{ Editor’s NOTE }

“How nice the luxury, to argue about rights of the unborn, beginning of life, moment of death, all those sophisticated discussions. Empty talkers… But no such luxury here. Should be a rule: Walk, first, through the fire, then philosophize…”

— Rohinton Mistry, Family Matters

Welcome to our special edition of ASIAN Geographic + Scuba Diver! This issue will appeal to divers and non-divers alike, encapsulating many a myth, legend, and folk tale across the land and sea.

As an English Literature major, stories hold a special place in my heart, and this issue has attempted to combine the different methods of storytelling to show that these narratives are all around us. Our ASIAN Geographic Fire edition also features the significance of the element and how it is celebrated across the continent, from antiquity to the modern age. Scuba Diver will creep you out with mythical creatures of the undersea world and their existent counterparts, as well as whet your appetite with our feature on eating your way through different dive destinations. Finally, our special on Virus + Diving highlights the current plight of the industry, as well as what measures and initiatives are being undertaken to combat this adversity.

As my favourite author, Rohinton Mistry, puts it, let us “walk, first, through the fire, then philosophize…” So put on your thinking caps and enter the unknown, then bask in the sometimes strange, wide world we call home. Shreya Acharya