8,856 miles from The Dalles, Oregon.

March 12

New territory for us. The Maldives represent the smallest country in Asia. There are 2000 islands, 200 of which are populated. The population is around 500,000, half of whom live in the capital, Male. The islands are comprised of 115 square miles of land across 35,000 square miles of territory….across 500 miles. Interestingly, the average elevation is less than 5 feet above sea level; the highest point is about 8 feet. We’re not expecting a mountainous terrain.

There is evidence of life on Male 2500 years ago. From 950 CE on there have been visits from Buddhists (India and Sri Lanka) and Arabs and then the standard visits from the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Islam seemed to stick and the country was ruled by a Sultanate for centuries. In 1887 the Maldives became a British Protectorate. In 1965, they achieved independence. Hoping that trump doesn’t read this blog, I will disclose that the Sultan at that time was called, “Sultan of the Land and Sea, Lord of the 2,000 Islands and Sultan of the Maldives.” Can you imagine how the stationery would have to be changed. 

In the 70’s a vote established a republic, ending 853 years of monarchy. Since that time they have faced problems of corruption, challenges of democratic reform, and the impacts of climate change. Climate change, in particular, is a concern. Warmer sea temperatures have killed coral. The President even held an underwater cabinet meeting to highlight concern for the future. A devastating tsunami in 2004 demonstrated the threat of rising seas for low lying islands.

Currently, the economy is doing relatively well. There are economic drivers of fishing, coconut production, pearls, spices and rapidly growing tourism. In fact, the number of resorts grew from 2 in 1972 to 92 in 2002.

Our plan was for me to plunge with (inside) a submarine while Karla went snorkeling. We were aimed at going down 80-100 feet so it seemed like we could scare fish in her direction. But, they were too far away. Those excursions were way more attractive than traveling to a beach and sitting for 5-6 hours….the alternative excursions.

The submarine adventure started with a tender trip followed by a boat trip to get to the sub. I could sense some apprehension among our ranks. Not lots of sub experience. A swimmer was circling the sub while we waited. I claimed to see him holding corks and duct tape. Nervous laughs. When we were seated, there was a life jacket presentation and then we took off. We descended to the side of a large underwater hill. Thousands of fish, some eels and a shark. Really a good experience.

Karla was able to snorkel at two sites. …fish, turtles and reef sharks. Also a good experience.

Once we were both back on board, we ventured into town to visit a couple tourist stores and a supermarket. This is Ramadan so many places were closed or on abbreviated schedules. Lots of motorcycles.

Nothing too exciting. I returned to the ship while Karla searched for a beach. She collects shells and found a few. It is illegal to remove shells from the Maldives, but she added to her international crimes.

Now, 3 sea days before the Seychelles.