Random Musings: April 2006

Toys for the boyz :)

Ok. I've done it again. Was passing by this toy store opposite Eng Wah cinemas in Suntec when I was this Lego patrol boat on sale. Was there to collect the replacement photo album as the one that held my wedding shots fell apart :(.

Anyway, back to the boat, originally $69.90, it was now going for $29.90. Who am I to refuse a good deal? Besides, Troven loves police toys... and it wasn't a gun (no toy guns for this kid) so I had my reason/excuse to buy :)

Although he couldn't assemble the boat (which good 'ol Jiu Jiu gladly did), Troven loved it! It even floats and has its own motor so I'm looking forward to trying it out in the water with him around. Anyone going swimming soon?

Kuala Besut harbour - the nearest point on the Malaysian mainland to the Perhentian islands. A typical northern (Trengganu) Malaysian town... small, quaint and sleepy. :) Perfect retirement village. This shot was taken looking back at the jetty/landing area, I thought it would be a perfect parting shot for the 12 hours journey back to Singapore.

Thanks to all who made the dive possible as well as for the excellent company. Lets hope we can keep in touch and dive more together!

Perhentian had poor, patchy cellphone coverage. Perfect for that getaway... but less so for those who need to keep in touch. So the moment we hit mainland Malaysia, the cellphones were whipped out :)

But there was a silver lining. ;) I had to stand on an small boat that was anchored to the beach to make a phone call to my darling. I'd have taken a pic of that moment if I could. Imagine suddenly being transported to your own private zone... it was a romantic moment... despite the "huh"s, "say again"s and "can't hear you"s. :) Its always comforting to know that our loved ones are staring at the same clear full moon, hundreds of miles away.

Selina, in a less serious moment :)

Me and Sharon on dry ground at the end of it all. The boat ride back was surprising smooth... but we were lucky to have been moving ahead of a small storm. The other two boats weren't so lucky. :)

My bunk mates - Timonthy and Chee Leong

I know this isn't a great shot but given the size of the needlefish (we tought it was easily longer than 1.5m) AND the humphead trigger fish in the background, I didn't want to swim too near. this shot was taken from around 10metres away so I was surprised it turned out ok given the slight murkiness of the water that dive. But alas, I was so engrossed at capturing the moment that I forgot to watch my bounancy! After taking the shot, I realised I was less than 3 metres from the surface! Sigh. Thank goodness we weren't very deep when I started taking the shot. New divers - pls note!

Smile!

Selina... looking as stern as she is above ground :)

Our Orpheus Crew :)

Sharon and Ms K having a light hearted moment. We didn't see the resident shark in the end but it was a chance to wind down while getting some surface interval time :)

Its always fun swimming INTO a school of fish. I believe these guys are called Yellowtails (duh!).

A Baby Nurse Shark... too bad I couldn't get him to pose :(

From left to right - Adeline, Selina, Aryanna, Krysania, Sharon and Foong Ee. Not in picture - Jack, Putt, Laurence, Cassi and me. :) (btw: pls let me know if I've spelt your names wrong)