Maldives Part Four - Winding Down

Well all good things must come to an end, I suppose. The last few days on Keyodhoo in the Maldives were not entirely different from the first - fantastic weather, amazing snorkelling, and beautiful beaches.

None of us is too thrilled at the prospect of leaving here, but we take comfort in knowing that Europe is just around the corner, so it's not exactly like that dreaded feeling you get on the last few days of a ten day trip to Maui.

We wanted to squeeze in one last snorkelling adventure before our Saturday departure, and since Friday is a day of rest for all Muslims on the island, then we could only make it happen on Thursday. Let's hope it's turtle day - because although I caught a glimpse of one as it swam away on one of our first days, it wasn't much of a sighting.

Not a turtle, but still one of my favourite fish - Oriental Sweetlips (no, that's not Shirley's new nickname) - a very shy creature.

Bingo! This turtle was kind enough to stay still for about five minutes, just resting on the bottom of the sand minding his own business. Gave me enough time to get a decent photo. 

But by the time I had called Shirley and the kids over and we had ogled him for a while, he had decided that he was not going to stick around, and off he went. If you've ever seen a turtle swimming, it's quite a treat. They are remarkably fast but they make it seem effortless.

Annie and Owen are in paradise here - I fear we may have spoiled them for every beach vacation from this point on - unless, of course, we come back! 

And Shirley's not complaining either - maybe a little too hot for comfort sometimes, but there's always somewhere to escape.

Our last sighting was a good-sized stringray. I know these fish are not that dangerous, but since the Steve Irwin tragedy (freak deadly accident involving a stingray barb through the heart) I look at these guys a little differently and I gave him plenty of space. Crikey, he's big!

Our last evening was spent fishing with the Germans, our fellow guests at the lodge. While we have been off diving and snorkelling during the week, these chaps from Bavaria have been out big game fishing every day. They pay extra for the fishing trips, and while they practice catch-and-release for most of what they haul in, they always bring a good eating fish back each night to be served at dinner. I have to say it's a great business model for the hotel - charge the Germans to catch the fish, then charge the rest of us to eat it.

I did not have the fancy fishing equipment of the Germans. Understatement, actually, as all I had was a line attached to a water bottle, and I had to hand pull anything that found its way onto my hook. But look, I did just fine.

Annie caught a few too. 

But this shark, which Annie caught (but which Owen quickly took ownership of), takes the prize. We released it, of course.

So we gathered our gear and mentally prepared ourselves for the six hour ferry ride back to Male. The boat only makes the journey three times per week, so if we miss the Saturday sailing, we will be stuck here.

hmmmm.....

Of course we will be sharing the journey with the locals. The Maldivian people have been very kind to us during our stay here - all the staff of the guesthouse have been great with our kids, and they've worked hard to make every day special. 

Back in Male it's time for one last tour of the city - markets are usually a great place to see local life unfolding. This fruit market was quite small, but nevertheless colourful. 

But we were certainly in for a nice surprise - that is, if you like tuna...

You had to be careful walking around here. The floor was covered in my drool. Seriously, look at the size of those fillets!!

Not sure how long this graveyard can last - already squeezed in by modern buildings around it, and there's no more land to build on here in Male.

Pretty light security for the Presidential Palace. I guess we look harmless. If only they knew there was a shark hunter in their midst.

So as we take the ferry back to the airport for our flight to Abu Dhabi, we catch one last beautiful sunset. Aw c'mon. Do you seriously enjoy torturing us?

But fear not - we'll be back. Most definitely. If any of you think you can handle a tropical beach vacation for a week or so without touching a beer (that might eliminate all of my friends, I fear), then maybe you'll join us next time.