Greetings from Thailand!!

So I arrived in Bangkok from Sydney at 11pm and thought it a better idea to sleep at the airport because my flight to Phuket was at 7am so I would have to check in at 6am so there really was no point in finding a hotel room (there are no hostels in Thailand).

So I settled into the most uncomfy seat Ive ever felt but didnt manage to get any sleep at all. The check in desk actually opened at 6.45am- 15 minutes before boarding!! So I was running for the departure gate but all the Thai locals were just plodding along so I figured mght as well take my time. It did however, leave at 7.05am- very quick!

Anyway arrived in Phuket- no idea why I was there or what I was even going to do!! Came out of the airport and was greeted (of course) by hundreds of Thai men trying to sell me a lift. Since I had no idea what I was doing I asked some random Scottish man where he was going and he replied 'Patong Beach, of course' so I found myself a ride and began my journey!!

Arrivec in Patong Beach (exhausted, since I hadnt slept in over 24 hours) and looked for a hotel and seriously there are thousands! Found one for 800baht (its 65 baht- pound) that had no air conditioing because my throat gets really bad!! Found out later that that is a bad idea because its so damn hot! GEES!!

The annoying thing about Thailand is that there are no hostels so its hard to meet people who are also backpacking! There are only 5 people in my hotel and they are all Thai!

Anyway the same day I arrived I walked most of Patong looking for a 'learn to dive course'- after about 12 companies I managed to find a good one (with english instructors) and that didnt mind bartering! I got the course for 9,500 baht (you do the maths since I cant count) It was 1/4 of the price of doing it in Australia. They agreed to take me on the next day and said that I would be picked up at 8.30am and taken to the shop to meet my instructor!

After a hot nights sleep and having only corn-on-the-cob for dinner I arrived at the dive shop. Was handed my huge Padi book on open water diving, and some other really scary tables and booklets and met Gareth (an instructor from England). I was very happy as there would be no communication difficulties, added to that I was his only student for the three day course. BRILLIANT!!

So we started by watching some videos on diving which would have really put me off if I hadnt dived before. The diving I did before was called 'An introductory Dive' which differs from the course because someone did everything for you,. all you had to do was look at the fish. This course means that I dont need someone to help me. Over the three days I have learnt so much that it would take me hours to write it all but il sum it up:

Working out actual bottom times, presure, density, volume. This is important because if you calculate it incorrectly you kill yourself or have to be put in the recompression chamber for a fewhours or days which can cost up to 10,000 pounds! Anyway its risky stuff but your well trainied!

So my training involved a day in the pool, diving down to 6m and learning how to clear your mask under water. Learning what to do if you run out of air etc. This bit was fine because I knew I was only 6m from the bottom and could get out if I wanted.

Day 2 and 3 resilted on me getting on a boat and doing more advanced skills on the surface of the sea and 18 metres down. WOO HOO!!

These things were: taking off your whole kit underwater and then putting it all back on. Taking off your weight belt (7kg) and then putting it back on- bare in mind that when that weight belt comes off you float up and it floats down. If I shoot to the top I could die because of the pressure and nitrogen that is in my body and cannot escape. I could also have got DCS (decompression sickness)- SORRY DONT MEAN TO MAKE YOU NERVOUS. But you know how I am- I like adrenaline things- this was one of them. You also have to learn how to stay neutrally bouyant underwater (sounds easy but isnt) At one point he turned off my air so I have to grab his AAS (Alternate Air source) to breath. If you hold your breath underwater EVER you will/could get DCS. Exciting stuff!!

Anyway after completeing 6 dives I finally passed today. Completed all 20 something underwater tasks but almsot failed the written exam because its all number based and involved formulas etc- but still did well enough to pass!!

So happy with myself- finally I can say "I am good at something" which ISNT "people skills" Which mum- is NOT a talent!!!

So I want to go and celebrate but am on my own but today is Thailands new year celebration or something which is basically a massive water fight. I have already been covered in Talc powder and been soaked by people with hoses, super soakers and buckets- Im armed now (300 baht) and dangerous.

Tomorrow im off to Ko Phi Phi on a boat- again have no idea what im doing but sure it will be good.

Fran aka (her new title) Open Water Diver- I actually get a license to dive! Man, im so cool!

Speak soon!!

xx