Similan Islands

Wow, has it really been 15 days since we last entered a posting? Yes, we've been busy traveling.

We arrived in Bangkok and took an overnight bus the next day to Khao Lak, for a 4 day 4 night diving safari in Southern Thailand. Khao Lak was one of the hardest hit areas in Thailand during the 2004 Tsunami, but you wouldn't notice it at all. We signed up to do our Open Water Scuba certification (60ft maximum depth) and decided to get our Advanced Deep Diver Certification while on board. Now we can dive to a maximum depth of 130ft. Talk about pressure! Diving was an amazing experience. Francis was a natural and Edward kept himself out of trouble (for the most part).

On April 13, we boarded the Dolphin Queen, with 23 other divers and a staff of 6 dive masters and 6 crew. We had one of the best cabins on the boat, on the top level. They called it the honeymoon suite. We soon realized that we had company, an extensive clan of cockroaches. After 2 days of waging battle, we made peace and learned to coexist with our friends which were there before us and would stay after our departure. Besides that, we were severely outnumbered. Good night creepy crawly friends...

In spite of the uninvited company, the 4 day live-aboard was amazing. The cabin was air conditioned and fairly comfortable since we had it to ourselves. The staff was incredibly friendly, professional and fun to be and dive with. The food also far exceeded our expectations. From banana pancakes for breakfast to fresh sashimi at dinner time, the cooks were fantastic. I would recommend Similan Diving Safaris for anyone interested in diving this part of the world. They run a pretty tight outfit.

We completed 14 dives in 4 days!!! Our day started at 6 in the morning. By 7 am, we were in the water for our first dive. Our last dive of the day, the night dive, was over around 8 pm. Talk about a whirlwind schedule! We slept like babies from the exhaustion but it was worth every kick cycle. 2008-04-18

The waters off the coast of the Similan were amazing. You could see the bottom of the reef clearly and the water itself was a beautiful turquoise color.

As I said, our day started early. This is not a sunset photo, it is actually a sunrise photo. Nothing gets you up in the morning like a morning dive.

The fish hide among the anemone for good reason. Anemone stings hurt. Edward found out first hand when his knee accidently grazed some.



Sea Horse

Cleaning Shrimp were some of our favorite creatures. They are shy, yet brave, crawling into the mouths of whatever creature approached for deep cleansing, to rid them of parasites and algae.

Francis got a manicure! Like mother, like daughter.

Ami, our dive instructor, got some pro-bono dental work

These colorful little creatures are called Nudie Branches

We found Nemo!

Edward Diving...before he got lost！

Cuttle Fish (very impressive)



Moray Eel

Francis & Ami (Our Dive Instructor) Thanks for everything!!!