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 Blog # 10 - Maldives

The Maldives are known for it's beautiful beaches, colorful fish and pristine water

           The water was so clear we saw this fish from the dock

We thought we signed up for a tour that would take us to a colorful village and a leisurely walk along a pretty beach, Apparently we did not read the "fine print" well enough of what to expect when we would tour -- an atoll.

The ship's tender took us to Mali (the main town) where we waited a hot and humid hour for a fast water taxi that would take about forty minutes to a small (somewhat)  unexpected arid island -- Gulai

            Scattered about the dock area are a variety of swings 

On the way to our destination, we passed several beautiful resorts with classic huts situated over the water. The island we visited was definitely NOT one of the more popular tourist places. 

Classic "photo op" -- taking a picture under a palm tree with the pristine water in the background

Besides (limited) tourism, fishing provides income for the locals. These are tanks that hold bait and the catch

This little fellow was accidently caught during the fishing process  and is temporarily kept in one of the tanks as a "pet."

Local laundry?

The island's major intersection - not many vehicles!

                        Main street for the 1000 inhabitants

 Most locals go barefoot and need to have more than one job to financially survive. Our guide was twelve years old when the tsunami hit. He had to climb up and hold onto a palm tree to survive. The island was lucky. Only several locals (including a four-year old girl) were killed. Our guide still has nightmares and can't sleep very well for fear that thee will be another tsunami. However, technology is such that there is now an early warning system in place.

                This truck is scheduled to be fixed -- sometime!

Most of the homes are built with chunks or pieces of coral that have been fired, (somewhat) melted and than stuck together to make a wall

These walls are extremely durable and have lasted well over 100 years. The island now has a diesel plant providing power and A/C for those that can afford the air conditioning. There is now a desalination plant which will provide fresh drinking water. During past times, the locals had to dig for fresh water.

                            The Moslem influence is apparent

 This is the only beach which allows revealing swimwear. We had no idea that "the tour" provided three hours of downtime for swimming, snorkeling or other beach activities. We did not bring any swimwear with us but did enjoy the beautiful view.

Religious and contemporary swimwear. The Moslem woman wore her outfit in the water

                        Unexpected "visitors" at the dock area

There were about six of these sharks that were easily eight feet long

The water taxi that was returning us to Mali and to our ship encountered rough water. This was definitely an "E-Ride" at Disneyland!

                                 Are we having fun, yet?

  We finished the day would a great meal and a caloric dessert