The logistics of running a 100-room resort that also includes on-site accommodation for 300 staff must be mind boggling. Everything here is shipped in. We watched one of the three fishing boats that supplies the island unload it's catch as we ate breakfast... enormous tuna and assorted reef fish. A company boat also brings supplies every few days as well as a diesel barge. And the Japanese honeymooners with coordinated outfits did themselves proud this morning... His and hers hot pink t-shirts with I <3 YOU printed on the back.

 

After that giggle, the lure of the surgeon, parrot and sweetlip fish drew us back to yesterday's snorkeling spot and first up, another turtle! Just as big and unfazed. We patted his shell as he glided up to the surface for a breather then he disappeared into the dark blue depths over the edge.

Snorkelling close up with so many varieties of tropical fish has definitely been the highlight of this trip.

We had our first rain overnight and again this morning... a brief downpour and then back to sunshine.

 

This afternoon, we boarded the resort's jet boat for a half day excursion to the capital, Malé. More than eating, swimming and lounging was required. The resort provided us with a tour guide for a walking tour around two mosques, the President's palace and the produce and fish markets. We were also taken for a cool lime drink in a cafe that looked like a dark and mysterious place out of an Arabian movie. We didn't get to see how the typical Maldivian lives in Malé but the island seemed to be covered with 4-6 storey buildings and populated only by men riding motorcycles! Three souvenir shops were also on the itinerary but their contents were mostly uninspiring tourist paraphenalia of no interest.

Overall, it was a disappointing trip. We saw nothing of where or how the local Maldivians live and the sights seen were not worth the money outlaid. Malé goes into the 'been there done that' basket.

So two weary tourists returned to Bodu Hithi in time for the usual sumptuous smorgasbord and a quiet evening in to pack for tomorrow's departure.