COUNTRY: Maldives
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Sports Coaching
WRITTEN BY: Amanda Maitland
As the plane into Male began to descend the only emotion evident in the atmosphere was pure excitement. Fighting small children to get a peek at the amazing view outside the plane window was definitely becoming an option! Landing into Male the relaxing smell of the sea breeze began to calm our emotions and disperse the uncomfortable feeling of the humid climate. After making our way through customs we were greeted by Mr Ali, who helped us with our domestic transfer. The sight of captivating blue water helped with stabilizing the nerves that were preempted by the small plane flight.
Landing in Kaadedhdhoo we began to take more notice of the heat, guzzling down a couple of litres of water each. We made our way from the airport to our transfer, which was a small speed boat. Immediately we were captivated by the distinctive blue water which was beginning to define the unbeknown word, Maldives....
Coasting along the water, soaking up the tranquility and not being able to remove the grin from our faces we wondered what the next step of the journey would bring. Arriving into the small dock at Thinadoo we were greeted swiftly by the other members of the group. Meeting for the first time we had said a quick hello and then it was here that began the first of many unexpected, random appearances of our wonder man Assad! He quickly informed us that we were jetting off on a snorkeling trip and had 10 minutes to return to the dock.
The 50minute boat journey to the snorkeling destination gave us the opportunity to get to know each other and also marked our first adventure as a group. Assad quickly became accustomed to Australian women and their love of talking. After many attempted group photos on the bow of the boat, we managed to get the perfect shot.
After 50 minutes of coasting along crystal clear waters we arrived at a near uninhabited island, total population, 2. Eager to sink into the amazing waters to escape from the heat, we quickly changed and soaked ourselves in sunscreen.
We spent the next few hours snorkeling, swimming, exploring and mostly talking. The tranquility felt by simply looking at the postcard picture that had become our surroundings excited us for the adventure that was ahead.
After a BBQ of fresh caught fish and potatoes we headed back to Thinadoo. The boat ride home was a quiet trip with majority of the group sleeping and counting shooting stars, another treat the Maldives has to offer.
The following day we packed our stuff and made use of some last minute wifi and then made our way to Kolamaaafushi. Assad generously called a 'pick up' (small truck) to take our luggage down to the speed boat. After lunch we boarded the speed boat for our transfer.
The surreal feeling continued as we made our way over the distinctive blue waters, lapping up the cool sea breeze. Before leaving Thinadoo we purchased the Maldivian version of Pringles, 'Jackers,' which we demolished on our way, joking about eating familiar food only 2 days after leaving Australia. Making our way to the bow of the boat we watched kilometers of the Indian ocean and eventually saw dolphins and schools of flying fish. As we came into the waters of Kolamaafushi, we crowded the bow of the boat to get the first glimpse of our home for the next 4 weeks.
This is the hardest part to put in words for our adventure so far, our indescribable welcome. As the boat was beginning to dock I remember saying, 'oh, look theres people' and within seconds we all realised, the whole island was eagerly awaiting our arrival. There was a distant view of a mash of very vibrant colours which turned out to be the grade 2 and 3 girls wearing their traditional Maldivian dress. Held in their hands were 8 home made necklaces which the students had crafted using various shells and even a small starfish! I cannot put in words the vast amount of emotion we were feeling. There was not a single person descending from the boat that was not wearing a grin related to the size of the famous cheshire cat.
After we had been presented with our welcome necklaces, we made our way up the main street of the island where the children from the school were lined and standing in awe. It was obvious to us that for many of the students and people on the island, this was their first encounter with caucasian Australians. Our cheeks were beginning to become crimson from the distinctive grins that could not be wiped from our faces.
As we walked the length of the main street, we followed the sound of the traditional Maldivian drums. Looking behind us for as far as we could see the Maldivians of Kolaamaafushi were walking in our footsteps. Whilst frantically taking photos to savor the memory, we made our way through the school gates where we sat in a large circle and were given freshly cracked coconuts to drink.
Whilst sipping on our coconuts, the principal of the school introduced us and said few welcoming words. Some students then performed a traditional song, including a dance off. After the welcome we went back to the dock to collect our luggage. Standing on the wharf were a line of strapping, young male Maldivian students waiting to take our bags. After sorting our luggage, we went in search of a room, which included a few 'dibbs' such as the claiming of the bed with the pink flower sheets (he shall remain nameless for privacy reasons) and the claiming of the bed with the Winnie the Pooh sheets.
In summary, our first few days in the Maldives have in no way been a disappointment. 2 Days in we were discussing how difficult it is going to be to leave and this subject is regularly brought up over the banquets we are being fed for breakfast, lunch and tea. During our time on Kolamaafushi we have also found a new love in iced milo's and cant believe how well we have gotten to know each other as a group. The only worry we have had is coming home and getting a culture shock from not being treated like kings and queens. All in all, a very successful placement so far...
Amanda Maitland
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