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

do good, avoid evil, and see things as they are....

Sunday evening we all met at the staff jetty for a sunset cruise on the dhoni. We all sat up on the top deck, took photos and had some light conversation. After sunset, we all came back,  ate dinner at the staff cafe, and then met in the common area where we had a few drinks. It was a mild night with a carton of beer between a couple dozen people and some classy drinking of champagne from the bottle. Later that evening, a few of us went down to the beach and hung out for a little bit - this was the best part of the whole evening.  

It was a rather quiet week upon return to the dive centre. Less guests then previous weeks over easter so there was a lot of hanging around the dive centre, retail work and maintenence, joking about and having lots of laughs with the guys. Tuesday evening there were plans for some of us staff to get together and have a beach party. Everyone was really looking forward to this and it was all the talk... just before we were going to meet, we had been watching lightening for a good hour or so. Before long - the rains came and all hell broke loose! Thunder and lightening, flash rain - it was incredible! Hardly like anything i had experienced before, and I live in tropical Queesland where tropical storms are common. Unfortunately I was in my room and the only place I could see the event was through my bedroom window to which I only had a tiny area where I could see the sky. It powered down for some time before it was safe to leave the room, but even then, i needed a canoe to get around outside!

There were a few trees down and palm fronds in places where there were no palm trees in sight! The following night before the end of the clean up, I tripped on a fallen coconut! Usually the ground is clear and clean, but in the dark before the end of the clean-up, a sneaky lil coconut was just waiting for me to trip over it! For the next couple of days we had afternoon/evening storms with lots of rain, thunder and lightening. I was told that it is a change in Monsoon, and it will last for approximately 10 days.

Friday was ANZAC DAY - In the morning I was up early for a boat dive with a fellow Aussie. I had been pretty good and was sugar free for 3 days, but I felt un-Australian if I did not have an ANZAC biscuit (AKA oatmeal boat cookie) so I just haaaad to eat one! For my lunch break I went to the staff break with my sister from another mister on the resort, and we took some happy snaps together and enjoyed the beautiful calm waters before heading back to work. It was a quiet afternoon again in the dive centre and time for a quick meal before meeting for a night dive. 

We met around 7pm for the night dive, just before the sunset and we had two of the most gorgeous Aussie ladies as guests, and I was leading three staff. It was a great crew on board which made the trip even more enjoyable. Before leaving, we had a last minute change in boats, and unfortunately one of the staff had his equipment on the previous boat - ‘The reef 20’. We were on board the ‘Reef 6’ and had arranged to pick up the equipment on the way to the dive site. They say everything happens for a reason, and there was definitely a greater reason for the equipment being stuck on the other boat.

Upon coming up to the Reef 20, there was a turtle to the right of the boat, caught in a massive fishing net. Without hesitation, and no time to put on my scuba gear, I jumped off the side of the boat with only half my wetsuit on my body. The boat crew threw me my fins once I was already in the water. The turtle was completely tangled by this massive fishing net the weight of the net holding the turtle back as she tried to swim downward. I took deep breaths and ducked under the water and untangled the net from behind the back flippers and the shell. She was struggling very hard to swim downward where the net was cutting in under her front right flipper. I grabbed a knife from the boat to cut the net around her front flipper free but it was so tightly cutting in to her flipper it was not safe that I tried this. Another diver jumped in the water and helped me to lift her up onto the boat. One of the other staff took the knife and cut the rope free. We then flipped her over and released her back to the sea. Upon inspection when we cut the rope, it didn’t appear there was any sever damage to her flipper, though underwater it appeared it was cutting quite deep. The poor love swam straight back to freedom as soon as we released her. Adrenaline was pumping through my body and people were asking me, what type of turtle was it? How big was it? All of these specific questions that I could hardly answer. All I remember was focussing on the net and how I could release her. Thankfully, One of our lovely guests took photos of the whole experience so I can soon look back on these and share. I am so lucky that I have photos to look back on this incredible experience of saving a turtles life.

I first wanted to get into diving in order to save turtles somehow. The defining moment for me where I decided that diving would be my dream job, was during a holiday in Malaysia. I did a dive where there ere some 30-40 turtles  on my dive. During this trip, I also went to a turtle conservation island where we collected turtle eggs and buried them for release once they hatched. We also released those turtles that had hatched, back to the sea. From this holiday, I wanted to make a difference and help turtles, and I felt that diving was going to get me there, and incidentally, it did. I felt like my life purpose was fulfilled from that single experience. It really hit it home for me just how much I love these animals and how rewarding it was to be able to make a difference. It was such a reality check for me, that there are far greater things that I can be doing with my life, than sitting behind an office desk paying insurance claims. My heart was filled with so much love. I also recommend that if people do go on holidays, that they incorporate some type of local conservation experience, for if a life changing experience and career choice, at lease what you can learn so much, and do something to make a difference in the time you are there.  Every little bit helps. There is so much destruction in the world, and unknowingly a lot of us contribute by buying products which destroy habitats or otherwise. For each good deed we give back, we are tipping the world scale from bad to good, thats got to make a difference right?

Following the incredible turtle rescue, we reached our dive site which proved to be a really lovely dive. Amongst other things, we saw two giant marble sting rays, the second one which was so curious of us, he kept following us and looking directly at us! It was actually a little unnerving! When we came back onto the boat, we looked up at the stars and it was a really clear night. I just mentioned how finding a shooting star would be a perfect end to the evening, and just as I said that, a shooting star launched overhead. It was amazing. ANZAC day in the Maldives was a really incredible day. I was very mindful of all those who had served (especially my pa) and still serve in wars. Whether they are for meaningful purposes, or bullshit greed and destruction, my thoughts were for those who are out there in the front line.

Friday night after the dive the front office team were having a bbq on the beach and I was invited to join. I was so happy as friday night meals in the staff cafe are less than desirable for me. I got the beach and they had cooked some beautiful big fish on the grill, we had a table with chapati and coconut which I wrapped all together and it was a flavour explosion! I wish I could eat that for every meal, I would be very happy! We had lots of laughs and reggae music which was very calming. Afterwards it was quite late but I was trying to find someone to have a beer. I went up to the bar where I knew a few colleagues were a couple of hours earlier and I found them with my two aussie friends! We chatted for another hour or so, looked back on the photos from the dive and heading off just as the rains set in.

The following day I had the day off due to the quite schedule in the centre the following day. It was good timing as I had a slight aggravation to my left ear, and we treated it before infection, so it was nice to have a day off to rest out of the water. I spent the day pottering around the room, doing laundry and bits and pieces. In the afternoon I had a three hour nap on and off which was quite nice. In the evening it was another less than desirable evening for me in the staff cafe so I ate a little before canning it.

The two lovely ladies invited a couple of us to meet at the seabar at 7pm and I was really looking forward to putting on a nice dress and hanging out. We enjoyed a cocktail over sunset before they invited us on to eat with them. We went to the Arabic restaurant over looking the sea. We enjoyed a mix of hot and cold mezze and shared everything between us, I loved that - my favorite type of meal. After stuffing ourselves with lots of little delights we headed downstairs where we enjoyed a shisha and lots of conversation. It was so lovely to be invited out by such wonderful people and had a genuinely enjoyable evening. I know I say this a lot, but I love good people!

Sunday was a reasonably quiet day again. In the morning, the girls were so kind to bring a box of mangoes to the dive centre along with bunches of bananas and a papaya. A gift fruit box! What sweet hearts. In the afternoon I had the pleasure of taking a father and daughter out for a discover scuba diving experience. I must have pretty good because they have signed up to do a course. This is so rewarding seeing the excitement, especially of children after a dive. I took out a 10 year old boy for a discovery dive a few days earlier and his eye were as big as his dropped jaw as he exclaimed “that was awesome!!” and I asked him, what was the best part? and he said “everything was the best part!!” He also went on to do a certification course. This is really great, being able to introduce people to the underwater world, and seeing the change in them and them wanting to take this further and become a certified diver.

Sunday evening was sunset cocktails and meet with guests. I spoke with several guests I had seen come through the dive centre, and of course my dearest Australian friend. After the cocktails, I was so kindly invited to dinner where there was endless conversation. The similarities we shared, the authors and books that both changed our lives, it was incredible. One of the gals is even from a small town in NSW, right where my sister lives. Such a small world. Let alone looking back on falls festival photos and videos the other night and me in my friends being in one of the videos in the background! It is so heartwarming to meet people you just connect with right away, and you know its not going to be the last time you see them.  Its hard to believe that I am staff and they are guests, rather than it’s just friends hanging out together. Really special people who have made my time here so worthwhile.

When you can, share some of your time and good health to use your powers for good and maybe get involved in a beach clean up, or volunteer. I don’t promote sending cold money to charities, but if you do not have the time to volunteer, this may be a better option for you. I personally prefer to have the hands on experience. Project AWARE is a great organization, and you can sign up and keep up to date with their projects on their website. Also Sea Shepard is a great organization that I love to get behind. There are so many great organizations out there, and with the disgusting damage that the Australian government is doing to our country, between the shark culling (makes my blood boil!!! I CANNOT believe it is still happening!) and the fracking and endless other destructions, let alone with the rest of the world - we need to stand up and do everything we can, as clearly they are not representative of the public nor the environment. 

Do good, avoid evil, and see things as they are.

Lots of love to you, the environment and the all animals

Kassie

success!

I am an Instructor!!! It’s incredible, at last, all of this - everything I have worked for has come into fruition and I have made me dream come true! There have been tears, laughs and everything in between. I have been tried and tested and things have nearly come apart a couple of times but my strength and determination has kept my intentions for myself on track. Its Easter sunday, and unlike many of my friends back home who are camping, fishing, partying and having fun... I sat the day in class completing exams and presentations. This is one easter I will not forgot for some time to come. It has been a very emotional and stressful two days of the IE.

Before I go into that, lets take it back a few days and re-cap on the week. We finished up with our final requirements for the IDC which was a lovely relief. We all passed and were being put forward for the IE. The next 4 days we spent it completing our speciality instructor courses. I had initially chosen to do the oxygen provider course upon suggestion, however once in the course, it didn’t feel right and I wasn’t sure that it was something that I wanted to go on to do. To really get the message that it was not something that was aligning with me, I got this severe pain in my stomach. Then I knew, this was not something that I was meant to be doing right now. I get pretty strong feelings if things are right, and this severe jab in my stomach was that feeling. Thankfully, the drift diver course which I wanted to do most was back on (it was not looking like it was possible, hence the oxygen provider course). I am so pleased I would be able to do this.

The next day a dhoni was hired to take us out for deep and UW photography dives. When I saw this dhoni arrive at the jetty, I thought it must have needed some assistance from the island. It didn’t appear to be the most... reliable.... looking boat... I had a little bit of doubt instilled in me and I decided not to take any valuables just in case! Once we loaded up and set up our equipment, we made quite a joke about it, and were able to have a laugh which made everything a little bit lighter. We had a wonderful deep dive experience. I spotted a honeycomb moray eel which was really cool & on the photography dive we saw 9 eagle rays! Just amazing.

The following day when we did the drift dive speciality, the first dive there was no current but on the second there was which was great and we saw two giant marble stingrays and a gorgeous hawksbill turtle. I nearly ran into the guy who was right in front of my face on the wall which I was drifting along, such a pleasant surprise! These two dives marked my 100th and 101st dives in total for me which is quite an achievement and also the prerequisite for the IE so it was a good day! No nude diving to mark my 100th dive though! Incredible that about 92 of those has been racked up in 10 weeks - so thats more dives per week than days in the week! Very cool.

This week, I also finally made it to the local island one evening this week for a coconut juice. And with the new arrival of apprentices, came an evening of drums singing and dancing - it is so great to watch. Followed by a late night stake out for the left over seafood and then a plate of desserts with “good luck” decorated in chocolate sauce around the plate! I love my pals. So thoughtful.

Soo, Yesterday was day one and we were prepared a day prior with an outline of what to expect and a schedule for the two days. Saturday was intended to be the theory day of exams and presentations, so I had spent Friday night and Saturday morning preparing for this. Come Saturday morning, 9 am start became an 11am start to which we just sat around for 2 hours. We were then told by the examiner that we would be spending the day doing our water skills and presentations and Sunday we would do our exams and classroom presentations. Not only this, but we had 1 hour to eat lunch and prepare all of our Confined & Open water presentations in & out of the water, do a skill circuit and also rescue exercise 7! We all freaked out and I nearly lost my shit. For a ‘no suprises’ two days - this was a pretty shocking suprise! I was angry and I was upset. I got to my room, plugged in my earphones and listened to Chet’s soothing voice while I tried to prepare my presentations. I kept making mistakes, mixing up confined to open and stressing about not having any time to practice these presentations nor the skills to ensure they were perfect before the examination. I managed to write some stuff down and then we all met in the living room to have a quick debrief before we walked together to the dive centre. I asked a couple of questions to help assist me with my presentation and was given an unkind response to which, being already in such a distressed state, did not help me. I got up and walked away. I then went to my room and broke down in tears. I was so upset at how the day had unravelled and I was so concerned I would not be able to perform under such pressure - most of which I was putting on myself. After again listening to some music, trying to meditate and pull myself together, I splashed water on myself and walked outside to where a few of the guys were waiting for me to walk together. We walked to the dive centre all very frustrated at what had been heaped upon us and trying to offer each other support.

First we prepared our equipment and then we went into a small classroom where we gave our briefings. During this time when the examiner turned off the air-conditioning, so now we were all hot and bothered! I couldn’t get the distressed look of my face no mater how hard I tried. We then went into the water where we did our Open water presentations, things went pretty well. We then did the rescue exercise which again went well and then onto confined water presentations. We then completed the skill circuit and our briefings. Upon completion, we were given our grades which I got a 4.8/5 4.8/5 and 22/25 which I was pleased with - I passed! In the evening I was so exhausted and emotionally drained it was hard not to fall into a heap as soon as I got home. I pumped some music and had a long hot shower to wash away the day. I met the guys for dinner and we were meeting a little later on to go through our classroom presentations for the next day. I managed to pull mine together with a couple of quick practices before falling into a deep sleep.

This morning we started with the dive theory exam which I was most concerned about. Once completed we then did our knowledge review presentations and the standards exam. It was such a relief to find out that we passed everything once all completed. Such a weigh off my shoulders. The examiner then checked over a couple of pages in our paperwork in front of the whole class before we finished. In doing so, he spoke aloud of the people who would be making monetary donations to project AWARE. He came to mine and noted I had not opted to make a donation and made a comment about me not caring for the environment. I don’t care whether he made this comment as a joke or not, however my personal financial position - or lack there of, has no  correlation with my care for the environment. I replied and said I would be happy to volunteer my time for any cause as required. I am was pissed off. How bitter sweet I was now feeling. We then all went down to the beach to get photos together. After getting photos together it was a geniuses idea to get one more photo together to which he jumped in front of me flicked a pile of sand into my mouth, all over my face and down my shirt. Great. Thanks. Hot and sticky and sand all through my clothes. Those bitter sweet feelings continued.

After all the funny business was over, I went back to my room got straight in the shower and jumped into bed with my laptop, curled up and listened to music. What a perfect way to celebrate, curled up in bed! At 6.30pm we are meeting at the staff jetty for a sunset cruise to celebrate our achievements... so i’ll pick up from here next time

Thank you for all your support in helping me achieve this great milestone in my life. Without the shoulders to lean on, the wise advice, the encouraging words and strength that you give me, this would have been a much harder or even non existent experience.

Support your friends, your family and even strangers in any good that they do. A kind word, a smile or hand of support may be all they need to push them over the line in what ever they do. Don’t give up on them. They will have challenges, you will have challenges, but lets support each other and celebrate in each others victories.

With relief and joy,

Kassie

Padi Open Water Scuba Instructor 

Nitrox, UW Digital photography, Deep, Night, Drift Instructor

countdown to instructor

Here I am! In the midst of the life-changing program I have been waiting to commence for 7 months. Monday was the first day of the IDC and it was a welcome and easy going day. We all met for breakfast before we kicked off at 10am. We started by setting up the classroom and finalising some important paperwork, Andy ran us through the course orientation and we had an overview of the PADI system. When we finished up in the afternoon, I decided to use the first day of the IDC as the starting point of when I started back at the gym! It had been months since I had consistently maintained any regime and I was ready to give it a go again. I did 80 minutes at the gym between walking on the treadmill and cycling on the bike. I realised how much of a wonderful outlet it was for me to detach and float away to my favorite music (Chet Faker). It was perfect, really just an excuse where I can listen to music without interruption. I was not pushing myself and getting right back into the style of training I used to love so much, walking with a couple of short bursts of running was enough to get me back into the swing of things - I mean, anything is better than nothing. I love to enjoy the dessert treats that we have most days, and something has got to give - and right now - sweets is not one of them - so the first step is back in the gym! The other reason is because I wont be diving as much during the IDC, I wanted to make sure I stayed active because so far the diving has been keeping me pretty balanced after all the indulgences!

Tuesday through Sunday have been long days between the classroom and the water. In the class we sat in both presentations from Andy (teaching us to teach) and conducting presentations ourselves. Luckily I have no problem speaking in front of people, even though this did make me somewhat nervous, I think its just because I know how much I have riding on this, i’ve changed my life to follow this path and I want more than anything for it to work out. In the water, we did both skill circuits and conducted in water presentations. It was a lot of fun because not only were the other candidates pretending to be my four open water students, but Andy would tell them things to do wrong, which I would also be assessed on - if I could pick up the errors and correct them... It was challenging but also a lot of fun and the most perfect way to learn as it will be in a real life situation. I've found that the way the program has been conducted so far has been a perfect was for me to learn. We are taught in different methods and always applying practically, as it will be when we are instructors ourselves. He is always springing suprise questions on us so we are getting a lot of repetition in remembering important information - Project AWARE stands for = Aquatic World Awareness Responsibility Education !!

Following the long days, we spend several hours in the afternoon/evening reading, studying, preparing our presentations for the next day and working on a marketing project we have been given. Us candidates have been splint into two teams to which one I am the captain of. The project is to create two diving companies and Andy is going to be a mock customer enquiring about coming to dive with us. So we have created a facebook page, and we handle all of his e-mail enquiries. At first it felt like it was a little much on top of all that we were managing, but it is coming around to be a lot of fun and I think that our project of 'Coco Diver's' is coming through aces! 

Something that I am truly appreciating is all the friends and people I have taken the time to now in the resort. It is so lovely to walk around the place and the people I know stop to say hello and have a little chat, and always being invited to play pool/darts/watch a movie or something else.Tthe other day one of the other candidates said "oh my god you know everyone!". This is going to be the hardest thing about leaving - is saying goodbye to everyone I have met. I don't know if I can do it! But I'm not going to worry about that just yet, i'm just going to enjoy every moment we share. Thursday night I went down to the beach with the boys where there were 3 guitars, a guitarleili and a drum box and as usual, they were all sitting around making music singing and having a laugh... my favorite. There are such wonderful souls around the place and i know that we will always be in touch but the thought of leaving is really hard now, let alone in two more months, I can't even imagine.

My Four Seasons drink bottle has been recovered!!!! It was all a very mysterious disappearance and there was definately a number one suspect. I just so happened to question this suspect the day before the finding and behold! This suspect happened to be the person who found it! And you won't believe where it was found... Sitting right next to the nitrox compressor in broad daylight! Unbelievable! It's all become a bit of a joke and when Sabrina's pink jacket went missing for a few days, it was all suspicious around the pink theif! Haha I couldn't care less about the circumstances of disappearance and reappearance, the most important thing is I have my prized possession back! I lathered the bottle and the lid with my name about 30 times with peace symbols and hearts! Ain't nobody going to try and hold that now!

During the week a new member of the Landaa team arrived... And it's a person this time, not another green turtle.. Dane from Cali! He had a slack line set up between the trees and I manager to get up! I walked four steps and I think with some practise I'll be able to make the whole length, then I can practise my jump turn around! After admiring the hippies in the park at Burleigh doing this every Sunday and never giving it a go, it's taken me to get to the Maldives to give it a go!

Speaking of green turtles, my beloved Coco the little green turtle has been released! I knew it was coming up but I didn't expect so soon! I didn't even get to say goodbye! So sad, but I will always love that lil cutie. I'll find out tonight if they put a transmitter on her, that way I can keep track of her.

Friday was officially 1 month in the Maldives! The time has gone both so fast, but at the same time it feels like i have been a part of this place for so much longer. We finished up in class a little earlier than usual but i was going a little stir crazy so I decided to join Ken & Sabrina on a snorkel at the staff beach before dinner and preparing for the next day. It was quite a distance out until the reef line but I was willing to give it a go. The current was quite strong and we were against it the whole time which was quite difficult, but my compromise for the gym, so it was welcome. There were no suprise creatures on this snorkel but it was just nice to get out there.

In the evening I stayed up until 11pm and staked out in the kitchen for the ‘left over’ seafood buffet. It was totally worth it. Getting there early meant I had dibs on the lobster - sooo fine! I also enjoyed some mussels and prawns and of course the lemon chicken - incredible. Friday nights are the best!

During the week, the long anticipated arrival of my care package from home landed. It wasn’t anything like jars of vegemite and packets of tim tams, more so shoulder length tops and knee covering pants. I was really few and far between after coming from Thailand and I was really over the couple of baggy diving promotional t-shirts I had picked up along the way. It was so nice to have a few items from my own wardrobe to call upon and be adequately dressed for the muslim culture (covered shoulders and knees). I also had a few pairs of earrings and packets of hair ties which are very well needed! I bought my own stash of each from home, however had already lost all the earring diving and most of the hair bands had snapped!  The cons of diving! Mum had also added in an aussie t-shirt which was so funny and so typically her. I really appreciated this and wore it straight away the next day and even found a way to incorporate it into my diving presentation!

I have never at all been one to really appreciate how much I have back home. I mean, I acknowledge and appreciate it, however I guess it nearly has never rung true until being here. I am so far away from “normal” and having access to anything, I am on a small atoll in the middle of the indian ocean... even the “store” which sells drinks and chips and a few toiletries is only open for a few hours each day... to think that back home I have a wardrobe stacked with shoes and clothes, drawers, cupboards, a room full of my favorite things and a COMFORTABLE bed and pillows, a wonderful home, parents and pets... I’m starting to miss this and look forward to getting back to comforts sometimes and having so much at my disposal... and other times, I like just getting by.. but having this package arrive with some things that I am familiar with, really made me realise how much of a wonderful life my parents have given me, and continue to give me.

The last couple of days have tested my patience a little with some particular personalities which i have in close proximity for many hours during the day. I haven't managed this the best that I can for myself, and i have been a little cranky in the afternoons... I am so sensitive to other peoples moods, personalities and energies and absorb so much of this myself, and I need more practice to detach from this more, i think this is going to be a continuous learning curve for me, and i’m so thankful I can see this and know what I need to do. Lots of negative comments and negative talk really brings me down as does certain personality types... its an interesting world out there mixing with many people in such close proximity that you would not usually have much time for back home. It almost feels like a bit of a social experiment. Being locked away on an island and learning to live and adapt to those around you which perhaps you would not even dare to share a coffee with back home!

Sunday evening was GM sunset cocktails and as usual it was so lovely to get dressed up and mingle with the guests. As per normal, i knocked a couple of people off their feet wearing non polo shirt, boardshort and leather sandal attire! Following was a birthday celebration for a great soul i’ve met and who works in the diver centre. We met at ‘After hours’ aka the recreation room, sung happy birthday and shared chocolate, sweets and ‘non-alcoholic carbonated beverages’ !! Then as what is becoming the norm, I headed down the beach and it was guitars, drum box and sheesha with the pals. Too bad there is no swimming allowed at night. It was so hot and humid that a dip in the ocean at night would be the most perfect end to the evening.

As for the week ahead, I have a couple of days left in the IDC, then three days of speciality course training and then over next weekend is the IE which will consist of one day written exams presentations and one day of water skill evaluations. This time next week, I might just be signed off as being an Open Water Scuba Instructor & Speciality instructor in 5 courses! Unbelievable right! From corporate sell-out to scuba instructor... that’s livin’ and from here - who know’s where to next... Mexico? I think that would be suitable considering that Andy has given me the nickname of Gonzalez! haha I don’t know how it came about, the first morning at breakfast, i think because of my long double barrel surname, he decided to add another one to the mix? A funny guy, and I am starting to refer to myself as Gonzalez now haha

Upon reflection of the week, I am quite happy with how well I have achieved a healthy balance of hard work and play. Some of the other guys, after spending 10 hours in class, they spend like another 5-6 preparing for the next day. I think i’ve achieved the work smarted not harder philosophy, and after no more than a couple of hours post class, I thoroughly enjoy my evening being a social butterfly. During breaks in the day, i’ll go to the beach a couple of times a week and most of the time tidy my room and catch up on laundry, exchanging uniforms and general chores...

It's a wonderfu life here for what it's worth. For some people it is much more difficult, they love the big cities, and they find it more difficult. For what suits my ideal lifestyle, this is it. Living in an island paradise, less than 5 minute walk to work, less than 5 minute walk to the beach on my time off. Laundry, food and all basic requirements just a few steps away. Great people, and modest entertainment... But as I discussed yesterday. This would be a perfect place if you were ready to settle down for a couple of years. If you have itchy feet and you want to experience more travel, cultures, partying, being young and free - perhaps to continue around the globe would be a better option - I think this is where I am at. Exciting times ahead. Once I complete the IE, I have 6 weeks left here interning as an OWSI, from there it's time to explore employment options around the globe. I am feeling Mexico/Central/South America - I can just picture myself there, a hammock on the beach, a coconut in my hand and part time lessons learning Spanish - usually done more so over a bar with tequila shots than in a classrom! hehe well something like this! But who knows, should any opportunity come my way, in any part of the globe - I would be all for it. There is such a great big world out there to explore, so much to see and feel, putting it in order of where to go first is so difficult, but i am sure I can manage ;)

Follow your dreams, and if you are living your dreams, and doing what you want to do... be happy. Don't complain and be negative. Stop making other peoples problems your problems. This will ruin your experience. You can't always escape from the influence of others, and there will always be people you dont agree with, so dont let them get to you. Let go and worry about yourself. Focus on the positive.

With love,

Kassie