If this blog had a headline, it would be “my first dive outside Australia and a confidence check in my chopstick abilities”. Thankfully, I have the opportunity to write about and share both of these experiences. Bawah Reserves in Indonesia is not only well known for the stunning views above sea level, it is notorious for being one of the top dive sites in the country. When presented with the opportunity to explore the underwater playground, without hesitation, I said yes. The dive site was a short 10 minute boat ride out into the South China Sea. We were on the boat and the water was so clear that I was wondering if it is even worth scuba diving. I could already see everything from above the water. There was not a single hint of murkiness. Eventually, we submerged where the depth was around 10 meters. Once underwater, I quickly realized that the guide and I were sitting at the top of an underwater hill. I looked down and was fascinated and intimidated by the consistent 135 degree downhill slope that descended into the deep. As the hill declined, so did the light reaching the bottom, resulting in an eerie absence of light located at the deepest end of the hill. Thankfully, the deepest point of the hill we would reach would be around 20 meters deep, meaning the coral maintained its colorfulness and look of playfulness. We traversed across the hill, observing the coral and sea animals that grazed the bottom like trees and deer would in the mountains. Perched up on a light blue boulder of coral rested a purple anemone no larger than a soccer ball with clownfish of all sizes weaving between the grassy strands. We continued on and noticed small debris of coral floating. We would shortly figure out that the culprit was a sea turtle. The turtle was around 3 feet long and was picking away at plants growing on the reefs. We sat in the water, motionless, observing the spectacular creature. Sensing our presence the turtle slowly turned its head, almost giving a respectful nod. My dive partner motioned for me to get in frame of his camera. As he lined up the photograph, the turtle, like it was a professional model, stopped eating and looked right into the camera lens. The flash went off and the turtle went back to enjoying his meal and we continued with the dive. This interaction and the scenic views of the deeps of Indonesia has resulted in a memorable trip that will last a lifetime.
(Photo Taken From Bawah Reserve Dive Site, on 4/6/2025)
Following Bawah, work in Singapore continued. Having the opportunity to learn and ask questions to individuals with talent and years of experience has been invaluable. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know my coworkers inside the office. On Friday, I had the opportunity to get to know my coworkers outside of the office. Three of the research analysts and I grabbed lunch at a sushi restaurant. We arrived at the restaurant and the first thing I noticed was that there were no chairs or tables. It was a small room with a bar that had chefs on one side and customers on the other, but no one was seated. So we stood in the bar lined up shoulder to shoulder and my coworker began to order food for the four of us. Immediately after ordering, the chef, as if he’s in a race, created four of the most perfect pieces of sushi I have ever seen and gave one to me and my coworkers. However, instead of putting it on a plate he just slapped it on the table in front of me. I am loving it, this is such a cool and new experience. I am thinking to myself “ok he put the food on the table, feel like there’s a chance I might be able to eat the sushi with my hands here which would be a miracle”. My heart drops as I see all three of my coworkers pick up the sushi with chopsticks and I made a decision, I know what I must do. I grabbed the sticks and they were shaking like a baby deer’s legs. I grab the piece and can tell I have a weak grip but accept the risk and in one fast swift movement, I manage to eat the piece of sushi without it falling onto my lap. What a relief. Until I realized I have to do this several more times. The sushi tasted amazing and it tasted even better after the small victory of not spilling each piece. It was a great experience exploring a new and unique food setting and I look forward to exploring more aspects of Singapore food culture that make it world renowned.
(Photo Taken From Sushi Restaurant, 4,11/2025)