Farewell Tracy and RIP

Below is my post on Tracy's FB page:

"Dear Tracy,

It was 10 years ago. 3 of us (Ying, you and I) went backpacking in Tibet for almost 3 weeks. It was your first backpacking trip, and you were very daring to join us and rough it out. The conditions in Tibet were very harsh.

The first 2 days in Lhasa when we were all suffering from Altitude Sickness - headaches / breathlessness etc... Initially, you wanted to go home, but you decided to continue the 3 weeks journey. We traveled illegally overland from Tibet to Yunnan with the Guangzhou Trios. At the end of 3 weeks, you were doing really well (ie. Running up the steep hill while we were trying to keep up with your pace , eating the big roasted lamb with your bare hands etc...). Both Ying and I were very impressed. You were such a strong survivor and adapter!!! smile emoticon

There were so many funny and silly moments during the trip as well.

One of them happened in the hostel in Lhasa. You wanted to use the common toilet, but the stench was so bad that you could even smell it with your stuffy nose. I gave you a brilliant suggestion - apply the Chinese medical oil near your nose so that you will only smell the medical oil and not the stench. In the end, you hit me (in a playful manner) when you came back from the common toilet. You said that my suggestion did not work, in fact, the Chinese medical oil cleared your stuffy nose so well that you could smell the stench more. Haha. We always had a good laugh over this incident.

You were always very accommodating and nice. Always smiling. smile emoticon

Early this year, my good friend was also diagnosed with acute leukemia. I asked you for help, and you accepted it without hesitation.
You replied:
"Great. I will speak with her"
"I hope I can help her."
"I will try to help as much as I can."

Despite being quite ill, you have been so selfless and helpful.
Thank you so much!!!

As you know, she always says that you are her idol - for being so strong. smile emoticon

Yesterday, at your wake, the eulogies delivered were very touching. It is a testament of what a kind and nice person you have been.

It also serves as a good reminder to the rest of us on how we should live our life.

Thanks for the friendship and wonderful memories.

Farewell my friend.
May you rest in peace.

Your Friend"

+++

This blog has slowly becoming an obituary. This is the 8th wake I have attended this year.

 2 aunts wake, 2 HIV patientz, 1 friend's dad, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, My grandmother & Tracy's wake. 

Early this week, I did not sleep well, I was partly affected by Tracy's departure.

I was saddened to think she was suffering in the last few days, and she shed tears while she was in coma. Not sure if that was her way of saying goodbye or she was not ready to go. =(

We traveled together in Tibet 10 years ago, it was such a great trip with so many fond memories. I kept thinking if back then, she knows that she would depart this world in 10 years, how would she live her life? Similarly, if I only have another 5 or 10 years left, how would I live differently?

Knowing that your time is limited, would you have lived differently?

Goodbye and have a good rebirth!

Posted this on my FB, decided to post it here for me to remember in the future:

"Attended a wake of a friend (Mr X)

I got to know him for the past 1 year while volunteering at CDC. Mr X had HIV/AIDS for more than 20 years. He was a very cool uncle who was very friendly and a good sense of humor. It's always a joy to interact with him. 

He used to work as odd job labour earning only $15-30/day. He didn't have any family (single with no siblings) and friends, fortunately, he had a very good friend of more than 40 years, who would visit Mr X everyday in the hospital. His good friend would also bring his children to visit Mr X. It's like kinship more than friendship. 

Nobody attends Mr X wake, except his good friend, his good friend's children and my fellow volunteers. 

Just now, I had a good conversation with Mr X's good friend (in his 80s) who told me that if people don't take care of each other, Life is quite meaningless. I'm very touched to hear that.

I have a few reflections:

1. Thankful for the volunteering experience. I get to meet people outside my social circle and learn so many things from them. 

2. Building a few good relationship is more meaningful than knowing many people at superficial level. 

3. Singapore govt is actually quite good. Mr X was hospitalized for more than 1 year and he didn't pay a single cents. Prior to that, he was receiving $450/mth handout. There is some sort of a safety net in Singapore for the low income. 

May Mr X rest in peace and have a good rebirth! 

Om Mani Padme Hum"

+++

The last time I visited Mr X was 2 days ago during my regular friday evening.

When I saw him, he was already unconscious and was gasping for air.

It reminded me of the last few days of my grandma who passed away a few months ago.

Immediately, I knew that Mr X days were numbered.

I was supposed to meet my cousin (visiting from Australia) for a drink, but I decided to stay back awhile more to do Buddhist chanting for Mr X with my fellow volunteers.

That is the least we could do for him.

I am quite sure that he could hear us from the way he gasped for air while we talked to him.

I left the hospital at around 9pm, and Mr X passed away shortly at around 10.30pm.

I was saddened by the news, but at the same time, I was glad that he did not need to suffer anymore, and hopefully, he received the blessing from our collective chanting before he passed on.

This is one of the most meaningful things I have done recently.

=)

Reflecting about Birth, Aging, Sickness & Death

The first 4 months of year 2015 went past quickly... 

This is Life... it will go past quickly as well...

I am sure that on my deathbed, 

I would say that life went past just like a flash...

I am still learning how to deal with Birth, Aging, Sickness & Death.

Actually, I am fearful of death... 

To be exact, I am afraid that on my deathbed, 

I would regret not living a full life.

I kept reminding myself that I will get old soon and my prime years will be over soon.

I really don't want to waste my life idling and moving aimlessly in the stream of life.

So far, this year, I have attended 6 wakes - 2 aunts wake, 1 HIV patient, 1 friend's dad, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and last week was my grandma's wake. 

I have 2 friends fighting for their lives - suffering from acute leukemia, and a friend's wife is suffering from thyroid cancer, and another distant friend just recovered from nose cancer. They are all in their 30s like me, in the prime of their lives. 

So far, I have been lucky, but I will never know if my luck will run out.

Some thoughts:

- You can overcome your fears slowly. 

When I was young, I was quite fearful of funeral, coffins and dead people. Recently, after attending so many wakes, I am getting more comfortable. I performed a funeral prayer service together with my group of volunteers for the HIV patient. Last monday, I was alone with the body of my grandmother in the hospital for almost one hour (while waiting to transfer her body from the ward to the mortuary). I was chanting for her and playing Buddhist Chanting music. Hopefully, she has a smooth passage to her afterlife, if there is one.

- Physical Possession is really over-rated

Grandma has been a very thrifty and hardworking person. We discovered many new clothes in her wardrobe that she never wore. She kept a lot of new things, but never used them. On the contrary, I told myself that if I do not use an item for 1-2 years, I should consider discarding/donating it away. Spending on experience will add more values to my life, it can broaden my horizon, change my perspectives, increase my understanding and knowledge of the world. So I will continue to de-clutter.

- Usefulness of Dharma (Buddha's Teaching)

I am not 100% Buddhist, as I am still not sure if there is afterlife, if there is reincarnation, if the law of Karma really works. I guess I could never be a 100% Buddhist, but Dharma is far better than ALL other religious teachings I have came across. The Dharma is very useful for me to understand the nature of life, which is Impermanence in nature. This philosophy has helped me to accept changes in life. And also attachment is one of the main sufferings of life, and the antidote to many sufferings is to learn to let go of many things including our ego. This also helped me to understand myself better.

May you be free from sufferings.

May you find happiness in life.

_/\_

Changes and Letting Go

My Iphone 5S was disabled as I forgot my password. 

I have a good memory and I take pride to be organized.  

I have to reset my Iphone and lose my past 1 month information/photos/notes etc... as I did not backup for the past 1 month. This includes the photo of my newborn niece in the hospital.  Initially, I was quite upset with myself, but why am I upset? Is it the information/photo/notes that I lost? Is it the fact that I am "performing" below my own expectation? Would I be more upset if the mistake was committed by someone else?

Anyway, it has already happened. The best approach is to let go of the anger/guilt/past and think of a solution to solve it. This way of thinking has kept me sane, and I have made many many mistakes in my life. 

Life is always changing.

Life is always uncertain.

There is a time to be persistent.

And there is ALWAYS a time to let go. 

Let go and move on.

Letting Go is an antidote to many negative feelings.

I am still practicing it.

+++

Last week, I met an overseas friend whom I have not seen for a year.

He said that a lot of things changed in his life for the past 1 year. His father died of cancer, and his mother died of stroke (due to grieving) and his marriage of more than 10 years ended. 

He shared with me that his biggest regret was not able to bid farewell to his mother. All these things seemed to change his perspectives of life. 

He was a workaholic and a very driven person. Previously, when I shared with him my traveling plan, somehow, he gave me the impression that I was wasting my time. However, there is a change in his perspective this time around. 

Most of the time, we do not regret about the things we have done.

It is okay to fail. 

It is okay to make mistake. 

It is okay to be wrong. 

It is okay to be embarrassed.

We only regret about the things we wanted to do, but never get to do it.

It takes a bit of courage to move out of our comfort zone.

Something to remind myself constantly.

Travel: Kilimanjaro & Serengeti Jul 2013

http://boon-kili.blogspot.sg/

Lessons from Kilimanjaro Hike

1. Be Grateful

It is rare opportunity to go on such a trip with great friends. We flew from US, Europe & Asia to meet in Africa. I am keenly aware of the Impermanence of Life. This might be the last time.

I chose to be grateful. 

Grateful to have the ability & opportunity to travel the world. 

Grateful to have wonderful friends. 

Grateful that everyone is safe. 

Grateful to be alive.

2. Enjoy the Journey

The journey to the summit is a few days, but the time spent at the summit is less than 1 hour.

Past experience has proven to me that I might not reach the summit (ie. the goal).

It would be foolish not to enjoy the journey.

On the 5th day of the trek, I was on the roof of Africa, looking its great plain. 

It was surreal. It was beautiful. 

I told myself "even if I do not make it to the summit, this view has made all the time/money/effort worthwhile."

Day 5 - Looking over the plain of Africa

3. Do your best and be at peace

There are certain things in life that are within my control (ie. my fitness level)

But there are certain things beyond me (ie. Susceptibility to Acute Mountain Sickness).

Ivan was suffering badly from AMS on day 4 and was contemplating of evacuation plan.

Fortunately, he recovered and managed to summit Kilimanjaro in good shape.

I knew that Ivan had trained well and put in a lot of effort for this trip.

Even if he did not make it to the summit, his regret would be reduced by the fact that he was pulled down by factors not within his control. 

4. Empathy

Practice empathy, as you do not know what are the challenges that person is facing.

Everyone has their own challenges to overcome. 

Everyone is fighting their own battles.

When Jon was struggling with AMS and was moving very slowly, I remembered my marathon experience with Jon a few years ago. I was down with flu the week prior to the marathon, I was on medication that morning, I hit my physical limit (ie. despite going to washroom, I could hardly control my bladder in the last 5km, urine would leak out whenever I tried to run). My finishing time was a disappointment. After the race, Jon remarked that I did not push myself hard enough physically. I was upset with that remarks.

This time when Jon was struggling, I told myself to empathize. To remember the time I felt weak and helpless.

5. Support each other

Interdependence of Life. 

We are all dependent on each other and need to support each other.

I don't think I could do this trek alone.

I need the support of my friends and the porters.

Overcoming challenges together is definitely more satisfying than doing it alone.

On the last stretch to the summit, I was in good shape physically (no AMS) and I am confident of reaching the summit, but some of my friends were struggling. As I knew my friends were well taken care by the guides and I was excited to reach the summit, I decided to went ahead alone.

On the hindsight, I would slow down and wait for them, and give support in any small ways.

This would complete the trip.

RIP Winston Koh

2 days ago while I was busy working, my cousin asked me if I knew that Winston passed away in a diving mishap in Malaysia. Apparently, Singapore Management University (where Winston was working a Professor) sent an email informing the students about his demise.

I was shocked and sad. Winston was a living such a full life that I am always interested to see the FB updates from him. Below was his last post on FB:

It was his first diving trip (open-water course certification). Later, I learnt that somehow Winston was lost in the water and his body was found 4 days later in the water. I was perplexed and angry, especially as a diver I know that diving is very safe. What were his dive buddy and instructor doing? Winston was an Ironman (extremely fit & strong swimmer), so what exactly happened? For open-water course, the diving depth is normally 12m deep (4 storeys), if there was any emergency, it is easy to surface to the water. It really sadden me to imagine Winston last few moments in the water.

Above is the picture taken back in 2009 when we went to Desaru (Malaysia) for a cycling trip as part of our triathlon training. That was the first time I met Winston, who humbly introduced himself as someone who teaches.

In fact, Winston was an over-achiever.  He was Singapore Management University Professor, Princeton Phd & MA, Cambridge MA & Bachelor, Ex-JP Morgan Investment Banker, Ironman, Ultra marathoner, adventure racer, Photographer, Ballroom dancer & avid traveller.

Despite his achievement, he was still very nice and humble. That is rare.

Last year, I shared with him that I decided to follow doctor's advice to stop training for triathlon.
Winston said that if he had followed his doctor advice, he won't be doing anything. 

He had the passion to live fully and try new ventures.

He departed too early and suddenly.

A lesson and reminder to live fully too.
The Impermanence of Life

He had inspired many people to live a full life. 

RIP Winston.

FB Memorial:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/In-Loving-Memory-of-Winston-Koh/323868837736435

News:
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/smu-prof-dies-on-diving-trip-to-malaysia-071924962.html

A video uploaded by Winston:

+++

Updates:

Yesterday, I attended the Memorial Service of Winston (in my 70.3 ironman finisher outfit - the race that he took part also). When I saw the number of people attending his memorial service, even though I was sad about his demise, I was also happy that he lived such a full life and inspired so many people.

There were a lot of sharing about Winston's life during the Eulogies. I always assumed that Winston came from a privileged background (he lived in Bt Timah, drove a Mercedes, studied at Cambridge & Princeton), but in fact, he came from a humble background - both his parents are uneducated, and his father was the sole breadwinner working as odd job labourer. Winston studied hard in Raffles Institution and Hwa Chong JC to earn his PSC scholarship to study in Cambridge University.

Then, it dawned on me why he was so humble and modest. Against many odds, he worked his way up and lived a life that many people could only imagine. That's inspirational.
Goodbye Winston, it is my privilege to know you.

"But what is a good life anyway? To some people, it is about achieving fame and fortune; to others, attaining power and control, or to see the world and accumulate new experiences, etc. I have come to the conclusion that in the end, what we will remember of a person's life is usually not about how rich, powerful or popular they once were, but what they mean to us in our thoughts and memories, and if they have made a difference to the lives of the people around them, whether it is a life-long friendship or a flitting encounter. Kindness, compassion, sincerity and moral courage are some of the qualities that matter in the longrun and which we will remember in a person."
Random Thoughts On My Birthday
Winston Koh, 18 February 2009

Travel: 2012 Trip to Ladakh, Dharamsala & Amritsar, India

http://boon-india-2012.blogspot.sg/

Had so much fun with these friends.

=)

Goodbye Kah Leong. RIP.

My second friend who passed away in the last 2 weeks.

Kah Leong passed away suddenly on Wednesday 3am, after a supper with his wife who is 6 months pregnant (2nd Child). He was an award winning real estate agent and was still working hard on tuesday, when he posted a rental listing on his facebook.

We were in the same class for 4 years during secondary school, but I did not keep in touch with him. I only "reconnected" with him recently via facebook. During school days, he wasn't the nicest guy around, and  could be quite crude with his choice of words. He was very athletic and was part of the school basketball team. In fact, he was quite proud (and vocal) of his physical ability.

Well, the irony is that he died of heart attack. I read on the newspaper that he had heart problem for 5 years already and went through 2 heart surgeries. Most of our friends are shocked, as he was always very fit and healthy (at least, that was the impression).

I felt that it was pointless to be proud and competitive. It is good to work hard and strive to be our best, but it is really pointless and meaningless to put others down (as though the only joy in life is to win other people). In the race of life, sometimes you are ahead, sometimes you are behind, but at end, you realized that you are alone in the race.

I felt sad that he left so early. He was very driven and motivated, and he had a young family to support.

Early this year, he tattooed "Carpe Diem" and shared it on facebook, and his remarks was 

"Seize the day!!! My boyhood dreams finally fulfilled!!!"

Indeed, we should follow this mantra "Carpe Diem".

Life is too uncertain. 

There is no time to waste.

Goodbye Kah Leong.

Hope you had a good journey.

Rest in peace.

_/\_

Bye Benjamin C and RIP.

Benjamin C passed away suddenly last week. It was shocking for everybody, as he just got married a month ago and celebrated his birthday with his wife in Gold Coast recently. When I saw his motionless body lying in the casket, it was unreal. It is a weird feeling to see a friend who was normally smiling in that casket. Somehow, it is hard to accept that Ben is dead, and it has affected for me the past week.

I am not exactly close to Ben, but our lives overlapped a few times. I knew Ben during my freshman year in university, and we joined a  faculty student club where he was the marketing director and I was reporting to him. We also took a same module in our freshman year, then we were in the same university program where we spent one year in Silicon Valley.  

Ben was a smart and driven person. He was always smiling and concealing his emotions behind the smile. I got to know him better during the 1 year in Silicon Valley. He was normally friendly, but very opinionated as well. And he definitely had a kind heart.

It was 14th Feb 2002, and we were attending the music module class. As it was valentine day, quite a number of girls in our class received roses and gifts, and Ben suggested that we should buy a rose for our group mate (Cindy) who was unattached. It was a very nice gesture and intention.

After we graduated, Ben worked as a financial planner for a while. He sat down with me and explained the importance of financial planning. He told me that I should start saving and cut down on unnecessary expenses like dining in restaurant and overseas travelings. And I should start planning for retirement as he had already planned his own retirement. That's the irony of life. He was left the world at the prime of his life.

When we were in Silicon Valley, I had series of misfortunes. On the day that I purchased my car, someone smashed my window and broke into it. The following day, I got into a minor car accident. I did not have money for the repair works, and I did not want to get help from my family (as my parents were not doing well financially). I was really feeling down & sad, so I decided to stay at home that weekend. Ben came over to my place and offered to drive me from South Bay to San Francisco City to cheer me up. That is very kind of him.

A Photo of Ben that day in San Francisco, with his signature smiling face.

Ben had been successful in his life. It was quite shocking and sad that he left this world so suddenly. My sadness was deepen when I knew that Ben was very very unhappy during the last few weeks of his life. I am really sad that he left this world with so much unhappiness.

Bye Ben.

I hope you are in a better place now.

May you be free from suffering.

Rest in peace.

_/\_

What is the significance of a Birthday?

I never had a birthday party.

I never wanted to have a party for me.

But I always have birthday celebration with family or friends. 

For many years, I really do not see much significance of a birthday.

Last thursday morning, I found my reason to celebrate birthday.

I walked towards my mum, putting my hands on her shoulders and said this to her while I hold back my tears:

"Mama, thank you for giving birth to me.

Thank you for raising me up."

My mum just smiled and did not say anything.

When I was on my way to work, I received a message from her “生日快乐” - Happy Birthday.

This is her way of expressing her love.

=)

Birthday should be a day of gratitude.

Think about the kindness I have received throughout my life.

Without their kindness, I won't be around.

Be grateful towards my parents, my siblings, my relatives, my friends, my teachers etc....

I am nothing without them.

Thank You.

A simple porridge prepared by my mum when I was sick.

I am grateful for it.

=)

An evening with friends...

I really enjoy this kind of gatherings.

Meeting at a friend (XF)'s place.

Preparing a simple dinner together.

Eating and chatting over dinner.

Teasing the kids of a friend.

Washing the dishes together.

Playing a round of Mahjong game.

That's it!

No fancy dinner. No loud music. 

Simple, yet very enjoyable.

It's perfect way to spend an evening.

Preparing Dinner in the Kitchen (with small fish tank)

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My friend's place is decorated with swarovski crystal ceiling, designer furniture, expensive paintings and antiques (ie. 1000 years old Bronze Figure). 

Those things are really beautiful and unique (and really expensive).

But when I saw the innocent and adorable look of 10 month-old Shannon sleeping soundly,

it dawn on me that none of the expensive things is as beautiful as that moment.

To me, it validated my belief that physical things will never be as beautiful as other invisible things in life.

=)

One New Experience Each Week - Pulau Rawa, Malaysia

Pulau Rawa main attraction is its white sandy beach, crystal clear water & proximity to Singapore. It only took us around 4 hours to arrive at the island. Within 4 hours, we were transported from a concrete jungle to an island paradise. 

I really needed this break, as I was facing a lot of unhappiness and anger at work during the week. I was grateful to spend my weekend with people who I can trust and be comfortable with. 

Slide!!!

White Sandy Beach

Crystal Clear Water

The newly wed (PY & ZY)

We were lucky to have a sunny day! 

(It had been raining heavily and cloudy for the past few days)

So happy that we could levitate!!!

The other side of the island is a cliff.

Exploring the hilltop of the island

Enjoying the view and sunset by the cliff with friends.

Sunset from the hilltop.

Moonlit Night

3 of the guys (including myself) were playing table tennis at the resort. We were like young kids trying to win and compete... and it brought back fond memories of our teenage years playing table tennis at the void deck. Same people. Worse Skill. Different Place. And slightly Older.

One of the unexpected yet enjoyable experience was strolling along the beach, and then soaking and swimming in the water in the moonlit night. Floating on the water and observing the boundless sky. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night.

That's Life!

=)

Friends - Spice Gang

Extremely adorable and lovable En-en... 

The new member of the Spice Gang.

Celebrating K's Birthday @ HF's house

We have been friends for 14 years already.

Everybody is busy with their life.

Everybody is facing different difficulties and challenges in life.

But it is always good to know that there is a safe place to share your woes and worries.

And a place where you can always be acting stupid and being child-like.

Thank you guys!

=)

One New Experience Each Week - Vegetarian Buffet

Had my first vegetarian buffet @ Lingzhi. The food was delicious & expensive (a treat by K), but most importantly, it was the thought of accommodating my dietary needs that touched me, esp when none of them are vegetarians. 

Vegetarian Steamboat!

Vegetarian Dim Sum

(I thought I would never eat Dim Sum anymore... it tasted like the real thing. I missed the taste, but I do not miss eating pig or chicken.)

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My Dear Spice Gang

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K is settling down. Another K is taking 1 year sabbatical leave to think about life. Life is always in a constant flux of change, and no matter what happens, I am always grateful and thankful to know this group of wonderful friends. 

=)

Goodbye G, hope you had a good journey.

A close friend (K) of mine just informed me the death of G, whom I got to know through K while we were in University. G was smart and hardworking, and excelled well academically. Even though G was only an acquaintance, I was sadden by the news. I could still remember seeing G studying really hard in library in preparation for exams. My impression of G was a bright, hardworking and pleasant guy. He had a bright future ahead of him. Apparently, he was discussing about buying property a month ago. Unfortunately, his journey was ended abruptly by an accident in England during a business trip. It is such a waste.

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Life is indeed fragile.

Hope he had a good journey.

May he find peace.

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Life is indeed impermanent.

“The next life or tomorrow - we can never be certain which will come first” 

 - Tibetan Proverb

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It will be a total waste of life not to live it fully and meaningfully.

CCK Supper Gang

CCK Supper Gang

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On my way home after the supper, I was filled with gratitude.

Really grateful and happy to know this group of friends. 

Each of them is so special and has achieved so much in their own rights.

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This is a transition period in our lives.

PY is leaving for London.

XR is having a little one soon.

RF might be settling down soon.

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I like the background:

LIVE OUR DREAMS

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=)

Kukup Trip & Chennai Trip

Kukup Trip with Friends

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Simple Lodging, BBQ Dinner, Board Games, Mahjong, Sunset, Kelong, Karaoke

It was a simple yet very enjoyable weekend get-together.

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Chennai - Radisson Beach Resort

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Asia Longest Swimming Pool, 5-Star Beach Resort, Good Restaurant Food, Comfortable Hotel Room, Business Discussion, On Company Expense

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While it was great to stay in nice hotel and eat good food, I definitely prefer the Kukup trip more than the overseas business trip. It is good to have physical comfort, but it is not that important and I definitely choose to hang-out with my friends anytime.

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That's the limitation of money.

Money cannot buy happiness.

Travel: Phuket Trip (31st March - 3rd April 2010)

This is Boon.

I am most comfortable when I am in my slipper.

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Waiting Happily @ Lobby of Burasari Hotel

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It is a boutique hotel which is featured as one of the special hotels of the world.

It is quite good (location, service, deco) and the price is reasonable. I would recommend my friends to stay there.

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The Room...

Yesh, there is a see-through bathroom.

The interesting thing is that the blind is controlled outside the bathroom, hence, putting the person in the bathroom in a more vulnerable position. haha....

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Self-Reflection

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Good Breakfast.

We were enjoying ourselves. =)

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Day-Bed on the balcony of the room

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Patong Beach

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Time for Suntanning!

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Relax Relax.

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There were a few topless ladies - One Granny with Sagging Breasts strolling slowly with confidence (While her figure was not exactly nice, but I was impressed by her self-confidence).

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Next Day: Diving

Diving with http://www.thailand-divers.com/

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The previous day, I went to a few dive shops and chose the most expensive one- 4635baht (S$203) for a full-day trip with 3 dives to Phi Phi Don. The rationale was simple: Other shops was operated by Thai people and the price was slightly cheaper only. And this operator is endorsed by the National Geographic.

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Lower Deck

Upper Deck

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Diving with R again.

The last time R dived was back in Sep'02, when we were 2nd-year undergraduate & took the open-water diving course together. Hahaha...

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It was the most comfortable dive trip I ever had. There was free supply of COLD can drinks and water, food and fruits, coffee, milo, tea...  The lunch was simple, yet very delicious. If you wanna suntan or enjoy the wind, you can go to the upper deck. If you wanna have air-conditioned room, go the the lower deck. Well, most people stay in the upper deck.

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I did not need to bring anything or assemble my equipment (unlike my previous dive trips). I just went to the lower deck, put on the equipment and jump into the sea. After each dive, I just left the equipment on the lower deck, and the Thai crew would just change my tank for the next dive. It was so good!!!

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The dive-masters were professional and they came from different parts of the world. My dive-master was a 20-year Swedish dude, and there were only 3 of us attached to him. That is a good ratio (normally, it is 1 dive-master to 6pax).

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Freedom!!!

Awww....

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Jumping Shoot

(The fellow diver must thinking I was mad!)

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Island near Ko Phi Phi Don

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I did not see any big fishes, but I saw my first sea-snake (which was more venomous than any land snakes)!!! No big creatures, but the underwater "landscape" is Beautiful.... =)

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On the second dive site, there were alot of translucent pink/white jellyfish near the surface of the water. While I was ascending to the surface, it was a beautiful sight to see so many jellyfish dancing and moving gracefully. However, there was a price a pay for such a beautiful sight. We were all stung by the jellyfishes when we were floating at the surface. It was not a pleasant experience, nevertheless, it was a new experience. 

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Happy

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Bangla Street in Phuket.

This picture captured the nightlife of Phuket - Chaotic, Sleezy, Loud, Colourful...

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Colours

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Thai-inspired Jumping Shoot @ Patong

after a good Thai Massage

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SEAFOOD Dinner!!!

It tasted really good.... It was opened by a Greek man who had a Thai girlfriend/wife.

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Patong Area

Shopping Time!!

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T-Shirts

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HE was feeling green,

But it was a great short trip for me.

Thanks HF, LY, K & R for being such a great company.