Reflection

I believe that Thailand has one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world. But for various reasons, we seems to be careless and do not appreciate our beautiful reefs enough. I believe that through awareness and promoting environmental consciences we will be able to preserve our amazing marine life for many years to come. I think that we should appreciate our coral reefs more and be grateful that we have been blessed with such marine diversities.

Being able to really witness the beauty and diversity of the coral reefs in Pattaya for the last few dives, I have grown to appreciate them more and also been surprised with how many different species of organisms I could find in such a small space and more surprisingly in Pattaya. I have always thought that the dive sites in Pattaya weren't that beautiful since the city is expanding which meant that tourism would have depleted the marine life in Pattaya. However, I was startled at the convenience of the boat and still the diversity of the marine organisms there. Since those dives where we have actually closely examine each area of the dives, I have been more eager to explore more dive sites in Thailand, since I feel more confident and calm underwater now. All the skills that we practiced in the pool all came naturally during the dive. I became much more calmer and patient in order for the small marine organisms to finally reveal themselves.

Scuba diving was a totally new activity for me and I was surprised at my capability to carry a 40 pound backpack on my back and still have an amazing time underwater. I never considered myself a strong person and I was surprised at how quick I was in assembling my equipment and also taking them apart. I frequently forget small details but I became efficient with all the equipments and also making myself comfortable underwater. Scuba diving is definitely not an individual activity and as much as I love to be independent, I realized that scuba diving is a group activity and it makes the experience much more memorable.

5 to 10 years from now, I hope to become an avid diver and I would learn to appreciate every dive I make. Most importantly, I will remember all of the skills I performed because they are the basics. I would definitely remember my first dive and every dive that I did this trip. I was such a great experience and even though there were difficulties and problems, I have learned from those mistakes. I would remember every single person on the boat and every person at Mermaids for making this dive trip such an amazing experience. I would remember all the trips we made between the hotel and the dive shop. Helping carry the tanks and equipment of the boat and back into the dive shop. Being stuck there, exhausted, and walking all the way back to the hotel.

I definitely enjoyed the last two days of diving. I thought that Koh Man Vichai was gorgeous and one of the best dives so far. I enjoyed time on the boat and all the walks we did between the dive shop and our hotel. Our ride to the pier and the time I helped carry all the equipment off the boat, even though it was the last day, and being stuck at the dive shop before having to walk all the way back to the hotel. Playing victim and being dragged on the boat on my stomach and every giant stride I made.