27 Jul 96 13:56, MARK DHAS wrote to STAN DEAN:
 MD> Well at the moment, I'm not going to do the advanced level now as my
 MD> parents are going to be kinda tapped for money with me going to uni this
 MD> year and all that, so I'll probably do it next year which my parents
 MD> said I could do one of 2 things, I could take my dive trip to the
 MD> maldives or I could do my advanced what do u think ??
I am apt to be shot by my peers for saying this, but as a retired PADI Master 
Instructor, my advice is this:
Go directly to the Maldives.  Do not pass Go.  Do not collect $200.
All kidding aside, this is my reasoning: advanced scuba training is widely 
available for a reasonable cost.....this is not apt to change.  Your parents 
might later change their mind about financing in a year or two.  You may 
potentially get your trip *and* your course.  If that doesn't pan out, once 
you've finished your education, it's up to you to finance it.  That shouldn't 
be a problem once you're working.  My point is that the cost of advanced 
training is relatively insignificant and it can be done at any time.
A trip to the Maldives is nothing to play around with.  If your parents are 
generous enough to spring for the trip, be the best son you can be and go at 
the earliest possible opportunity.  The government may change there, there 
could be a major ecological disaster, it might become one of those places you 
tell people "I always wanted to visit" when you're old.  Go now.  Once you 
have the memory of the trip, it can never be taken away from you.
Jay
PADI M-9033
--- GoldED/386 2.50+
(1:379/41.5)
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