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