Back to the Northern Hemisphere, Barely.

Similan Islands- Anchorage

Well, Corey has been in Thailand pretty much full time for over a year.   I have finally caught up with him and even remain employed by CareFusion!  My new title is Clinical Application Manager- Asia.   Basically, I'm doing pretty much the same things as I did in Asia before I relocated but now I'm officially- here.  I will be based in Singapore but traveling back and forth to Phuket, Thailand (to hang out with Corey) pretty much weekly, as well as working all over Asia.  So, we are now officially transferred out of Australia and living quite near the equator.  Pretty exciting stuff!  If you are looking for a hot, humid vacation come visit!  

This picture is from our recent live aboard dive trip.  We spent the 4 nights over Christmas on a boat in the Similan Islands of Thailand.   It was a fabulous trip!  Kath, our tour leader and the entire crew were amazing!  Plus, we had a great group of divers aboard.  A few photos are below.  The trip started in Chalong, Phuket Island and as we motored out of the harbor the crew set off firecrackers to frighten away any bad spirits or bad luck that may affect our trip.  There was also a wonderful banquet and flowers presented on the bow to ask for safe travel and blessings.  It must have worked as we had great weather, smooth sailing and beautiful diving.  Corey took more of the underwater photos this trip and we were having some equipment challenges.  At least I got some fun topside pics.  The topography in the Similans is quite unique.  Lots of big boulders both above and below the multi-hued water.   Our fireworks must have also spooked the whale sharks that had been sighted recently.  No worries, Kath took us to her favorite spots and I now can't wait to go back for more.

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Making memories! My last goodbye party.

Before I jump too far ahead to Asia, I have to talk about leaving Australia and it was downright hard to do!  I have made friends for life in both Australia and New Zealand.  I absolutely will miss everyone and I hope that we meet again, sooner rather than later.  

After returning from America, I was basically "homeless."  This was a non-issue as many people offered me a place to stay.  I house sat for Maree for almost 2 months which was quite an opportunity.  Her cute little house was just down the road from where I was living before, so it made getting around easy- I just continued to ride my bike!  Then after Maree returned, I bunked at Stephen and Louise Devine's.  Living at the Devine's was DEVINE!  Louise is a great cook, they love good wine, and have a nice warm pool... what else could anyone ask for.  Oh, did I mention they are a lot of fun!  Part of the time I was there, it became a bit of a hostel as I roomed with Josie.  So much fun and many, many laughs.  Thanks for everything Louise and Stephen.  

Oh, and just before leaving Australia we took a quick trip to Byron Bay.  I LOVE that place!  The friends I went with made it extra special.   In addition to a lovely trip to Byron, I had party after party to attend.  Christmas parties and going away parties.  Also squeezed in a couple big dance nights at the Mon Komo and as much yoga as I could...  I'm so missing my yoga on the beach and particularly my yogi friends!   

I really can't say enough about everyone I love in Australia.  The people truly made it feel like home because it is a long way from where I'm from.  I miss you already but know I will see you soon!  That is why I really couldn't say goodbye, I stuck with "See Ya Latah."  Hopefully done in my best Aussie accent.

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Corey has become the first person to ever jump a tandem skydive over Phuket.  He also was part of another air show and did a solo skydive, landing on Patong Beach, one of the main tourist beaches in Phuket- See below.  Stay tuned,  Skydiving in Phuket in slowly becoming a reality.  In the meantime have a very happy New Year's Celebration where ever you may be.  Here's to a happy and healthy 2014- Cheers!
p.s.  I have more pictures to load but am out of patience tonight.  Keep checking back for more!