Easter in a Muslim Country - Malé, Maldives

March 30^th and 31^st, 2024

 

The Maldives, vacation spot of the rich and famous.  The Maldives is the smallest nation in Asia.  It is made up of 1190 islands all formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls.  Malé is the capital city and the total population is only around 515,000 people, most of which live in Malé.  If you look at a map, the archipelago is about 471 miles southwest of Sri Lanka where we just came from.  It sits out in the Indian Ocean and at its highest point it is only 7 to 8 feet above sea level, making it the lowest lying country in the world.  Yes, they are concerned about sea level rise.

Fishing and tourism are the two largest industries by far on Malé and this is where we set anchor as we had to use our tender boats to go back and forth.  We were here for two days and to be honest, there isn’t two days’ worth of things to see.   That being said, a group of us opted for a trip out to one of the many nearby islands to spend the day the way the stars do it. 

Our particular destination was the Adaaran Prestige Vadoo resort.  This idyllic spot sits on its own island and offers resort style island living where your bungalow sits atop stilts over the beautiful blue waters.  Everything on the island is part of the resort.  

You can walk around the entire island in about 20 minutes.   Once there, throw the shoes off and you are set.  Even the barefoot restaurant and bar areas are carpeted in a layer of sand.  Drinks are on the house as was our luncheon for the day.   LeRoy had his beer of the day ... Lion beer!

If the sun gets too hot enjoy a dip in the infinity pool covered in shade by the large palm trees. 

Take a dip in the lagoon or go snorkeling out in the open waters.  Life is at your own pace.   We enjoyed spending the day there.

The Maldives is 99 percent Muslim.  It is also the season of Ramadan, which means you refrain from food and drink from dawn to dusk.   At 6:00 am on the 31^st of March about a hundred people rise early and make their way out to the sea view pool area for Sunrise Service.  It is Easter.  

The interdenominational pastor gives a very good message.   But you can’t help but look over the rail of the boat and see the contrasts of a Muslim country hosting a Christian group of people.  They are very strict.  We were warned to be very discreet when drinking anything in public and don’t eat anything out in the open.   It is only about 100 degrees out.   You have to drink.  

In our short time out in the city on day two we completely soaked thru everything we were wearing.  Strangely enough, the locals didn’t seem to be affected by the sweltering weather at all. 

And they are all in long pants and shirts.  We went to the fish market, the produce market, a museum and a park.  Walked by a couple of mosques and the presidential residence. Getting from one place to another you take you life in your hands as once again we find ourselves in the midst of scooter derby.  Thousands of scooters, motorcycles, cars, bikes fly by you barely missing your toes as there is no room that isn’t full of parked scooters.  But the heat got the best of us and we headed back to civilization where air conditioning is available for no extra charge!

Next up after 3 sea days we will be pulling into the Seychelles for a couple of days.  No telling what kind of trouble Vi and I will get into there.   Thanks for reading along and we appreciate any comments you might have.  Be well!

LeRoy and Vi