Hi everyone,

I just posted a trip report of sorts to my blog.

I experimented a bit with software and online services, so it's a meld of photographs, video and words, not really about the diving there but more about the community on the island.

http://www.tonywublog.com/20080622/mabul.html

[The file is flash format, but it's encoded to relatively high specs. If you don't have a good net connection, it might take a while to buffer.]

Cheers,

Tony

Thanks Tony,
I really enjoy your stuff, always gives me the warm and fuzzies.

Really enjoyed that Tony. Some cracking still in there too

Nice how you related to the kids, great foundation for future ongoing understanding and a well made point about happiness and material possessions.

loftus, Thanks...that's my goal!

Balrog, The happiness issue is something I've observed in many places. Wealth doesn't equate to happiness (though a certain level of wealth certainly doesn't hurt!). Every chance I have to spend time with kids like this or other people with a similar outlook on life is a great opportunity to be reminded of what's important. Ok, sounding a bit too sappy now

Cheers,

Tony

Great work Tony
Enjoyed that.

Excellent stuff Tony. I was at the dive platform last year and Joseph ( course director ) was telling me over a few beers one night how he is trying to teach not only the children on Mabul, but from the mainland too. He is trying to set up a programme which will explain to the children why so many visitors visit the waters of Borneo and what the reefs and fish life mean to the economy, and why it is so impotant that we all work together to keep the waters pristine.

I am planning to return next year to stay at Smart Divers, and watching this has made we want to go back there even more.

Cheers for showing. Stew

Thanks Wagsy, glad you liked it.

Stew, I'm sure the kids wonder why so many people traipse through their island and waters, so that sounds like an excellent idea. Have fun on your next trip there!

Wow - what a heartwarming and beautifully produced video. I too love spending time with and photographing local kids when traveling overseas and have had some great encounters with some, including Fiji, Ecuador and on Banda in Indo.

Thank you for sharing your work, and for reminding us that money is not always a prerequisite for happiness.

J.