Dive! Dive! Dive! - Mergui Archipelago

From Yangon, we hopped on a twin propeller plane to Kawthaung (Southern most town in Myanmar). This is the jumping point to the 4000 islands that make up the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago. The flight runs once a week (Saturday) and since our live aboard did not depart until Sunday, we had one day to kill. Putting it nicely - there's absolutely NOTHING to do in Kawthaung. There are 3 "hotels" and the only reason that the town survives is because it is the place where foreigners from Thailand spend a couple of hours/dollars after jumping over the boarder only to re-enter Thailand 1 hour later with a new 30 day visa. Our $20 dollar room had no electricity until 6PM (we landed at 9AM) so with the heat, we both took at least 4 showers that day. We did have a nice view of the bay though and sunset that evening.

That night, we had about 8 boys who were apparently living on the streets surround us during dinner. We were the odd foreigners who actually stayed a day (vs. jumping in a long tail back to Thailand) so they were full of questions. Some of the questions were asking for food (not money) but like any kid, they just wanted to laugh and be loved. They got a huge kick out of my one and only card trick and were eager to learn the new hand shakes/high five combos that we taught them. Erin, bought dinner for them later and they scarfed down their meals like it was their first in days. They were all very appreciative and it just made us feel sad because all of them were good hearted boys. 3 of them walked us back to our hotel later and 2 of them made me walk in the middle with my arms draped over their shoulders as they danced, laughed and sang while passing the local karaoke lounge. Got on board the trimaran"Gaea" the following afternoon. Met Dave and Kat and the rest of the crew and were pleased to find out that we were the only 4 on the boat that week (usually caters 8 divers). The diving was first class and we were still able to see new things. A manta up close and personal on the first day,

followed by a leopard shark, 5 ft. bull shark, cuttle fish, octopus, new species of nudibranch, and stone fish - all firsts for us.

We also met Kuhn Penn who is the Gaea's newest crew member (saved him after his mom was taken - too cute) and even Mr. Blues got wet after being certified.

Thanks to Josh (and Jason) for taking great care of us over the week. And also to Captain Mee, Miss Taw, Aow Aow and Joe for the great food and nightly "game". Another unforgettable week! Dave and Kat - We'll see you at Sloshball 2006 if not the Galapagos first!

Back in Yangon for a day and half. Applied for my Bangladesh visa today and we are on an overnight bus (15 hours) heading north to Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake later today (3/20). The Internet is fairly new technology here so times between posts will be longer than usual. Thanks for checking in on us though!

EJP & FMP

P.S. - Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave, Wendi, CJ and families. We love you guys. Please know that we are thinking of you during this time.