HPB Dive Fest 2008

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Welcome!

Its been a week since i embarked on a corporate trip with HPB but i clearly recall the uncertainty in me-going with another dive school, using new gear, bringing a camera, meeting new faces, etc, which, in the end, amounted to nothing more than unnecessary worries concerns.

It was a long ride to Dayang from Mersing, bout 4 hours. Then it was sand sand sand sand sand sand sand all the way to the quad sharing. erm. resort.

Its weird that the lights were on before checking in to the room. Then i really got a culture shock as i stepped into the living quarters. On the left, just beside my bed, was a dirty looking metal plate. The bunk beds were creaky, mattress had no bed sheets and the pillow was rock hard. Truth be told, i didnt even brush that night because i dont wanna step into the toilet. Oh! We filled a pail of water, only to find 3mm long red worms in the water. "What to do, just bathe lor".

It was supposed to be quad sharing but my only roomie and i were lucky to have it to ourselves!
Not exactly complaining larh, but i've been very pampered at Tioman. :P

The jet fins were a lil heavy, even in water, but came in very handy in choppy waters on Sunday. It being my 1st time finning frog-style, i thought the overall experience was no less than thumbs up! Zenz' mini shadow fitted me perfectly too. I wasted air during 2/3 dives for my mask kept fogging-the conditioner got washed off on the surface while waiting for other folks. Took photos of the lack lustre marine life and folks which made the weekend exceptionally remarkable-check em out on Facebk!

Remember how reluctant i was just last Friday (5th) yet i'm missing the folks so much now. I guess there's this thing bout spending time together overseas, how it miraculously brings people together (uh huh love was in the air. :P) , how the real personality in us surface.

It was raining cats and dogs sharks and manta-rays, and few of the guys were so sweet to bring us (super duper) saccharine sweet red bean soup and hot beverages while the rest goofed under the shelter, still freezing from wet suits and evil gushing winds.
And if you find yourself not making any friends during such activities, maybe it's time you step out of your comfort zone, stop complaining, start serving and engaging with others.

If i were to sum up everything in one word, 'fun' be an understatement.

Oh did i forget to mention, its my 3rd overseas trip with Carrie!

Drained but few of us lugged our heavy bags and went for indian dough with mutton/chicken & drinks at Arab Street's Zamzam before heading home. Zamzam's overrated, i must say. Nevertheless, the company (and a treat from one of the boys-hehe) made it all so worthwhile!

I spent the rest of the week working sleeping sleeping sleeping and sleeping. Well. You know you're getting old when such activities suck the energy out of you-dry.