Life’s A Beach

Let me set the scene for you. Its June 2012, and Mr. H and I have managed to synchronize our annual leave, so desperate are we to flee the sonic heat of a Dubai summer that we begin to bicker and brood about the 48 degree heat. Where to decamp? The Maldives, naturally! Pack minimally, expertly, for all we aim to do is eat, sleep, beach comb, swim. A fortnight’s worth of such indulgent pursuits requires little in the way of luggage.

So what exactly is required content for the beach bag when taking a day trip to one of the 1190 islands which constitute The Maldives?

Firstly, a pair of flippers and goggles (all the better to spy tropical fish through, and mandatory for those of us cursed with poor eyesight requiring the use of contact lenses); next: matching towels, plush, thick and thirsty, preferably with a bold stripe in yellow or sky blue. Then of course a bottle of sun protection factor, a bottle of water, perhaps a book; sunhat, sunnies and most definitely, a camera. Just check out the scene…

Maldives Anantara Veli D3000 f/10; Exposure 1/160sec; ISO-100

You know, in Australia we have a saying, Life’s a beach. Sun, surf, relaxation and a beautiful vista. Make the most of it, and that Erroll and I did indeed on the South Male Atoll, one of 26 atolls that comprise the watery nation of The Maldives.

Here is a list of our daily beach quests (clearly not requiring much by way of attire):

– Comb the beach

– Go on a scavenger hunt

– Look for seashells

– Build a sandcastle

– Go swimming

– Go snorkeling / race after fish

– Explore tide pools

Life is certainly a beach when there is nothing but beach around. Enjoy the view when you can. We certainly did.