"From Little Things Big Things Grow"

Friday, May 13, 2011
Maldives, Maldives
The sky was seriously cloudy. It was a sign. We hadn't bumped into any stars or even Kate and Wills, though we felt as though we'd lived like them for 5 days. But now, we were meant to go home.

Not that we wanted to. The warm air wafted through the restaurant as we ate our last fully catered breakfast and admired the Japanese honeymooners in this morning's outfit... matching pale pink t-shirts that sported "Love Forever" mottoes under cartoon faces.

A third jet boat ride in two days across the choppy lagoon was somewhat tedious and I made a note to choose an island limited to thrilling sea-plane access next time! Male airport was as low-key as the islands. Checks of bags for 100ml or less in liquids? Nope. Drag out your laptops for X-raying. Didn't happen. Just wish Tullamarine was going to be this easy... I'd then be bringing back the bhodi we bought yesterday at the produce market - US$1 sticks of ground coconut mixed with honey and wrapped in dried banana leaves. A Maldivian version of a Bounty bar without the chocolate. Delicious!

"Come back!" they all implored, from Reefa, our butler through the resort staff waving goodbye on the jetty to the airline staff. Wouldn't mind it...

So SQ461 beckons with window seats to watch the spectacular blues and turquoises around the myriad of islands below. A three hour layover in Singapore's Terminal 3 was to have provided a chance to explore this state-of-the-art airport terminal. Sadly a mechanical delay is turning this little diversion in to a big 6 hours of hazy tedium that no amount of shops, massage chairs, theatres or butterfly houses will ease. Add another 6 and 1/2 hours flying and we face a challenge to bounce home fully-functioning...

Although not as big a challenge as winning another trip to the Maldives.

Though actually, I'd be happy to pay to come back to paradise.

And I'd remember the sunscreen on the legs...

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