From a plane window, the Maldives looks like a map. The nation of islands is surrounded by the bright blue ocean, boasting of water huts lined along beautiful resorts. The minute one touches down at the capital city of Male, the air feels lighter with the irresistible smell of sea salt. The islands make you feel insignificant amidst oceans spread indefinitely. From all ends, the islands to remind you that here’s all the space you have access to, but at the same time, this is all you have. The five-day trip commenced with a quick scan of Maafushi, which mainly comprised various beaches on all sides, tiny souvenir stores, water sports hubs, beach kiosks where lo- cals would often relax with a hookah, and homestays and resorts that catered to the many international tourists. The fascinating thing about the islands was the functioning of its economy: while the men of the family had become experts at water sports, the women ran beachside restaurants where authentic Maldivian cuisine and fresh seafood were served. Conversations with locals revealed that all islands part of the Maldives follow a similar process, which makes them quite self-sufficient. Colourful homes in Maafushi There’s a lot to take away from the Maldives: while the colorful homes and mosques remain etched in your memory, it is also the homemade banana bread from a corner bakery that adds flavour to your vacation. The waves of the tremendous ocean rise and fall, reflecting the colour of the sky as an indication of the rapidly-changing weather. The islands are also a welcoming home for families of tiny cats and kittens, who surround humans wherever they can spot some. As the economy that thrives solely on tourism and hospital- ity, the Maafushi Islands maintain some level of flexibility in their regulations owing to their Islamic traditions and beliefs. Beaches wherein nudity/shorter clothing are allowed are marked so, while those that restrict the same often levy heavy fines on tourists in case of any violations. Be it a pizzeria or a traditional Maldivian restaurant located on a beach, each experience is accompanied by a warm story shared by an owner, chef, or water sports expert. From the surface of the seas, you can see coral reefs sway from each side. In the off-season, turtles, starfish, and sting- rays can be spotted peacefully traveling along their path, while dolphins hop in excitement when the temperature is just right for them. Water sports guides, seated on jet skis or strapped into their paragliding gear, admire the expan- sive waters as if they’ve seen them for the first time. In their admiration, they share a lens of the islands that bring you calmness and hope. The sunset looks astonishing on Maafushi waters. At the end of the day, each wave wishes the other goodbye with love.
20 Apr 2023
Maansi Anand
