I’ve been in a tranquil state of mind since I arrived in this country.  The jungle, the ocean, the people, they have all made such an impact on why I have deemed this country the most gorgeous place I’ve visited thus far in my life.  And boy, these last couple of days have solidified that decision, for the most part.

Yesterday, as Cassie and I were enjoying a dip in the water by our house, I could not believe my eyes.  Could this country seriously be any better?  I know if my friends were here and laid eyes on the same sight, they would be at a loss for words.  A few of them may even be in a  bit of trouble, I can name one in particular…you know who you are (Anton).  You’re probably asking yourself, “Come on Mike, what is this magnificent site you’re referring to?”.  Well gentleman (and those ladies who are into broad and broad action), Im talking about boobs.  Boobs!  Everywhere I looked, coming from every direction.  Real class act boobs.  Boobs with personality.  Boobs that know how to make a man feel a special, you know?  I have been here for two weeks, and just realized that twenty percent of the women on my beach swim topless.  

Disclaimer:  No boobs are better than Cassie’s, let the record show.

 Anyway, I digress from the boob thing, there are more important matters at hand…. Butts! (Just kidding)

Wednesday June10, 2015

I started diving with New Way Dive Shop, and as expected, have no complaints thus far.  They are the perfect mix between play and business.  About twenty of the goofiest people I have ever seen working in one place, make up some of the most professional and knowledgeable divers Ive ever had the pleasure to work with.  They have taken me under their wing, and its a good feeling to be apart of there team.  It came at a good time, as Cassie just started her first day of work today as well.  So, while Cassie is off behind a desk doing “real people” things, Im off swimming with fish and helping myself to the cookie jar thats conveniently located on board the dive boat.

Its unfortunate, because I wish I had pictures to show everyone the marvels that surround this island, but I’ve been assisting with classes and don’t have much time to worry about snapping a shot.  None the less, what a beauty it is.  Minutes after submerging myself this morning ( at 5:30 am), I got to see blue spotted sting rays, puffer fish the size of soccer balls, and barracuda that could rip my face off.  I can’t stress enough how refreshing it is to be able to not only see all of this amazing life, but also my hand in front of my face.  Diving in New Jersey is a nightmare compared to Koh Toa.  In New Jersey, I worry not about whats around me, but whether I’ll need a staff infection upon returning to the boat.  Thailand truly is a breath of fresh water.

After returning home from a day filled with good diving, Cassie insists that I take a shower, something she bugs me about on a daily basis.   I don’t quite see the need for this habitual bathing process, but it makes Cassie much happier, and shortens the quarreling time.  The usual argument goes something like this…

“Mike, you smell, take a shower”.

“Cassie, we live on an island, why do I have to shower all the time?  I just got out of the water for christ sake!”

“Blah blah blah blah blah…”, is how Cassie’s rebuttal usually sounds to me.

Tired of hearing her words penetrate my smelly ears, I fold and bathe myself.  At last, comes my favorite part of the day…dinner time!

Starting about a week ago, I have been craving a good barbecue, which doesn’t come often on this island.  Cassie and myself squander over where to dine, and we have a good look through the Koh Tao brochure which we scooped up at the pier.  It shows all the good dining spots as well as beaches, shops, etc.  We both come a decision on what sounds like a good place to satisfy my craving for BBQ, a place called Safari Grill, located off of the main road.  We hop up top the bike and make our way to the restaurant.

After some trouble locating it, we finally grab a seat and look at the menu.  It was a very easy choice for both of us… we ordered the Combo Platter, a irresistible merger of bbq chicken and ribs.  We ate like kings and queens.

Thursday June 13,2015

About 12:30 am

It was at this time, I awoke with a panic, withdrawing my earlier statement of eating like kings and queens.  I sure didn’t feel like a king, in fact I felt like my insides were shriveling and inevitably making their way to the surface, by any means possible.  I never thought I could miss home so much.  This continued well into the morning, and well into that late evening until Cassie arrived home.  I had not moved from the position she last saw me in, unless it was to run to the bathroom, which was occurring about every fifteen minutes or so.  I felt as if my body had rejected so much of my stomach that I’d lost weight! To my dismay, the mirror said otherwise (Im still fat).

Food poising ladies and gentleman, the worst I had ever experienced.  It’s time like these that you remember the comforts of home.  How gentle my bed was to me during my times of need and how my parents would care for me.  With Cassie at work all day and me sick in bed, I did a terrible job of caring for myself.  I barely drank any water, put nothing else in my stomach, and just lay on my rock bed.  Sick, incapacitated, and alone.

Friday June 12, 2015

Its friday morning now, and I have just awoken to a healthy digestive system.  Im feeling good and ready to live again. Im ready to get up and start my day, which only consists of diving.  I owe an apology to Cassie for being a smelly, sick, useless boyfriend these last twenty four hours.  Perhaps Ill make it up to her by taking a shower… even I admit I could use one right now.