The Maldives

Arrived at The Maldives yesterday midday. The islands I'm staying at are in the North Male Atoll, about a 45 minute speedboat ride from Male where you fly in.
The resort is a paradise. The Maldives is a couples place, no doubt, but the place I'm staying at is a private beach per water villa. I'll post some pics of it later. Americans are very rare here, considering its a 30 hour flight from the states, so everyone is very interested in talking about the US. Strangely, while many here haven't met an American, all transactions are in US dollars. They have their own currency here, its just not used on the resort islands.
I had my small spare camera out on the dive boat today so took a few pictures. Went on two dives today, haven't dived in years so was a bit rusty but it all came back fast. Met a pleasant British doctor whose wife doesn't dive so we are diving together while she spends the day at the spa.
The reefs here are astounding, its clear why The Maldives are considered one of the best dive sites in the world. The visibility goes on forever, the water is as clear as glass, and warm and comfortable. The dives here are all not too deep. I'm certified to 130', but the max depth of the dives here is 90'. Thats cool though, as more shallow dives last longer, and are more colorful, as color starts to go away as you get deeper. The divemasters here are super friendly and helpful. One thing I hadn't read about diving here before coming was that the waters are friggin shark infested. Saw three sharks on the first dive, one on the second. The don't care about you at all though. Also saw a sea turtle, some absolutely massive yellow tails, probably 5 feet long, moray eels, schools of barracuda. Its like a diving dream. Going out on the boat all day tomorrow too.

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