MONDAY, MAR 29TH--MALE, MALDIVES

Maldives is a country where 99% of its total area is ocean. There are over 1000 tiny islands and Male is the country’s capital. Male is only one square mile in size and the whole island is a city. The country has 120,000 citizens and half live in Male. 87 of the small islands have been transformed into luxurious and intimate resorts. The resorts have beautiful beaches and some of the world’s best diving can be found here. Tourism is by far their source of income here. They do have some fishing as you will see photos I took in the local fish market. I don’t think they export the fish as it is mostly used on the resort islands. Almost everything has to be imported as the islands are too small for agriculture. Although I did take some photos in the local fruit and vegetable market. Nearby the markets, large house boats were loading up with fish, produce, and other necessities to be taken to the country’s other islands. The waters here have beautiful colors of blue and aqua depending on the depth of the ocean. The ship is anchored about a mile from the city and we have to take the ship’s small tender boats to the shore. So we ventured ashore about 10am and opted nThe ot to do our scheduled tour at 12:30. I wanted just to take some photos, and of course, Rebecca wanted to check the shops out. Coral jewelry is made locally so I bought Rebecca a matching coral necklace, bracelet, and earrings for our anniversary which is on the 31st. As you will see in the photos, the streets are narrow and sidewalks small so it was an interesting walk. The men were out on the sidewalks trying to convince the cruise passengers to come in their souvenir shops. There really was not much to Male but I found it an interesting place. I bet the resort islands are very nice. No night life on Male as alcohol is forbidden as is nudity. So tourists can only have fun at the resorts. Temperature is fairly constant here year round as we are close to the equator. Today it is 85F. We all had a fun time last night at our “Texas Night” cocktails and dinner. The group consisted of Bruce & Cathy, John & Cynthia, Allan & Carolyn, and us. We all live in the Dallas area but John & Cynthia will be moving to Maui in a few months. We talked so long at dinner that we missed the show and did not leave the dining room until 10:30pm. Tonight we are having dinner with Marilyn & Tom Billings from Houston. Tom was a pilot during WWII so I always love to hear those stories and think he enjoys my Vietnam stories. They both are so delightful and I know we will have a great night. Movie night in the show room tonight. It’s called “The Walker”. We will be sailing at 6pm with two more sea days before arriving in the Seychelles. Will try to add pictures today.