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MALDIVES!!
This island nation has been on my Bucket List for as long for as I can remember. Of course, that list didn't include visiting while a coup or a spot of political unrest was unfolding, but so far, outside our beach villa on Villamendhoo Resort on South Ari Atoll, things are pretty relaxed. A bit surreal to hear about goings on in Male - the trouble started during our first night there, but hopefully things won't escalate. For our sake, but for everyone who lives here even more.
Tom's joined me (yay!) and we're enjoying 5 perfectly lazy days of relaxation. His sprained ankle is slowly healing, so swimming and snorkelling have been minimal but unbelievable! Who needs to dive when the house reef is so spectacular?? However, fingers are crossed he'll be completely healed for diving on the Theia liveaboard dive boat next week.
It's a rough life. I think this might be the nicest resort I've ever been to, but our schedule is just so grueling! At 6:30 it's yoga for me on the deck while Tom lolls about reading and drinking coffee. Buffet breakfast - giant, fresh, and fabulous- including pork products not found anywhere else in this Muslim country - only allowed on resorts. Then we ease into our day by lounging about in deck chairs by the water watching the baby black tip reef sharks chase the schools of little fish. See little fishies erupt out of the water on a regular basis! See big herons patiently wait their turn...! Then it's a blur of swimming, lunch, reading, napping, dinner and cocktails (also only allowed on island resorts and liveaboard dive boats - illegal everywhere else).
I'm having a little trouble adjusting to this place after India - particularly to high prices and extreme cleanliness. There's no trash, not even on the streets of Male! It's a bit of a double take.
The Maldives are just beautiful in that way that makes you want to just take a picture every time you turn around. The people are friendly, helpful and welcoming. Male is an easy city to get around, it feels safe, and has the best airport taxi system around - you take a boat from the airport to the city.
But for a water baby like me - the atolls are where it's at - the scenery is SPECTACULAR. I could stare at the multiple shades of Indian Ocean blue all day long. And do....
Can barely believe I'm actually here. But I might have said that a few times already.
- comments
Vanessa love following your adventures, Gourdie - glad that Tom was able to join you. Met a fellow from YK yesterday at the boat show - Brian - he's on the auxiliary rescue team, and thinks he may know you.
Mom It is so great (and such a relief) to see another entry in the blog,espescially since we also viewed the political unrest and heard the tourist alert on BBC the day you arrived! But the photos are incredible....and glad to hear Tom is healing - fast - I hope. Take good care of each other.......hugs from Dad & I. Happy Hearts Day tomorrow!
Sherry Maljan You see - it IS fabulous just lounging around all day doing nothing. Look what you've been missing all these years!! I've now added the Maldives to my list - the beach looks amazing. Hi to Tom - I'm glad he's finally with you, hope the ankle heals quickly.
Jules All I can say is WOW! Sounds just amazing. Will email you soon with an update from Antigua and my very interesting dive there. Hope Toms ankle heals quickly. Have a brilliant time on live aboard. Can't wait to hear all about it! Lots love xx
Dave & Flo Sounds incredibly difficult to handle all that non-work stuff!! Enjoy it. Say hello to Tom. More photos when you get a chance!
Tsitsi Sounds awespome and glad to hear that Tom's ankle is healing. Enjoy and be safe!
Mary nice . . . enjoy!!! -25 this morning :-)
Roland & Lena Gosselin Finally managed to get on your site. Sounds Like you both are having a wonderful time. Current -13 in Yk. Glad I'm back in Kamloops where it's only -1 and most of snow gone on golf course. Good to hear Tom finally made it. Have not found your pictures on the site yet but will plug away some more. Lena and I have just finalized on holidays. We leave March 2 for Edmonton to see our 16 year old Grandaughter Jessica try out for the National Junior Bowling Trials. She consistently bowls between 250 and 320, so she has a good shot. March 10 it's off to Puerto Vallarta for 2 weeks at the Mayan Palace Neuvo Vallarta then back home on March 28. The change and rest for Lena will do her good. If all is well, hope to be back in YK in Spring. Looking forward to your pics and info. Have a great time.
Shane I just got back from Mexico myself. Beach, heat, sun... oh yeah. Probably not as nice as the Maldives though. Incidentally, it was a news report I read today that reminded me about you and being in the Maldives. Hope you update us again soon and everything is alright.