A Maldivian Dream

I've been to paradise.. I'd advise you, before it's too late, to go there at least for a few days, because this complex ecosystem, unfortunately very fragile, is destined to disappear in a time not too far from ours.. in fact the atolls will sink into the abyss and this paradise will be no more.. oh well, I've been there anyway! ha ha ha.. joking aside, though.. I can help you, if you're about to leave for the Maldives, pack your suitcase.. bring the essentials: what does that mean? well! first of all don't think about the superfluous.. on the atolls you spend the daytime part of the day intensely, while the night part you relax enjoying what nature offers and a bit of background music.. so I'd advise you to bring informal, light clothes.. a sweater for the evening.. especially to protect yourself from the mosquitoes..

just think, in the restaurant the floor is replaced by the finest sand.. so, dear ladies.. heels are impossible to bring!! Remember that the Maldives, as many don't know, are officially Islamic, so topless is absolutely forbidden, and above all bringing magazines with nudes onto the beach... also put a sun cream with SPF 30 in your suitcase.. I'm not very fair-skinned but SPF 25 wasn't enough for me.. and finally camera, swimsuits and pareos as you wish. The Maldives offer a lot to lovers of nature and relaxation... and nothing to dynamic travellers.. or rather you can combine it with a Sri Lanka / India tour.. if you don't want to get bored.. in short, enough chatter — I loved the Maldives very much.. the sea was fabulous... the sand... silver-coloured... it sparkled among the crimson vegetation.. a sumptuous setting where sea, sky and land blurred together for their sheer beauty..

and where time stops.. where you forget where you are....where everything is magical.. the resorts are very well equipped and moreover in the bungalows there are beautiful open-air bathrooms (I think all the resorts have them) and you can shower under a roof of stars or bathe while admiring the palm groves and the many giant bats flitting around..... very beautiful!!.. The chance to take an excursion to the fishermen's island is essential to understand the culture of the Maldivians: the houses are built with coral, which, mixed with lime, is used for the dwellings; moreover the tombs of the dead are everywhere, sprouting up like mushrooms, and these aren't grouped in one single area, but rather in front of the houses and shops; the women are all covered by veils, they raise the children and produce cassava flour.. waiting for their husbands to return from fishing...

what a lovely life, eh?? Anyway, the most beautiful moment I spent here was Christmas night.. we celebrated the birth of Jesus together with a Buddhist and a Muslim '.. yes yes, as if they cared!!! Anyway, I wish everyone to see the Maldives at least once in their life so as to remember them.. since they won't be there any more!!! See you soon, Manuela