Qualified PADI

Paul and I - crazy loon from England I met on my first day here & we have been joint at the hip since!
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Thursday 8th August and nearly a week on I am still in Koh Tao. As soon as the ferry pulled into the harbour I made my way on foot to Bans Dive Resort and signed up for my PADI course. As I wanted to stay on the South of the Island they took me to their sister company called Sunshine Divers where I have been ever since.

I started my classed that afternoon and after 3 full days I am now PADI qualified. The course was great and consisted of various classes with my group; a German girl & an English guy. Our instructor is named Bear - and I guess he does resemble one. We done four dives in total, the final one taking us down 17metres. I am hooked already, so much so that I was to be beginning my advanced course this evening.

there is a mad storm here on and off the last two days which has prevented our dives from going ahead

PINK dive boat! But no, it wasn't the one I was on :(
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However, there is a mad storm here on and off the last two days which has prevented our dives from going ahead so unless is clears up by tomorrow morning I will move on and do my advanced course elsewhere. Providing the weather picks up and I complete my advanced course here, over the next two days I shall be doing a deep dive (30metres), navigation dive, propulsion vehicle dive (which I have been told is great fun), a night dive and one more which has not been decided yet. So providing I can get through all of those I will have my advanced licence which will allow me to dive in more exciting dive sites as I travel on.

On board the dive boat
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The PADI course cost 9000THB (approx 225EURO) & the advanced course is 7500THB (approx 175euro). Hopefully it will pay off as I plan on making a lot of use from it as the trip goes on!

Everyone here on Koh Tao seems to be here to dive or snorkel. The beach I am staying on is lined with dive resorts. Doing the course I am getting put up in a bungalow for free. It is pretty basic with a fan, bathroom and balcony. I am not there very much so it serves it's purpose!

Most evenings have been spent in a bar just across from the resort called Eazy Bar. It is right on the beach and extremely chilled out. With beer for a little over a euro you can't really go wrong and for those that wish you can purchase a joint for 2 euros - hence the name Eazy Bar I believe! Everyone knows everyone and it has been the meeting place for me and the people I have palled up with here every evening.

Paul doing one of his many handstands
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For getting around the island, it is best to rent a moped, however as the roads arent the best I have avoided that so far! More updates to follow soon once I know where I stand with my diving!