Day 41 - Male, Maldives

 

Date:  Feb. 18, 2007

 

Location:  Malé, Maldives

 

Next Port:  Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 20

 

Quick Summary:  Our stop in the Maldives was as exotic as we pictured it to be. We enjoyed a visit to a picturesque atoll for some terrific snorkeling and a walk around the capital, Malé. The day was topped off with a huge party on the pool deck before weighing anchor at 10:15 pm.

 

Report:  During the early morning hours we crossed back over the Equator…without feeling the bump! During breakfast before church, we began to pass by some of the thousand islands that make up the Maldives. Spread over 26 tropical atolls that straddle the Equator in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Maldives is home to some of the world’s most exotic getaways.  A first, we just saw spits of sand surrounded by beautiful light blue-green waters. Then the islands became larger with lush vegetation and posh resorts filled with over-water bungalows on stilts. We also saw several pods of dolphin lazily fishing and moving through the calm waters close to the ship.

 

The approach to Malé, the capital, was spectacular. First we cruised by the end of the runway of the separate island that hosts the international airport. Then we paraded right down the main water front. Colorful Malé is surrounded by a sea wall, has no natural remaining beaches and is home to 60,000 people…about half the country’s population. The harbor bustles with activity – motorized donghis and speedboats cycling back and forth to the island resorts, fishing boats and lots of freighters.

 

We also saw several mega-yachts during our stay in the Maldives. They are certainly amazing “play toys.”  I am sure we’ll see many more as travel on to places such a Singapore, Hong Kong and Monaco.

 

After dropping anchor, we took the ship’s tender to the harbor front. Here we transferred to a motor launch for our 40-minute ride to the coral island of Kuda Bandos. This small island is encircled by a very close-in reef. We enjoyed 2-1/2 hours of some terrific snorkeling. The variety of species and number of fish were amazing. Most of the reef was only 2-4 feet under the surface, so both Karen and Larry enjoyed a great afternoon.

 

Upon returning to Malé, we walked around the downtown area for about an hour. We saw the Hukuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque. Next we walked by the Presidential Palace. Then we strolled through the local night fish market. We walked past a small mosque where men were washing themselves outside preparing for evening prayers.  After spending all of 5 minutes in a souvenir shop (no purchases!), we headed to the tender.

 

We ended the day with a fabulous “barbeque” gala on the pool deck. The galley crew went all out. With pennants flying, they set out a multi-ethnic buffet around the pool. The band played for three hours and there was an open mike for those who wanted to add to the festivities. We danced. It was crowded but lots of fun.  At 10:15, we weighed anchor and wafted by warm breezes, we enjoyed a smooth sail-away under the stars through the beautiful harbor.  It was the end of a very special day.

 

Next Up: After a day at sea, the famous Buddhist temple town of Kandy on Sri Lanka.

 

 Karen and Larry

 

Photos of our cruise are available at the following web site:

 

picasaweb.google.com/larryworldcruise

 

Photos from our day in the Maldives have been added.