And so it begins

Sunrise: my view while writing this blog

I’ve made it, to the Maldives at least! The first stretch of my journey has begun and I am writing this whilst sipping tea, obviously, as the boat slowly chugs along to our first of three snorkelling spots of the day.

I arrived early yesterday and already I have learnt so much. Stuff like the Maldivian government requires international airports to check that passengers flying to the Maldives have filled in and submitted an online health declaration. Who knew, I certainly didn’t. So, having arrived at Heathrow, unable to virtually check-in, I join the queue for reality check-in. Behind, a lovely couple seem to delight in telling me about all the times British Airways, our mutually chosen airline for the coming flight, have lost their luggage!

Anyway having got to check-in, I am asked to fill in this declaration which has many a question I do not have the answer for. Like what is the name of the ship I will be on for the duration of my stay and why are only seaports available on the drop-down when all my tickets say I am flying to Malé International airport. So with these questions in mind I seek the help of the British Airways help booth, after all help is in the name. To which I get the response “yeah, that’s not really part of our responsibility, I think most people just randomly pick one, so do that”. Which is helpful advice until you get to Maldivian passport control, who don’t even ask or seem to care about the health declaration, but insist they need the name of the vessel. Luckily for me once a supervisor is called, and having explained that the extent of my knowledge does not go beyond “once past customs please meet your guide at booth E2 who will take you to your vessel,” I am waved on through with a new stamp in my passport. A process I later come to find was not as easy and a lot more interrogatory for my fellow passengers on the boat.

Snorkelling spot #1: fish processing factory – home to rays and eels

But having made it through I am met by a lovely guide, Teddie, who delights in telling me amazing and wonderful facts about the Islands of the Maldives. My personal favourite being that the island which is now home to the factory district and the incinerators used for all the rubbish on the islands, only came into being after a 5km island was formed out of all the rubbish that was constantly dumped in that area.

Teddie then takes me and the only other passenger to arrive so far for a quick snorkel before the others arrive. The location a fish processing factory with a small coral near by. Due to the fish remains being dumped daily off the end of the jetty, this coral is often home to rays and moray eels both of which I am lucky to see during our time there along with an assortment of other beautiful fish.

The rest of the day is spent picking up the later arrivals and getting to know each other, ending with a lovely dip in the sea and swim around the boat. This culminated in an impromptu diving competition off the back decking of the boat, followed by a couple of games of Monopoly: The Card Game before bed, whilst our guide takes a night time swim returning with three spear-caught fish which will be our lunch today.

All in all a great first day for my adventures, so far filled with lovely food, beautiful crystal clear waters and games with new friends. I do have to go now though as we have pulled up to the beautiful white beach which is to be our next snorkelling destination. I have a feeling today is gonna be a good day!