Water dive course with the SMU X-tremist club that organizes trips and expeditions for students interested in trekking, climbing, kayaking, diving, and other somewhat extreme sports. There were about an even number of exchange students as Singaporeans on the trip, so I knew a good handful of kids, and we had a good time. The classroom and pool sessions were held here on the island...you'll be disappointed to know I failed the test, but the nature of the PADI beast is to talk through the incorrect answers, preparing the failer to retake the test. Immediately following the discussion, quickly congratulate them for passing and send them on their way. So I passed, and went on my merry way.

The open water portion of the certification took place in Pulau Dayang, which means Dayang Island in Malay. The beach was stunning, the sea life was fun, and my fellow divers were all easy-going folks with great attitudes and a fun sense of humor. The instructors were a wild bunch as well, led by 30-year old Jacki who looks to be about 12. He's the least serious person I can possible think of, and can be counted on to throw someone into the water or other entertaining antics at any time. When something goes wrong though, he instantaneously puts on Danger Face and takes care of the problem, so he's great at what he does.

At Dayang, we completed 5 dives in 2 days, and got plenty of experience hooking up tanks and buoyancy devices, completing various underwater skills, and goofing off in wetsuits. It was a grand ol' time, and I'm pretty pissed that I live 1500 miles from in ocean in all directions. Regardless, I can scuba dive, and I'm psyched about it.

So I'm curious how my dreams will change as a result of being able to scuba dive. I frequently have dreams involving normal breathing while completely submerged in the ocean, a lake, a sink, a bathtub, some vat of water...and then I wake up in the middle of it as soon as my mind processes the fact that I'm breathing under water, and that just ain't right. Will I stay asleep? Will I explore the deep dark depths of which ever vat of water I'm splashing around in? If I don't wake up anymore, I'll never remember the dream because it'll be long gone by the time my circadian rise-time of 8:30 approaches, which bothers me moreso than waking up to begin with. Growl. Expect scientific reasoning on this soon.

Next post: Bangkok!