Bonnie and Tyrone
Luc enjoying the milk mocha coffee
The local "coffee shop"
Luc with his catch - a small tuna!
Chilling out on our own private beach
Local village
Dive briefing by Jude
Palm trees
Luc sets the alarm for 6 because he wanted to go to the gym. Forgot that we are still on South African time and last night at 12 we were still wide awake! Needless to say that Luc did not get up for gym, and also nearly missed the diving because he could not wake up! We had an early breakfast and then straight into diving. This time we left on a local dive boat. “Local” because it is one of those flat bottom wooden boats. The trip took about 45 minutes during which Jude told us all about life on the Maldives. Many social problems like drug usage under the younger people. Also, massive environmental problems. We say this when walking 50 meters down the beach from our pristine private beach. Lots of junk from baby stroller to plastic shoes!
The diving however turned out as good as they all say. The first dive took us to a pinnacle at about 3 meters sloping down to 28 meters. Jude and Luc stayed at the top whilst the two of us ventured down. Callie decided that he wanted to do some sand diving and swam into the blue over a sand bank! This was the ideal situation for the remoras to “attack”. They kept on sucking to my bare legs and became a real bother. I first blasted them with my octo and then ended up diving above Callie, holding onto his cylinder so that they can stay away from me. On our way back, we were rewarded by a visit from a very shy Eagle Ray. Also saw two turtles and another shy reef shark.
The second dive was just as stunning. We are amazed by the variety of fish on the stunning reef. Lots of anemones and their little friends. Many schools of fish, including some beautiful see-through trumpet fish. Once again, two turtles, this time not so shy. We are happy to be left alone to dive on our own and also to log 60 minute dives.
Back at the resort we quickly have a bath and decide to try out the “coffee shop” recommended by Jude. It is extremely local and basic and as we enter a group of young men jump up from their table and quickly clean up for us! Callie orders some sort of round tuna fish cake. We also order a plate of fried rice and fried noodles – with chicken which comes at the same price as “without chicken”! At only R 30 a plate this is definitely the best bargain on the island. We however forgot about the preference for hot food – and did not ask for them to be light on the “heat”. The food was great – but hot! We were very thankful for the tins of Milo and Mocca Milk Coffee we got at the shop next door. We immediately stopped there again to get some more Milo to cool off the burn! Also got some nice vanilla waffles and fruit juice.
An old local man starts chatting to Luc in the shop and shows him the dried fish. Luc cannot shake his head enough! The old man follows us outside and “invites” Callie and Luc to go with him. Apparently they had a real adventure. He took them to his house, the mosque, his brothers house and the local shops in his road. They came back with some nice berries and no photos!
We chill out on the beach and afterwards I join Luc in the gym for a long workout. I am amazed by the energy of the little boy – must be all the milk coffee drinks he had! We go for a swim with Bonnie and Tyrone in the hotel pool – and also get attacked by many mosquitos.
Luc and one of the waiters are now best buddies and cannot stop playing pool. We realise what a heart for people Luc has. He wants to help everyone! Nearly dinner time – so logging off now!
TYRONE'S CORNER:
Tyrone managed to put on a doggie pleading face and scored a plate of french fries!!!
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