Daily Woof December 30
Woof Woof Woof,
Another busy day. I know it is starting to sound like a broken record, but not only were we busy today, but the weather was beautiful here in Samui. I got up early for my day and the crabs were everywhere on the beach. I was able to catch a bunch and have my breakfast before my big day at work
Today was another busy all around day. Karl and Eric were teaching theory and confined water to open water students, then Eric was in the pool with try divers. Dana was with fun divers to Koh Tao and Axel had a bunch of fun DSDs in Koh Tao also. I stayed in the office working on the computer with Ead and with the nice weather we sold a bunch of masks and snorkels. I hope I get commision………
Tomorrow we are rockin and rollin again with a group of DSD, open water students, and fun divers. We are running two boats again tomorrow for out final trip of the year. I really want to get done early so I can get some rest before my big New Year’s Eve night.
While my dad goes out, I am going to throw a rager at the house. Tong Nam and Dang Mo are coming over and have invited a lot of the other dogs from Choeng Mon beach. Dang Mo says she has someone on the inside at Catcandoo and can get all the left over bones from the nights rib dinners. Between that and the tequila in the house (I know where it is hidden) it’s gonna be a big night.
Good thing we all have the day off on Sunday so I can sleep off my bone hangover.
See ya tomorrow,
Stoli
Daily Woof -December 29th
Karl, Dayna and Axel went diving at the famous Sail Rock today with a giant moray, schools of barracudas & fusilliers and loads of other fishy finds for company! Also a big well done to Jan and Abhay for completing their Open Water Diver course today, congrats & keep diving guys!
As for me, I stayed home today and sent Eric to the dive centre, all the attention I’ve been getting lately has taken it’s toll -my tail is hurting from wagging too much.. I’m sure I’ll be fine by tommorrow.
Below are the pictures from yesterday’s fun day on the boat. I can’t believe they have this much fun and did not take me 😦
Daily Woof -December 28th
What a day! There wasn’t even room for me on the boat to Koh Tao today.. it was so busy!
Marco started his Advanced Open Water Diver course (after over 150 logged dives!); Jan, Abhay, Henry & Gemma completed their Open Water Dives 1 & 2; Nisa and her family & friends came along for a couple of fun dives, with her daughter Napin completing her Open Water certificate; Alicia, Cindy & Kevin also gained the Open Water Diver status (congratulations guys)! Trent & Patrick joined us for the fun-diving too and last but not least, Ian and his girlfriend went to Sail Rock for the day with the tour boat. The sun shone for everyone too which made it all the more fun, let’s hope it stays that way…
Pictures will follow shortly, so keep your eyes peeled!
Stoli.
Daily Woof December 27
Had all my dive gear packed and ready to go for tomorrow. We already confirmed Rover, Lucky, Brutus and Fido for their open water course which I was going to teach and then they told me there’s no room on the boat for us. What’s up with that?
There’s gonna be some unhappy customers. They said I can give them all a bone to reschedule. But hey, what about me? I was all psyched to go diving tomorrow.
I guess it’s ok, because Ead is going to need some help in the office as we are running two boats tomorrow and Eric, Karl, Dayna, Axel, Anot, and Dan will all be busy as we got 8 open water courses, advanced open water courses and bunch of fun divers on the boats tomorrow. So it will just be me and Ead in the shop. I should really start working on commision instead of working just for treats.
Good news is that the waves are supposed to quiet down for the next few days. I think the guys will be able to hit some new spots for diving.
So, looks like another busy day and busy week so I’d better get some rest. I’ll leave you with a picture from today of Axel explaining to his divers that when you pack up your dive bag the fins have to be in the same direction and no more than 1 cm apart.
Talk to you later,
Stoli
"The fins must be lined up in the same direction in your bag!! "do not make a violation of the German bag packing code"
Daily Woof December 26
Happy Boxing Day,
Wow, what a Christmas I had. When I woke up yesterday I had a bunch of new toys, bones and treats waiting for me.
After my day off I was just itching to get back to work (or maybe it was fleas), and boy was it busy!! Today we had open water students, scuba reviews and customers in the shop all day buying equipment. I was selling my tail off.
Unfortunately, it was so busy that we are sold out now for the next 3 days of diving. We are so busy on Wednesday that I am going to have teach some divers myself. Tomorrow everyone is so busy that I will be in charge of the shop. If you want a discount I suggest that you bring in some bones or treats and I’ll see what I can do for you
Well, I’m gong to go get some rest as I just got home from work now and need ot be in the shop early tomorrow. We’ll talk to you all tomorrow.
Stoli
taking a little break
Daily Woof December 24
Ho Ho Ho,
Merry Christmas to everyone. We had a busy Christmas eve day here at the office. I really had my selling shoes on. We sold more equipment today than any day in the whole month. I guess people are really getting excited about diving next week, or maybe I am just too cute to say no to.
We also had our busiest day so far selling T-shirts. You know the ones with the handsome guy on it. (see pictures)
On top of that, we worked out a great last minute holiday dive and stay package with the Amari hotel after constant begging from me. These are for two person with limimted availability through January 2
4 nights plus open water course 28,000
4 nights plus advanced open water course 26,000
That is almost 1/2 the normal price.
Well, I can go out and celebrate with everyone else in Samui tonight as our shop will be closed tomorrow for the Christmas holiday and I don’t need to wake up early. We will be back open on Monday.
I hope Santa leaves some calm winds under the tree and Merry Christmas to all of you.
All the best to everyone,
Stoli
Daily Woof December 23
Hey Everyone,
I was out late doing some holiday partying and i can’t believe I overslept and missed the boat today.
The whole gang was on the boat today and had so much fun and i had to stay in the office. What a jip!!
Today Eric, Karl, Dayna, Axel, Rich, Ano and Dan took our a full boat of divers today including 10 DSDs and Team Australia. I saw that pictures from the day and am kicking myself for sleeping in.
Also today, Jason completed his open water course and Marcus finished his fish ID specialty and earned his PADI Master Scuba Diver certification with us.
Well, tomorrow we have a boat going to Sail Rock and then we are going to take a day off on Christmas to let everyone spend it with their families. I hope I find a bunch of new bones and treats in my stocking on Sunday.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from myself and the team at Discovery Divers.
Stoli
Daily Woof 22 December
‘Tis the season to be jolly… Another great day at Discovery!
While I was busy in the office (mainly keeping Eric in order), Dayna & Karl took some divers out to Sail Rock & Koh Tao.
Dayna went out today with our divers Aris, Joe & Ranelle and they weren’t disapointed with the usual fish soup that is ‘Sail Rock’ ..barracuda (great, chevron & yellowtail’s), Jann’s pipefish, white-eyed morays, blue ringed & sixbar angelfish, butterflyfish (lined, coral, hong-kong & eight-banded), a lone and very nosy batfish, a large masked porcupine fish, trevallys, giant groupers, fusilliers and of course, a triggerfish!
Karl took three ‘newbies’ out to experience the underwater world around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan (the trio of islands that feature on many postcards in the Gulf) and had a whale of a time. I just wish I could’ve tagged along, but I’m up to my jowls in the office at the moment ..anyway, I’m the only cute one at Discovery and the customers love me!
Another busy day tomorrow, so I’m off to take a nap.
Stoli
Daily Woof December 21
Hi Folks,
Another day that I was so busy I am only getting to write my blog now. It’s so much fun when we are busy. There are people in the shop all day to play with, and then when the boats start coming back there are even more people. I actually chewed through my ball today because I was playing so much.
Also at our shop now we are showing and selling marine life art from our instructor Dayna. The pictures are really good and I was showing some of our guests the pictures today (see picture). I’ll show you some of these tomorrow.
Congratulations to Marcus who completed his navigation specialty course today. He is doing his Fish ID specialty on Friday with Eric and then he will have completed his Master Scuba Diver certification. We’ve got two boats going out tomorrow with fun divers and courses and then Friday we are actually full already.
Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny all day so come check me out on the beach behind our shop at the Amari.
Talk to you later,
Stoli
Stoli showing some people Dayna's artwork
Original artwork now available!
Original artwork by Discovery Divers instructor Dayna is now on display and available for purchase in the dive centre. All her inspiration is taken from marine life around the Gulf of Thailand and each drawing is an original (no prints or duplicates will be made and are exclusive to Discovery Divers dive centre), they are also signed by the artist and already framed/mounted for you.
An ideal gift for any fish-lover, these colourful sketches start at ONLY 2350 baht. Book a course/trip and get 10% off all Dayna’s artwork!!! Just quote ‘PROMOTION FEBRUARY’ when you make your purchase.
Daily Woof December 20
What up peeps?
Another busy day here at Discovery Divers. There were so many people in the shop today that I never got to take my usual nap.
High season is definitely here now. Dayna was out with Peter and Candy in Koh Tao, Axel was doing open water course, Eric was conducting a navigation specialty course and Karl was in the pool with try divers. Karl got so busy at one point that I decided to jump in the pool to help (see photo), unfortunately the management at the Amari did not seem to appreciate my help in the pool and made me get out. Jeez, it’s not like I do the things I see the little kids do in the pool!!
Since I was not welcome in the pool I went out to the beach where Eric was with our customer Marcus practicing land navigation.
By the time the day was done I had already helped book 10 DSD’s (Discover scuba divers), a few open water courses, and fun divers. We got a really busy rest of the week ahead of us. I was so tired that I snuck out of work and went home without finishing. I guess I can finish up my work in the morning.
I’m real excited tomorrow too as we are on the boat with open water courses, specialty courses and fun divers. I’ll hang out and give Dayna and Ead a hand in the office tomorrow and maybe get a break to go to the beach.
Well, time to get some sleep so i can be rested for another busy day tomorrow.
Talk to you later,
Stoli
Hang on Karl. I'll take a couple of divers
Daily Woof -19/12/2011
Hey Everybody,
It’s really starting to ramp up here at Discovery Divers. It’s nice to see that Koh Samui is getting busy again and we had a lot of customers come in the shop today so I was really busy greeting everyone and showing them all the new diving equipment we have in the shop now.
We’ve got everyone busy with divers tomorrow with open water courses, fun diving and scuba reviews going on. I hope the wind dies down a little so we nice rides out to the dive sites.
With all the people on the beach now here behind our office I got out with Eric to take a walk all the way down Chaweng beach. I haven’t seen this many people in a while. i made a lot of new friends today and was showing everybody my new ball I got, but I am not sure why Eric only wants me to make friends with pretty girls.
I’m gong to have to go home and get a good rest tonight as we are going to be busy tomorrow too. On Wednesday we have trips to Sail Rock and Koh Tao and Eric promised me that I can go diving if I behave myself and don’t beg food from everyone on the beach. Well, I can go diving anytime I guess. The beach food is too good. I’ll leave you with some pictures from the beach today and talk to you all tomorrow.
Stoli
Daily Woof -Christmas Night Out!
Hey there,
Last night’s Discovery Divers staff Christmas party turned out to be a really great evening; Eric, Karl, Axel, Dayna, Ead & Tuk all came along to ‘Prego’ Italian restaurant where we ate lots of delicious food and toasted a Merry Christmas to all. The evening ended with some drinks in Chaweng, with no-one mis-behaving too much (as far as I’m aware)! Although, I did resort to ‘hair of the dog’ with a small beer today -as I wasn’t diving.
Tommorrow we’re off to Sail Rock for some fun dives, so I’ll keep you updated. Meanwhile, take a look at some of the photos I took last night…
Daily Woof
Hey everyone,
What a day here in Samui. It was raining cats and people this morning, but then the rain stopped but still very windy and big waves. We didn’t go diving today as it really was not safe. This of course gave me the opportunity to grab my board and hang 20 our there in Choeng Mon beach. I was catching some big waves dude. You should have seen me.
After surfing I still had time to check up on what was going on at the shop. Eric, Karl, Axel and Ead were busy getting everything scheduled for the upcoming days and getting good with the new diving software program that we just installed. This program will help keep things very organized and run very smooth in the mornings when we are diving. They also had a busy day selling equipment and those t-shirts they sell with the cool and handsome guy on them.
Well, now it is off ot pick up my tuxedo as tonight is the Discovery Divers staff dinner and drinks extravaganza in Chaweng. I am so excited that I have already picked out my order: 2 steaks, one chicken, some calamari and for dessert a big bowl of vanilla ice cream.
After that we are all heading down to the heart of Chaweng for some partying. If you are in Chaweng, feel free to join us. Of course I will be the one surrounded by all the bitches (I can say that, being a dog). Eric already gave me the day off tomorrow to sleep in so watch out tonight!!
OK people so I am on my way and then take a nap (yes, another one) to rest up for tonight.
I’ll talk to you again tomorrow although my blog may be a little later in the day.
Bye bye,
Stoli
Check out me practicing my giant stride entry
Rain, rain, go away…
Great weather for ducks.. not so good for dogs/divers!
So instead of a dive update, I thought I’d share one of my favorite jokes with you;
Far away in the tropical waters of the Caribbean, two prawns were swimming around in the sea. One called Justin and the other called Christian.
The prawns were constantly being harassed and threatened by sharks that inhabited the area. Finally one day Justin said to Christian, “I’m fed up with being a prawn; I wish I was a shark, and then I wouldn’t have any worries about being eaten.” A large mysterious cod appeared and said, “Your wish is granted” Lo and behold, Justin turned into a shark.
Horrified, Christian immediately swam away, afraid of being eaten by his old mate. Time passed (as it does) and Justin found life as a shark boring and lonely. All his old mates simply swam away whenever he came close to them. Justin didn’t realize that his new menacing appearance was the cause of his sad plight.
While swimming alone one day he saw the mysterious cod again and he thought perhaps the mysterious fish could change him back into a prawn. He approached the cod and begged to be changed back, and, lo and behold, he found himself turned back into a prawn. With tears of joy in his tiny little eyes Justin swam back to his friends and bought them all a cocktail. (The punch line does not involve a prawn cocktail – it’s much worse).
Looking around the gathering at the reef he realised he couldn’t see his old pal. “Where’s Christian?” he asked. “He’s at home, still distraught that his best friend changed sides to the enemy & became a shark”, came the reply.
Eager to put things right again and end the mutual pain and torture, he set off to Christian’s abode. As he opened the coral gate, memories came flooding back. He banged on the door and shouted, “It’s me, Justin, your old friend, come out and see me again.” Christian replied, “No way man, you’ll eat me! You’re now a shark, the enemy, and I’ll not be tricked into being your dinner!” Justin cried back “No, I’m not! That was the old me, I’ve changed.”………
“I’ve found Cod. I’m a Prawn again Christian”.
Daily Woof
Well, so much for the rain. They predicted rain all day and it never came. Now it is nice and sunny out. I think I’ll go to the beach and play ball.
I’ve been busy today booking divers for Koh Tao tomorrow and a bunch of courses for next week. I’m even teaching a course myself next week. 2 Golden Retrievers, a Labrador and a mutt. They all can swim, but I hope they can equalize their ears (especially the retriever with those big ears…)
From what I see on the calender, if any of you are looking to book diving in the next month, you really should get in touch with us soon. Being the top dive shop on the island and only taking small groups, we are starting to fill up fast. If I’m not available for teaching or fun diving, you can always ask for Eric, Karl, Axel or Dayna. I taught them everything I know.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Stoli
Rain?
Daily Woof
Hey everyone. Another busy day at the shop supervising Eric and Axel. These guys were making sure everything is ready for the busy season coming up very soon. I saw the schedule and looks like we are going to get real busy in the next week or so.
I also found out the news that our instructor Joe just had a baby boy, Gihan (well his girlfriend did). One Baby?….. What’s that about? All my friends have 5,6,7 at a time!!! I’m just looking forward to meeting the little guy when he gets to Samui. Who better than me to show him the ropes out here.
Well, I better get some rest as starting this weekend I’ll be working my tail off greeting all the divers and keeping everyone in line.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Stoli
Huh? Who took this picture. I was working, I swear!!
Daily Woof
Hey People!
Well, here goes.. this is my first ever public blog, and boy, do we have some bones to throw!
Dive centre owner Eric has just returned from Bangkok with a brand new truck, which will be used for transporting our equipment to and from the jetties and piers here in Samui. Unfortunately, Eric is about as good a driver as me, and Bangkok is not the place to be driving a brand new truck if you are used to driving on the other side of the road (New York) in an automatic! Anyway, the truck (and Eric) arrived back in Koh Samui a few days ago and is undergoing a Discovery makeover (the truck, not Eric)..
Talking of makeovers, the kit-room has undergone a great transformation by Axel, our German instructor. I’m sure that man has OCD, but our equipment store has never looked so organized! We have some new equipment too, which will come in handy for the busy season ahead..
Karl & Axel both took some divers out to Koh Tao yesterday and considering that the weather wasn’t in our favor, they still enjoyed a great couple of dives at Twins & White Rock. Axel spotted a Ghost Pipefish (extremely tricky critters to spot) with his two fun divers, as well as the usual array of White Eyed Morays, Blue Spotted Stingrays and a pair of Triggerfish (which strangely, Axel seems to think are gay.. I didn’t ask)!
“I hate having my photo taken…”Stoli.
discoverydivers 