)
The
booking company, instructors, crew, and other guests on this excursion were
all fantastic. We've been emailing each other photos, and are already keeping
in touch. When we arrived, there was only a Philippino family of six on board.
Two of the "kids" are my age and are also playing with computers for
a living, so we got along spectacularly. Later on that evening the rest of the
guests arrived: two Australians, two Swiss, and two Spanish. The entire group
included helicopter pilots, two surgeons, an E.N.T. specialist, and computer
types. It was actually really nice not to have any other Americans on board.
Historically, I've been annoyed with the majority of American travelers I've
met. I know it's a bit hypocritical to write something like that, but... well,
it's true. American tourists are typically loud, and not sensitive to local
customs. Of course, not all Americans fit into that mold. I've met many traveling
Americans who are very polite. :)
As a group, we were very lucky. The Big Blue Explorer has the capacity to hold thirty divers. Our group was 14 strong, and half way through, 6 left, leaving only 8 of us. Kenny and I were fortunate to have been with a such a fantastic group. All of us were strong enough divers that the instructors didn't have to babysit. Right? :)
To Mike Jones: thanks for making the trip booking experience painless.
To the instructors ( Bond, Lynne, Silvia, and Matt ): thanks so much for a wonderful experience!! I learned a lot, and consider myself a much improved diver. As a group, you're friendly, familial, and professional -- all at the same time.
To the boat manager ( Elaine ) and crew ( Ding, Jonny, Arnel, Bobby, Tony, the Captain, and others whom I didn't get to meet ): you guys are awesome! thanks for helping us to feel like the boat was a family.
To the other guests ( Kenny, Lucien, Lukas, Lew, Bev, Juan, Teresa, Francis, Paulo, Jungie, Javi, and Papa and Mama ): thanks for your company! I greatly enjoyed the conversations and experiences we shared. Expect email when I come to your respective countries. :)
ATTN Boat Participants: for guest contact information, enter the private area (password required).
) me and lucien |
) kenny |
) paulo, francis, elaine |
) kenny and lucien |
) silvia - dive briefing |
) kenny and lukas |
) javi and francis |
) bond |
) silvia, horsing around |
) lew and bev |
) kenny |
) silvia |
|
|
) silvia |
) matt, lucien, lukas |
) tony |
)