recognise the miracles in your life, and be one...

Monday afternoon I went for a second dive with the couple I had dived with the day before. It started off slowly and surely and before long, we had gone down to a depth of 10m. This was such a wonderful achievement for them and I was so honored to be a part of their experience. It was incredibly rewarding. A highlight was that we saw a flounder which looks like it was a fish that had been sat on by a fat person with two googley eyes on top!

Tuesday I enjoyed a day off and was so fortunate to squeeze into a space in the spa for a massage. I thought I would lash out and treat myself before I left, and I am so glad that I did. I like my massages very firm and what I got was a perfect combination of both firm, and relaxing. I could have fallen asleep as all the pains and aches were soothed away. As I received the massage in an outdoor villa, it began to rain which just added to the tranquility. It was bliss.

Wednesday morning I went on my first discovery dive. This is where it is a staff only trip and we go to a new destination and scope out the place to create a new dive site for guests. The first site we went to was in Raa Atoll. This site was deep, beyond 30m and consisted of to Tila’s (pinnacles). I am proud to say that this was the best dive site that I have had in the Maldives. We had everything from the small gorgeous nudibranches - the best I have seen; right up to the big stuff like a Napoleon fish, Tuna’s hunting smaller fish, Eagle ray’s, beautiful soft and hard corals, scorpion fish and everything in between. It was so diverse. I loved being able to explore here. Between dives we played music and went to our next stop in our atoll, Baa Atoll. It was a place where the recreation team have been for a fishing trip, however never catch anything, so they believe that there are sharks as there is a channel = strong currents, which usually equals sharks. We saw an Eagle ray and all explore together as one big team. It wasn’t great, not much to look at along the reef, but then one of the guys took off and starting to signal to us there was a shark. We all swam at light speed to hopefully catch a glance... Before long we all saw the giant 2+ meter nurse shark hiding under a coral formation. Instantly I thought, it is far more threatened by us, then we should ever be of them. We took lots of photos through every corner we could before ending or dive. What a great morning of diving.

When we got back to the resort, I got off the boat I had my lovely new diver friends looking for me to join them for lunch. We enjoyed the afternoon eating delicious meals at Blu beach and enjoying some sun and salt water and lots of great conversation. Later that evening I was invited to join for dinner which was such a delightful treat. The spoils have been continuing and I have just been overflowing with joy and gratitude. We enjoyed the Bollywood inspired buffet dinner at Cafe Landaa where the two Aussie’s also joined us. The staff danced and we ate... and ate... and ate. I have not been so full since I lived in Italy, where after a family meal it would feel like the skin covering my stomach was about to burst open. We then went on to enjoy a sheesha at Al Barakat restaurant before retiring for the evening.

The following day I sadly bid my new friends farewell, and was given a very heartfelt handwritten note. I just love these to pieces. Thursday and friday saw me completing more staff courses. It is quite a juggling act trying to keep everyone in order and co-ordinating who does what and how many assistants I need when each member is progressing at a different level. It is very interesting to learn how to manage these aspects of diving.

Saturday morning before I got out of bed, I gave thanks for all the wonderful things in my life and for all the wonderful gifts I had recieved. The events which have put me where I am, whether they were good or bad. I was confused about what to do next, and I asked to be given signs through the day, that I would recognize which direction I should be heading.  I asked for them to be not too painful, as usually I find it is through hardship, we find the light. I had been so indecisive through the week, not yet booked my flight home, as I just couldn't help but shake this feeling that I was waiting for something to intervene. 

First thing that morning, I was asked to conduct swimming lessons with a guest who was slightly lacking confidence in the water. We met at the guest pool and we hit it off immediately. We got talking and swimming, and talking and swimming. It was so important that we built a relationship on trust before we even got into the hard stuff and before long it was blossoming into a kind friendship. I love recognizing a kindred soul in another. I was booked again for the following morning and asked to join for breakfast before we began the lesson. Since arriving, I have wanted to enjoy breakfast at the Cafe more than any of the other outlets. Everyone raves about the food and variety and I was jumping with joy that I had this invitation extended to me.

In the afternoon it was quiet at the dive centre and I signed up a new arrival family for diving. The mother and youngest daughter stayed at the centre while the father and two elder kids went for a dive. I started chatting to the mother and of course was smitten with the gorgeous little 2 year old girl. The mother was from Jamaica and we discussed the Caribbean and how she could imagine me living there for a very long time and enjoying the laid back lifestyle. She also mentioned about the Bahamas having great turtle rehabilitation programs and with not another word, I was sold! Mexico / Caribbean is where I want to be next.

In the afternoon, I hit some stormy water (metaphorically) and was very unhappy. Someone was being unreasonably difficult. Thankfully, I remembered the signs which I asked for that morning, and instead of completely loosing my cool, I thanked for the sign, and sucked it up. When I got home that night, I immediately booked my flight home. It was the push I needed, a good reminder of why I am doing what I am doing, who I should be aligning myself with and where I should be heading. Home is ten days, I can’t believe it! But as I have been told by several wonderful people this week, this is just the beginning for me; and this, I believe.

Sunday morning I met my lovely new friend at the cafe and enjoyed one, if not the very best breakfast I have ever had. I went straight for the cheese and cold cut meats, dolmades and hummus. I then had pastries, eggs, REAL bacon (not fake-on aka turkey bacon) fresh juice, coffee and so much more. The food was definitely one thing, the company and the conversation was another. I say this more and more often, the company which I share and the friends that I have made while being here, have been so rewarding and I learn and grow so much from each person that I meet. This wonderful woman made me miss my mummy, but also feel so much thanks for all that she does for me. Marce is going to get one great big hug when I get home (and T-dog too!) AKA Mum and Dad. After our wonderful breakfast date, we hit the pool and made some wonderful progress. Refining technique, and improving nearly 100% on the day before. I was incredibly proud of her, and just quietly, myself. Booked again for Monday afternoon, I do look forward to the leaps and bounds we will make again tomorrow.

Before leaving the guest pool, I met a very beautiful mother and her 2 year old son. After giggling and splashing in the water her gorgeous boy, we spoke about swimming and diving and then moved onto resorts and her previous holidays. She mentioned how she used to always holiday in the Bahamas and the Caribbean, and mentioned to me that they do a nice caring for turtles over there! Two complete strangers in two days! Things were starting to become pretty clear on where I should be heading next. How wonderful!

Sunday (today) evening, after a long nearly 12 hour day, all I wanted to do was sleep. My mind was so busy with so many thoughts, laying down and writing my blog and pottering about has been a good start in winding down.

Tomorrow morning, I have a late start thank goodness, my first half day since being here. If my mind keeps me from sleeping early tonight, at least I should have a late sleep in tomorrow.

Whether you speak to the universe, pray to God, or wish upon stars....  When I give thanks, ask for help, or request signs to help guide me; I get them, and you will to. The hardest part is being able to recognize them. They will never come in way in which you would expect, and perhaps many of the time they go unnoticed. I am so thankful that I was able to recognise in the day or two following when I had requested some guidance, I was reminded of why I chose to follow this lifestyle, the type of people I should be aligning myself with, and those I should not. I was given guidance that perhaps the Caribbean is the place that aligns with my true intentions. 

Many things I had realisations on this week, and I am so glad that they were not too painful.  I've realised that it is a strong emotion - usually a negative one, that propels us and pushes us in the direction we need to go. I've experienced both pain and pleasure this week, but how else do we truly appreciate the light without experiencing the dark? 

We live in a word of duality, and I always refer to one of my favorite quotes when times are hard; "It is always the darkest before the dawn".

Recognise the miracles in your life, and be one.

Lots of love, Kassie

just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

The week began again on Monday and thankfully guest numbers were continuing to grow in the dive centre. I was due for a day off however commitments kept me busy in the dive centre. I went 12 days without a day off which was really getting harder each day but I had to “just keep swimming, just keep swimming...” I met a couple on the Sunday prior and took then diving over two and a half days which was really enjoyable. Whilst I enjoy the challenge of working with people who at first find diving very difficult and foreign, it is a very welcome change to dive with first timers who were born for the water. They were very lovely and we had a wonderful couple of days diving together. Come Wednesday, I met two of the most gorgeous men who were here on their honeymoon and wanted to give diving a try. We started with an introduction to diving and had a wonderful dive together, despite the fact we were against a strong current for the most part. They had perfect skill levels for beginners and decided to continue on and do a course with me. We spent the next two full days in the water, both diving and spending lots of time talking and laughing, and singing ‘i’m a little tea pot’.

In the first morning in the water, I was given an assistant. First I gave a briefing on the role I required and what assistance to render, as well as a very detailed explanation of an air depletion skill that we would be conducting underwater. When the guests arrived, I gave a very thorough explanation of everything we would be doing and provided a lot of emphasis on the air depletion skill. The reason for this, is as I turn the air tank off underwater, usually this would quite worry some people. I reiterated that there is no time that you actually go without any air, as the moment the resistance is strong, as you exhale your last breath, the tank is turned back on ready for your next inhale. In my demonstration of the skill with my assistant, my air tank was turned off, I had no air left and I signaled out of air - in order for the assistant to turn the tank back on. I took another breath and the tank was still empty. I signaled again, then waited a moment and took another breath, still no air in the tank. By this time some 10-15 seconds had passed and I had absolutely no breath. I had no other option but to turn around to the assistant and grab his alternate and start breathing while grabbing him and making a range of signals to indicate turning my tank back on, all while remaining completely calm in front of the guest students, when being calm was not my first natural response.

I turned to them, ready to complete the exercise with them, anxious and nervous as to whether or not they would be happy to continue after the disaster of a demonstration. It would have been a completely valid reason to cancel the rest of the course. Thankfully they were comfortable to complete the skill and see out the end of the course despite the disaster. I was livid, however didn’t budge on my professionalism. The guests were very unhappy with the “assistant” and ensured that he would not be joining in on any further diving activities. They were so happy with everything bar this, and we had such a wonderful and fun time diving together.

In a generous extension of kindness, they ordered iced coffee delivered to the dive center for me, we enjoyed cocktails and large quantities of riesling and sheesha in the evening. The following day I was invited to spend the afternoon at the guest beach with them where I was pampered so well, I didn't know what to do. Within the couple of hours we lazed at the beach, I had my sunglasses cleaned, was waited on with frozen grapes, ice cream, mint cucumber ice smoothie, and more - all complimentary. We then enjoyed wine, more cocktails and bar snacks whilst swimming until a big storm hit. We ran for cover, dropped all of our things and then jumped in the restaurant pool, swimming in the rain. It was heavenly. We had long and wonderful conversations and so many laughs. We picked it up again laster that night with dessert and a cocktail while watching the shark feeding at the sea bar. I was spoilt rotten, not only with the wonderful company and friendships that was formed, but the extension of gratuities over three days, I was the luckiest girl in the world.

Not only was this some of the most wonderful times spent during the week, but for the entire time of my stay. Wonderful memories and I am forever grateful. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the kindest and fun loving people, and for that, despite all the diving and traveling I have done, this is what tops the crop. Some wonderful friendships, and open arms to visit and catch up in the future, which I very hope I can, whether it be this year or in 5 years. It means so much to me to have this kindness extended to me.

On Saturday evening the dive team had arranged to go to a local resort for dinner. We get special rates and it was thought to be nice if we all go out together and enjoy dinner at a resort restaurant. We pooled the tips we had received for the month so far which funded the evening. We went by speedboat and enjoyed a buffet dinner. It was nothing spectacular, and i think often the staff food we receive is much nicer, but the experience of sharing a meal together out of our island home was a good experience. It was great to see another resort in the maldives, and it was very different to ours. I think that after working in the four Seasons I am a little bit spoiled! It was great to go somewhere else, but it was even better to come back and pull up at home in Landaa Giraavaru.

Sunday I had a busy day of discover diving courses with some new guests I had happened to meet whilst I enjoyed my day at the staff beach with the boys. I told my manager that she will have to send me there more often to enjoy the good life as I easily meet and greet new guests and invite people to try diving with me ;) obviously that would never happen but it was worth the try! In the morning, I had a gorgeous couple who were both quite nervous about the experience. I spent at least an extra hour (which was 3 hours in total) than usual to go through the skills and have a 3 meter dive to ease them into the experience. At the beginning it was looking very unsure if they would be interested in continuing, however with lots of TLC, they didn’t want it to end and have booked me for tomorrow. This is just the most wonderful thing to experience, seeing the transformation in people and changing their lives for the better.

Sunday evening was the cocktail party and it was great to catch up with the gorgeous couple I had taken diving that day. Also running into a couple from Brisbane who were just hilarious and another aussie couple from Melbourne who used to work for the same company I did a few years back and we even know the same people! Such a small world! After many laughs amongst the Aussie troops, we were invited back to have dinner and more drinks at one of the guest rooms. I was given approval by management with a 12am curfew. We walked along the beach and the men ordered a feast of in room dining. The room was spectacular to say the least, if I could ever be so lucky... I wouldnt even know where to begin the description of the place.... a raised sun bed above the private pool, the outdoor two level area with hammocks and sun lounges, the princess bed inside and I can only imagine the rest, it was just incredible. We sat outside eating and drinking which was just a delight. The Aussies were hilarious and for every song that played, we became best friends - from Chet Faker to Temper Trap, I was in music heaven. After the Aussies left it was the three of us and it was wonderful to get to know each other before retreating for the night after being insisted on being walked home... such sweethearts.

It’s fair to say that I feel like I have really found my groove this week. In diving, in the running of the dive centre, co-ordinating courses and schedules, and just being me. Happy, fun loving, social butterfly, me. After having a little rough patch two weeks ago, it’s nice to be back. 

Enjoy every moment, frolic in the rain and sing out loud. Bring out the best in others, and it brings out the best in you. Let your light shine!

Love love love love love Kassie xx

don't wish, do...

Courses, courses, and more courses! Gaining work experience as a dive instructor has been in full swing this week. It has been quiet on the guest side, and therefore staff are lining up out the door to get their courses completed.  

Tuesday I was facilitating an Emergency First Response Course (EFR) for 6 staff! I had little sleep the night before as I was worrying if I would be able to pull it together. I had two assistants and I laid out the course similar to how the last one had I assisted was, though just changed around some of the roles. It felt good to be standing in front of a class and providing new knowledge and teaching skills, and it all being quite fresh as I had only being involved in the same course a couple of weeks earlier. The day run smoothly and everyone performed well with little to no mistakes, which I felt was a compliment to how I had been teaching. I quite like this course, and each time I teach it, I retain more information about primary and secondary care and body systems. I am sure I have learnt more valuable information and skills in the past 3 months than I did in my 12 years of schooling! But thats a different topic.

With the abundance of dive courses this week, I have been both acting as the lead instructor on some, and assisting a colleague instructor on others. I seem to have the navigation adventure dive down pack after doing multiple in one week, plus a few other adventure dives in the advance diver course. Its wonderful to be able to not only impart the PADI teachings, but to incorporate hints or tips from my own experience, and so far I hear it has really helped. Even sharing stories from my own experiences in the past couple of months, has really helped people conquer their fears and try something new. I love this. We have also had 10+ young chaps in doing their open water course which has been interesting. It has been very challenging, managing and co-ordinating the schedules, as many people are at different stages of the course. Also, with english is a second language, a lot of the dive theory has taken longer than normal. It is wonderful to see though, as they start to grow and improve and are able to answer your quiz questions correctly - you are so proud!

I had one theory class with one student this week, and seemed to really struggle to comprehend a couple of dive theory topics. So like a teacher, I whipped out the white board marker and started to draw diagrams and pictures, explaining the key concepts - just as my instructor did to me in my Divemaster course only a couple on months ago. It was incredible how quickly the  tables had turned. In doing so, it is the greatest reward when someone who didn’t understand, then understands. It means I am doing my job well, and that’s just tops. I think I officially hit teacher status on Thursday when I was going through an exam and I asked what answer you got from question number A. Yep, number A, it happened.

Come Saturday, I was lucky enough to be put on the Hanifaru Manta station clean up. In other words, there is a bay where Manta’s and whale shark come to feed off plankton between June - September. The Four Seasons a long with four other resorts met at Hanifaru which is the only time you are allowed there, to do a clean up. Afterwards when the manta’s and whale sharks come by, they have a lovely environment to bask in! Many cleaned the atoll all day, and we did two dives in the afternoon to collect garbage and to clean corals. It was a good thing that in from both dives, I collected no more than one beer can. A couple of colleagues collected a fair few fishing nets and lines which are the most harmful, so I guess that it was a good thing that there was little to collect. It was a fun day, with a picnic lunch and a group of experienced staff divers. Even better, the sun was out again and we had the lovely sun deck to enjoy for the journey.

At the end of our second dive, on our way back to our resort, the boat staff saw a Manta in the water. In no time at all, me and the three staff from the manta trust all jumped in the water and looked for it. After swimming some distance from the boat, this giant magnificent creature swam by us. It was just wonderful to finish the day with a close encounter. I took a video however I accidentally deleted it upon coming to the surface. Oh well, at least I have the memory. I hope there are at least a few more of these close encounters before I leave.

Its been a tiring week and it doesn't look like my day off will be coming any day soon which blows, I could really do with some R&R. On the bright side, the guest numbers have picked up and I have a new course which started today and the couple are really great in the water which makes things so much more enjoyable and easier - especially in comparison to the 9 chinese first time divers we had this morning. Thats some experience right there. Emoji face. 

This week has also been a big week of love and loss, and reminders of some wonderful people who have passed. Many people are leaving the resort this month which is sad, especially for the ones I like. As much as I love it here and I could very much come accustomed to the way of life, I know I could probably find something much more suited for me. Here, you are like family however, you work together, you live together and you socialize together. Everyone knows who you are, what you do - All. The. Time. Its a little weird. You talk work most of the time and it never seems to end. I was thinking last night that it sort of felt like I was living in a world of lemmings, or sims. It didn’t quite seem like real life. You can easily forget what its like “on the outside” and everything seems much more intensified. 

As the rest of my time here diminishes, many people are telling me to ‘make the most of it’. This makes me reflect on the past couple of months, and you know what - I have absolutely made the most of every day here since I arrived. It is so fulfilling to have that, no regrets, no ‘i wish i had’ or ‘i should have done’ on anything. When something came up, I jumped at the chance to do it. I spent evenings out making new friends and hanging out at the beach, not sitting in my room watching movies on my laptop. I stayed in the cafe long after I had finished my meal to continue conversations, I would get interrupted on my way to exchanging my uniform to change course and do something else, and I have loved every moment. The friends I have made here have become family, in fact I see and spend more time with them than my own. 

Where to next is still the million dollar question. Until then, i’m just going to release and go with the flow of the universe and trust in what will be will be. There is no use me worrying and being stressed about the next couple of months ahead.  We can only do what we can do. Worrying will only hinder our ability to move forward. 

Relax, and trust that everything will work out exactly as it should.

Wishing you an abundance of opportunities,

Love Kass xx

she came she saw she conquered

Monday evening we went for a night dive on the boat. It was a beautiful evening at 7pm, I sat at the front of the boat, staring at the pink sky, enjoying the sea breeze on my face. I was soaking up everything in that moment. I could have nearly cried at the thought of leaving it behind very soon. On the way back to the resort after the dive, I laid on the sun deck which at this time was a star deck, where I laid like a starfish, enjoying every star in front of my eyes. What a beautiful way to spend ones life.

It was quite late when we got back, but a favorite member of our dive team was heading bak to the sister resort the following day, so a few drinks were in order. As usual it was crude conversations and lots of laughs. We drank and listened to his crazy stories which just get funnier each time you hear one. It was past 3am when we went to bed, luckily I had a late start the following day, so with plenty of sleep, I was up and kicking the following day.

Tuesday we were surprised with a Mexican fiesta for lunch. The cafe was draped in Mexican flags, poncho type table clothes, sombrero’s and all sorts of colourful cut-outs in the windows. There was a BBQ set up outside were there were chicken wings being cooked, Inside they had chicken meat in one of those kebab shop rotisserie things, we had tables set up with everything from mountains of corn chips with all the trimmings, guacamole, sour cream, cheese and salsa, taco station, enchilada’s, chili con carne and so much more. They had a drink table with a wonderful tangy lemon mint drink and then of course the dessert table! Baskets of churro’s, sweet bread, sweet rice puddings, banana coffee cream cake thing, and of course - much more! I was in food heaven. It was such a welcome treat.

During the week an e-mail was sent around the company from the head honcho with a compliment e-mail which detailed me. “Kassie is fantastic, and very personable”. Not a bad start to being back in the dive centre! I live to give!

Mid week I was in teaching status as a Padi OWSI (Open Water Scuba Instructor) stoked! Immediately, I had a father daughter team form Germany as my first students. At first I was a little curious as to how I could make divers out of them, but after a couple of days with my steady hands, at the end of the course it was dramatic how wonderful they had come to learn about diving and how independently they could swim underwater without my hand on them. The transformation was incredible and it was so satisfying to be a part of that. On the second open water dive,  I was buddy with the young girl and we saw 4 giant marble sting rays, two of which were mating so they were dancing around and it was just wonderful to watch. I thought how wonderful for this young girl of 10, that on her first real open water dive as a  certified scuba diver, she got to see this. Before leaving the following day she wrote me a gorgeous letter and a drew lots of pictures to extend her thanks for teaching her how to dive. Something this personal goes beyond tips and gifts, something I will keep and treasure. Not a bad strike rate, my first students and my first hand written letter!

After this course I then had another father daughter team doing the same course. Again, seeing them transform into divers was so special. Also a nice little tip didn’t go astray ;) into the team kitty, to be split at the end of the month is a nice treat.

Friday evening was something extra special. I was invited to be a “model” of some of the wonderful items at the resort shop as we were having a special ladies only evening of shopping. I saw the invitation e-mail which was sent out that day and it stated that it would feature the resorts “leading ladies” - me a “leading lady” at the resort? I must just be a ring-in haha. I was so honored to do something like this and I enjoyed it very much. I wore a gorgeous dress - $800 USD, a ring - $6,800 USD and the most spectacular earrings $81,000 USD! I don’t think my hands will ever touch something so incredible and expensive again! It was a wonderful evening with meeting and greeting guests, compliments galore and some incredible champagne. To finish the night, we caught up with a couple at the resort and drank blended ice, vodka and lychee’s - with cheese and cold cuts platters and seafood, another wonderful evening in the life of a dream chaser.

Sadly this week coco was released into the big blue. It was a very bitter sweet day as I was so proud of the little baby and how well she had done in her rehabilitation, however, I would not have my pretty little friend to visit and talk to every day. I wish her a long a safe life.

After completing two scuba diver courses with four guests, I was then given an Advanced diver course. It’s a busy life as a dive instructor, and it was quite tiring, however the rewards dramatically outweigh everything combined. I am so glad that I did not go for anything less in my internship. I spend lots of time making enquiries to ensure that where I chose to do my internship was going to be with a very reputable company (Four Seasons) an incredibly experienced and trustworthy instructor (Andy Auer) and have plenty of time to practice as an Instructor before the completion of the program (5+ weeks instructor internship). Just because I have the license, does not mean that I am automatically an expert. There is SOO much to learn and understand it will be ongoing for many, many years, if not a lifetime. It’s now time that I start looking for jobs, but where do I begin!

I have four weeks left at the Four Seasons and I am spoilt for choice not just where in the world I work, but also the type of work. Do I work in a dive centre, a resort, a live aboard? I will be quite specific with the employer, in that it should be a very enriching environment to learn and grow with much support at hand. It’s interesting to see how my values in an employer are so much more grounded than perhaps others who just look at the dollar figure. I look for the the overall package. It’s an exciting time ahead, and I am not going to sell myself short. Though I have minimum experience, I am going to use that as my advantage, for a business to create the type of diver they want in the world. I didn’t choose to do my IDC and IE at a Padi 5 star dive resort, at the Four seasons just to get any job. I want to work for a high quality, well respected, and reputable dive company or resort who value their staff as their most important assets. I set the bar high in my training and development so I had the best credentials in my resume to work for some of the best dive companies in the world. Aim at the top to reach it.

Today I enjoy a day off which I am going to thoroughly enjoy in my room. I have woken with a bit of a head cold, lots of sneezing and some sniffling, so a day of rest is perfect right now. The weather continues to be hot and muggy and storms of flash rain, thunder and lightening every day.

For my friends who are all of my readers, do not underestimate yourself and your abilities. You are as good as you THINK you are. Think successful, be successful. Do not think that you are being unreasonable or unrealistic. If you desire a big life, than dream big and live big. Shoot for the top and do not stop until you reach it. Believe in yourself and be yourself. I believe in you.

Lots of love

Kassie xx