The two key things to a GOOD dive holiday is the dive operator and the place you're staying at. Here are some of the things we look out for when we plan our dive holiday. The homework and research can be time-consuming if it's to a place you haven't been to before, but it's worth it when your holiday goes smoothly. Then when you go back next time, you can do it with your eyes closed.
What are oriental-style and mandi-style bathrooms?
"Oriental-style" is a Western term. It simply means as opposed to Western style bathrooms. Western style bathrooms are the ones you're accustomed to, with sit-down toilets and washbasins. When a website says that a guestroom's toilets are Oriental-style it usually means squat toilets.
The term 'Mandi-style' is derived from the Malay term 'mandi', or 'bathe'. Instead of bathing with a conventional shower, you scoop water from a large basin, and pour that over yourself.
Typically, mandi-style bathrooms have a huge urn of fresh water and a little scoop-bucket (with a handle), maybe 15cm in diameter, floating inside. I guess to tourists it sounds like a novel and exotic way of having a bath, but honestly, it's not the easiest way to wash your hair. You'll need like twenty scoops just to rinse the shampoo off. Don't even let me get started on washing your private areas.
A Silly Tune For Divers
(to be sung to the tune of "Happy Wanderer")
I love to go a-wandering
All dressed up in black
With my aeroskin, a mask and fins
And a dive tank on my back.
(Chorus) Valderi, valdera, valderi, valdera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
Valderi, valdera
With a dive tank on my back.
I love to see the corals bloom
At night when all is dark
Cover your torch, sweep your hands like a broom
And see the lovely sparks. (Chorus)
(Last verse to be sung one key higher and with orchestral accompaniment)
One day I'll buy the Aggressor fleet
And rename it "Diving Girl"
Every night can sleep in a luxury suite
And dive around the world. (Chorus)
