Saturday, March 28, 2009

Male, at Maldives

Maldives...
Lots of people will think of white sand, sea breeze, gorgeous rooms with all its facilities, and big smile on everyone's face...

Well, what I'm going to tell in here was not all about it- I'm telling the real life here in Male, Maldives.
So, here are the real life ...

Male is the center of life for Maldivians.It's build on an island, and place itself can't say the biggest island, though it's the center activity of it.
Business runs on this island, and spread to others. Such as Adhu and other up-coming new island.

Once you arrived in Maldives, you'll need to travel with dhoni (traditional boat, they called) to Male. To reach the city.
This happen unless, you've book yourself a comfy privilege resort. Then you'll be picked up with special speed boat- Enjoy! Goods comes along with certain amount!

Male is known for its Muslim territory. Most people livin inside are Muslim, and they're quite restrict for few issues.
(In my opinion, those rules are bit too much & it'll trigger more issue in the future.)
For example: no church is allowed here, that includes bringing bibble or even small cross is prohibited. So, no more Sunday church you guys!

People itself you'll find variously, but most of them are Indian / Bangladesh / Sri Lanka.
Rumors said that they came here for it's privilege for easier access to Maldives, rather than other countries. Well, we all known what's happening around the globe, aren't we? It's not their fault, for sure- but they're the one who carried the blame.
Pop up restaurant will come along with its people, such as: Indian restaurant.

Most of food here are influence with Indian taste- lots of ingredients and special taste of India. Even biscuit will taste bit of it.
You better get used to it while you're in Male.
Instead of Indian's, second famous range is Thai's food. And rest coming is Chinese.

For places, not so much sight seeing place here. Heard there's original island where Maldives started- but haven't been there. Once I'm there, will post out the story, k?!
Most places here are related with old/ancient mosque or even their ancient graveyard. There's presidential palace, too- But it's not for public- so what to see?
You got museum here, but it's just a glimpse that you'll took only 10min and finish up. Ugh ..

No, no, I'm not complaining but I would think they should improve more on theirs.
Road are uneven, broke 3 of my shoes here during my half year staying. Totally ruin of!
Trash are everywhere, government never provide trash can along the street- so people will just throw away anywhere, or probably in most case, they'll stop by near the electric box & stuck trash on top of it-

No mini skirt, no tank top, for sure- but that doesn't change men behave for insulting women with their whistle or even sometimes they'll purposely knock your butt or thigh , just for sake of pleasure!
I thought religion thought people to respect others, and more over it's in religious place, such as Maldives?!

For you thinking to stop over & enjoy life at Male. Hotels cost you a hell!
Been to a hotel, near airport jetty- which far away from 'standard' level & cleanliness ... they charge you for 80 bucks! and the room so yaiksss...
Better consult & check rooms condition bfore you approve to stay on it-

Odd day for most people (outside Maldivian) that Friday is holiday; Saturday & Sunday is full work day.
And you'll be having hard time to have food delivery, since they operate after 1 in the afternoon- and few times they'll be closing for prayer time. And friday?.. don;t ask! They closed!

What could be anything more fun than shopping? Yeah ..
don't expect too much- Some stuff here are originally Maldivian's trademark, but rest of the goods are same as you'll found in your country, too.
They did produce themselves dhoni (traditional boat) that you'll need to assemble once you reach home. Or woven mat, which looks lovely but costly.

If i can advise, take more shots, experience more and buy less.

Food, people, island, what else can I share with you?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Flat

it's kinda flat...
probably it's more on the daily & experiencing things that keep me flat for writing something.
mostly days finish with exhausted & drowsiness for my comfy pillow & get through the day, waiting for the same next day schedule..

kinda flat isn't it?
when is holiday coming?