After spending the previous day cleaning, changing sheets, taking rubbish out, sweeping and washing the floors, cleaning windows, and not stepping out except to get food for an hour… we were both eager to get out for a bit.

I went to the Regal pool for a swim, with Julia and James, while Si went to the clinic to have his ears checked and syringed. After an hour or two, Si returned with a pretty glum face. as he was told by the clinic staff that his ears are still infected. Now, he has been given antibiotic drop for his ear as he had taken 2 weeks worth of tablets.

After drying off, we drove to Vibe to watch the Chinese Grand Prix with Carsten and Tina. I’m not too interested in the F1 so I go on with emails, and then played a couple of games of Settlers of Catan which took forever! (5hrs!). Tina won the 1st game and Si was victorious in the 2nd.

We left and met back up with James and Julia for a Sunday Roast at Safety Stop. After delicious dinner, we retired…

The last few days have been troublesome with power issues. Most of the day it is off, and I am still out of the water with the lingering ear infection.

Yesterday was “Songkran” the Thai New Year. I shall do a post about this in a couple of days, but first I have some other stuff to tell you.

A couple of days ago, my nan had a stroke and was taken to hospital, my brother let me know via skype, and I spoke briefly by text to Dad yesterday. Last night, while i was asleep, Dad called…

When I woke this morning and saw 3 missed calls, I feared the worst… sadly my feelings were right and my nan had passed away.

Its quite difficult to put my feelings into words. I was not the best grandson, and saw her only a few times in the last couple of years. Life is alway full of jobs to do, and seem to be constantly busy that sometimes you lose focus on important things…. like family.

Being so far away is very hard sometimes, in moments like now when I could be on hand to help Dad.. for that I am sorry…

Jen and I both send our love Dad……..

R.I.P.

x

SD

So,

Jen and I have been busy little bees… Reef Check Course for the last few days…

Unfortunately, I have attracted yet another ear infection, so while Jen has been doing the hard grafting underwater, I have been helping on land… such as driving the longtail… my 2nd time ever! And this time, I didn’t break the engine!!

After 4 days of intensive training, the students took their exams on Fish, Invertebrates, and Substrate (whats on the bottom). They passed with flying colours, and were proudly awarded their certificates… well done!

But! No rest for the wicked…. its straight on to the very intensive Marine Resource Management course for the guys… 6 days of lots of theory and practical dives…