Les Maldives 2

Ok, ok, here is a bit more about the Maldives.

First, I would say that the Maldives is a country for those who love the sea and all water related sports. If you like forests and mountains, pass your way. There aren't any. Also, if you like fast cars and designer shoes... you will be disappointed, there hardly are any roads at all (most islands just have no cars) and you will be really hard pushed to walk in the sand in your Jimmy Choos.

Indeed the Maldives is 99% under water and the rest is essentially sand and coconut trees. We were on a "big island", yes, it was: it took at least half an hour to walk around it. That sounds quite boring, doesn't it?... unless, like me, you are sea babe, because that's where the fun begins. There is another world beyond the sand and the

coconut trees, THE CORAL REEFS! Just snorkeling in 2 feet of water will take your breath away (not literally,of course). The sea is warm, shallow, safe and rich in all sorts of amazing beautiful life. If you venture a bit further and wear an aqualung... it gets even more beautiful, you name it, they have it.

So we spent 10 days without ever wearing a single pair of shoes (even the Maldivian air taxi seaplane pilots never wear shoes), completely spoiled for choice as to where we should swim, snorkel or go boating. Eating the freshest reef fish, scanning the horizon for the rest of the supplies which come by boat from other islands.

Maldivians (the ones we met) are very gentle and friendly, quite laid back (who wouldn't be in such a country). Their art is mainly ephemeral but no less beautiful. They are rather unspoilt as they have no natural resources other powers would want to prey on and the government discourages foreigners mixing with the local population. I think it is a good thing after all.

PS. Not country for golfers either....