Family Planet Tour
    Day 296: Omadhoo

    Day 296: Omadhoo

    Jan 24 - Rainstorms starting from midnight, still going strong at 9:00 am. This puts a bit of a damper on sitting at the beach. It is still raining at 11:00, but I go out anyway to snorkel. Despite the reduced light, there is still a lot of color on the reef, actually not much different than in sunlight. The great benefit for me is that strong cloud cover eliminates most of the danger of sunburn. I end up going out for hours again, feeling the rain on my back. The two most interesting creatures I see are a large pinkish-colored stonefish, and a peacock mantis shrimp. The latter I was never expecting to see while snorkeling or diving, anywhere. Go and sit on the shore for awhile afterwards, nice to have a beautiful beach with no one else on it.

    In the afternoon we do a walk around the island, though it is still raining.

    The main drag in Omadhoo. Green building on the right is the main grocery store.
    The main drag in Omadhoo. Green building on the right is the main grocery store.
    Walking through one of the Green Zones.
    Walking through one of the Green Zones.
    The eastern end of the island, where I can see a lot of current offshore. Probably not the best area to snorkel.
    The eastern end of the island, where I can see a lot of current offshore. Probably not the best area to snorkel.
    One of the things I liked when I researched the Maldives was that they haven’t just abandoned their traditions in pursuit of the tourist dollar. Omadhoo is a island with a functioning town, not just a row of hotels and restaurants. There is a lot about beach party culture that is not compatible with Islam.  Though the dress requirement (only women have to suffer with this) can be tedious, it is a relief to be away from all the drinking and associated annoyances.
    One of the things I liked when I researched the Maldives was that they haven’t just abandoned their traditions in pursuit of the tourist dollar. Omadhoo is a island with a functioning town, not just a row of hotels and restaurants. There is a lot about beach party culture that is not compatible with Islam. Though the dress requirement (only women have to suffer with this) can be tedious, it is a relief to be away from all the drinking and associated annoyances.
    Local women fishing off the ‘nurse shark’ pier.
    Local women fishing off the ‘nurse shark’ pier.
    The catch that afternoon, so far.
    The catch that afternoon, so far.
    Maldives
    Family Planet Tour

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