-The pictures and musings of James Purves
Archive for April, 2007
PADI – Pain And Deaf Issues
Apr 29th
I am now a qualified Open Water PADI diver – I am also deaf in one ear and have been bleeding from places I shouldn’t be bleeding – top tip – don’t dive with a cold…
Did two great wreck dives to finish the course today – both on the USS Liberty (I think), a US supply ship sunk in WW2 near Bali – its only 20 or so meters from the beach but a great site to survey underwater. Its turned itself into a natural reef with lots of fish, coral and everything else you can think of – awesome!
Matt and I have passed all the tests and underwater skills so we’ve filled in our applications and sent them off to PADI to be made official.
Moved back down south near Kuta for a few days of recovery and relaxation! Taken a few photos which I’ll have to post when I get home… Might chill out by the pool tomorrow and read my book – hopefully I’ll be able to hear by the time I get back!
Candi Dasa
Apr 27th
Moved back to the beach, on the east coast a place called Candi Dasa.
Traipsed round a few hotels until we found the right one at the right price.
Now battling against the worst internet connection in the world but getting there slowly…
Had our first day of PADI dive training today – lots of classroom learning in the morning but the afternoon was all practical experience in the sea – great fun and only had a few minor panic attacks 
Actually was quite surprised at how good it was and relaxed it can be if you think about what you’re doing and don’t forget everything they’ve taught you. Lots of diving tomorrow, 4 off-shore dives planned so starting at 8 and finishing late!
Ubud – Culture Club
Apr 25th
Now migrated a bit further north – away from the beach to the cultural center called Ubud.
Nice “Wayan Master” picked us up yesterday and drove us the three hours north, stopping at the rice paddies, the silver works, the word craft center, the waterfalls and the painting collective – we were encouraged to buy at every occasion
ONce in Ubud we wandered down on foot to the Sacred Monkey Forest where we got mauled and abused by the malevolent monkeys – at least they were trouble until we ran out of bananas at which point they ignored us and started fighting with a random dog!
Settled for the night in a nice hotel, not bad for 15 quid a night each including breakfast. Off in a couple hours for a bus ride and white water rafting – heard good things and its raining too so should be nice and fast!
Haven’t been using the camera much but will try and get some more pictures to bring home!
Planning to head to the beach tomorrow but we’ll see how it goes…
Done a Juliet/Derek…
Apr 21st
And lost my wallet and credit cards…
And its raining…
Typical!!
But made it safe and sound to Bali – now in Kuta with a stinking hangover.
Hoping for a better day tomorrow
Leaving On A Jet Plane…
Apr 19th
Won’t back for nearly three weeks…
See you on the 8th! Hopefully I can blog/gloat a bit while I’m away
Off to Heathrow now!!!
Cowboy Director
Apr 18th
A film crew and actors working at a park near the flat. Anyone recognise these guys?
Loving the fact that the director wears a cowboy hat.
Although he had almost no directing to do, all that happened was the girls ad-libbed some chat while the guy ate sandwiches. Every take he got a new sandwich, and every take he had to eat the whole thing!! Think it must have been an advert…
Baby Monkey!!
Apr 16th
Looks like “CHimp” the baby monkey made it to Japan safe and well in his little jiffy bag!
Although I was half expecting Byrney to say something like “thanks, but you know they make far better monkey stuffed toys here in Japan”
U KNW WOT TYM IT IZ!
Apr 10th
Timber Whaves Massive!!
Brace yourself mother-funker!
Some lovely graffiti from some of my neighbours appeared on the wall next the dock.
I must say its quite lovely! Adds quite a lot of charm to the area, I’m sure house prices are rocketing as a result.
NB: this is not a Banksy….
