5th of June

Nice breakfast in this really cool hotel. We drive to airport in rush hour – but going the other way. A big delegation is waiting for us, clears us very efficiently and the chief of air traffic control (a lady!) shows us where it all happens! We are up in the air soon and within 1 1/2 hours we land in Malé. Here we have to clear customs which is not so efficient. 20 people are standing around but nobody seems to work or feels responsible. So we wait, and wait, and wait. Also not the friendliest people in uniforms! After another 20 minutes of flying we arrive in Dharavandhoo, a nifty little airport near to the Baa Atoll where we have our hotel. Here the entire staff of the airport comes to the runway to welcome us. What a change from Malé We are the first private plane to land here – so the big attraction. After taking some pictures with the people, we take the boat and after 25 minutes we arrive at the resort on the atoll. A nice welcome and great rooms. After a short lunch we have tons of dirty laundry to be done – and then off to the beach! Not many people here – we love it. Just hang lose!!

The latest archaeological evidence suggests that the Maldives islands were first inhabited in around 1500 BC. It seems likely that the islands were first permanently settled by Aryan immigrants who are also believed to have colonised Sri Lanka at around the same time. Subsequent migrations from Southern India and Sri Lanka, served to further expand the population of the Maldives. Arab traders profoundly influenced Maldivian society and culture, the Maldives officially converted to Islam in 1153 AD. The Maldives became a republic in 1968, three years after independence from Britain. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.

6th of June

Rest day today in paradise. We need it! So great breakfast, some reading and catching up and some great snorkling in the afternoon. And we would like to thank Armando, Andrea and the wonderful crew of the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru for their hospitality and great job they did. We needed a brake and recharge our batteries – and with their help we could do it to the full! Thank you all!