Steve, Switzerland

15 August 2010

Hello all my friends at Aqua-Marina!!!

Thanks for really pushing me to achieve the Divemaster certification albeit I had to rest for a entire week in Switzerland after I returned from finishing the course at Aqua-Marina. I will never try to do a Tired Diver Tow again four times!!!

You guys really put me through the wringer :)) for sure and challenged me all the way. I certainly realized that I am getting older although I prefer to perish the thought when it arises. In hindsight, I would not likely do the Divemaster course in nine days (one for theory exams and eight for skills, practical applications, etc.). I will leave that to the 20 - 35 year-old guys (Steve-Divemaster candidate there now) who are reasonably fit. I think at least three weeks or a two-month internship would be more feasible and less stressful.

I gained tremendous insight into the "inner sanctum" of Aqua-Marina. Wow, it was indeed quite a different experience working on the inside as a Divemaster candidate versus being a typical (Just diving, OW, AOW, or Rescue course) customer. Such a humbling experience making coffee and tea for the Instructors and getting to help clean the equipment and the center in the evening. Okay maybe nine days was enough!

Really, truly thanks. In between the barking of orders (Ray, Paul, Carl, Andy and sometimes Benny --love you guys ...seriously) and the seeming chaos of it all, there is actually a method to all the madness. It is a dive center and you guys have to deal with so many variables. "Speed is of the essence" as Benny reminded me although I think I only increased my equipment setup time by 20 seconds by the end and perhaps helping setup the customers`equipment 15 seconds faster.

Well, you guys gave me a lot of s..t for sure (especially when I had to lead the dive with "certified divers"-- James, Steve, and Benny--Oh my God) and I dished the s..t back too sometimes. You`re a great team and I wish you all the best for sure. I will come back again someday and just dive for relaxation...no courses...no specialties...no certifications, etc. The Divemaster certification is my final certification. I think I am too old a fart to continue. I will just stick to what I do best....finance.

Ciao, ciao

P.S. Hi to everyone else - Emma, Madge, Ines, Lucy and whomever else I may be forgetting.

Steve