Dhangethi, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives
The Republic of Maldives is the tiniest country in Asia. It’s a north/south archipelago made up of 1,192 small, low lying islands. The population of just over half-a-million. Try looking at these islands on an atlas. So small are they that you’ll be hard-pressed to find more than one pepper-like dot. From Male, the main island capital, it’s just 88 kilometres to our tiny paradise, the Isle of Dhangethi. Rather than flying here by plane, Elenka and I chose the speedboat way to paradise. Seas were rough on this day; and that should have tipped us off as to why blue plastic bags were strung from the boat rafters. From start to finish, the Captain bounced the craft over churning seas, never once letting up on the throttle. Amazingly, just two of the 20 passengers lost their lunch … and perhaps their bowels, during this crazy two hour journey. Both Elenka and I managed to keep ourselves intact.
The people of the Maldives have a grasp of the English language that’s a step beyond that of your average Torontonian. They are friendly as well, and are perhaps the most organized people I have ever encountered.
When we arrived at the vacant Male airport at four-thirty in the morning, I immediately noticed a thin, dodgy looking, long-haired guy wandering the concourse. He suddenly approached us and said hello, before addressing us using our formal surnames. Before I could even say, Who the Hell are you and what do you want?, he pointed to where we would get our boat; told us when it was scheduled to depart; where the coffee shop was located; and even offered to do a personal currency exchange for us. All this from a guy I’d initially thought might want to rob us. While we never thought to ask his name, we considered him trustworthy enough to pass him our US$ for his Maldivian rufiyaa. Four full days after experiencing how these people operate, I’m convinced that if the CTU were to import just a few thousand Maldivians, they’d have the City of Toronto’s forever broken public transit system back up and running in no time.
***
While Elenka went snorkelling with a small group of new friends from our hotel, yesterday morning, I did my first dive. The Maldivians really have their act together, but the grey sharks take it to a whole other level. I wasn’t in the water five minutes, when a group of seven gave me a wonderfully welcoming swim by.
On a final boat note: The crazy boat trip caused both Elenka and I to feel as though a number of our bones had been dislodged from their sockets during the thump-thump ride. Elenka’s walking a bit crookedly to the right and I’m doing the same, but to the left.
Matus
2024-02-12
Just... wow!!! enjoy it as much as possible :)
Daniel
2024-02-12
Absolutely amazing photos :) We'll deserved after the rough boat ride :D
Rodger
2024-02-12
Looks lovely!
Irene
2024-02-12
You guys never cease to amaze. You’re brave, adventurous and an absolute joy to call my friends. I love following your adventures enjoy to the max. Looking forward to more more and more exciting travels of Jack and Elenka. Thanks for sharing
Monica
2024-02-12
What amazing pictures. You guys sure know how to live and enjoy your adventures. The waters look so warm, clean and inviting. Can't wait for your next blog.
Pablo David
2024-02-12
Looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
ToTo
2024-02-12
Great Story Jack and the picture are amazing. Glad you made it there safe, continue to enjoy
Peter
2024-02-13
From the name of the divebase, looks like you are in the South Ari Atoll. Hope the coral there has suffered less than the North Male Atoll. Enjoy those majestic Mantas :)
Kim
2024-02-13
Amazing photos! Looks like a wonderful trip!
Cate
2024-02-17
Love the photos…….your description of the boat ride was so comical I had to share with the rummoli group …….we laughed till we cried…….love Ellen and your journeys……enjoy your adventure 🤗
Angie Eden
2024-02-21
Great pictures and very pretty. Just pray Ellen ok and gets checked out at home. We are cruising so what do you suggest for Male please. Angie xoxo