SSI Open Water Diver Scuba Certification at Harold’s Dive Center, Dumaguete

I had never done any scuba diving before, but after doing some research and talking to some friends, I thought that this would be a great way to relax after a busy semester at work. Between SSI and PADI, I chose SSI just because it was recommended by the dive masters.

TPE ✈ MNL ✈ DGT From Rain to Sun

I did not arrive late at the airport this time. I had plenty of time to kill before my initial flight to Manila from Taipei. I decided not to sleep in order to avoid a neck ache. I’m too tall for these small seats on these flights but it’s not for long. The Taipei airport has free Wi-Fi now which surprised me. The same was true for Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

Kalani from Accidental Broadcast Landscape Photography of Maui

Take a look at these awesome shots taken by Kalani from the Accidental Broadcast motovlog. I sort of disagree with the way that he sets his limitations, but to each his own. The photos are pretty good, with good composition, nice dynamic range, and lots of interesting details.

Last Minute Preparations

An upcoming departure  always fills me with anticipation, especially when I’m traveling in countries that I’ve never been to before. Thankfully I have been getting ready for the trip for the last few weekends, purchasing a diving mask with my prescription, swimming goggles with my prescriptions, and other miscellaneous things. Just like last year, I’ll be taking along a Gregory Z35 pack, that’s basically it. This time around, I won’t be taking my laptop. I’ll have my iPad filled up with TV shows and books. That should keep me busy. I will be meeting a mate in Dumaguete, Philippines, who will also be scuba diving, but at another resort.

Hamilton and Reynolds, Beyond Science-Fiction Writing

As I was lying in my bed last night, reading The Man in the High Castle, I started missing reading about the Void. Unlike Reynolds, who has completely abandoned his magnum opus, Revelation Space, Hamilton has spent time developing even further.

Longest Vacation Ever

It’s been a long year of work, but I’m finally heading on vacation for CNY starting next week. I have about 3.5 weeks off and I’m heading to Dumaguete in the Philippines to do some scuba diving. Then I’ll be visiting Saigon in Vietnam and bus-ing my way into Cambodia and the temples at Angkor.

2014 in Books

2013 in books was lost due to a HD malfunction, but I have been recording the books that I read on my other computer. I had my ups and downs in reading, and I did spend time rereading books that I had already read before. I was able to find most of Roberto Bolano’s novels in epub format, which is simply great. The Peripheral was definitely a great read from William Gibson.