Moon present.
Originally published on flickr on Janury 1, 2006.
"Quickly. Shut it. Tie it and guard it. With your life!"
Lives are spent on pleasing the ruling Maharajah. (A popular folk story)

When the wind is right, time is put into good use. For, the islanders travel with aid of wind. Day or night. Day AND night, across these waters... primitive vessels criss cross with speed. And glee.
It was on one such full moon night, this thirsty sailor spotted a most unusual object in the water tank of the boat. He was stricken by shock. And jolted at the thought that he couldnt claim ownership to this valuble object found floating in the reflection of water.
In the land of islands, finders are not keepers.
A discussion followed.And a plan of action was decided among the sailors. (As if there was much choice. For, all valubles found unclaimed, belong by law, to the ruling Maharajah.)
The boat was re-routed, and consequently, the sailors found themselves kneeling infront in respect. "O your highness. Please be kind enough to accept this gift which we found floating in our water tank."
The rope was cautiously untied to release the top. And a flock of crowded heads squeezed in, at the reflection of water... to have a peep, at the 'present'.

Centuries later... in the age of 'information', little has changed. In the selfish attitude of the rulers, nor, of the ignorance of the islanders. Someone had recently agreed to rent the above island, from the Government...for an annual fee of US$ 7? Million, to be developed as a tourist resort.

The idea of working inside cubicles in maldives is unheard of.
But work (believe it or not) is part of life. And whenever, or wherever there is work... islanders try to incorporate fun with it. That is why group work is considerd important. Current affairs, gossip and local politics all filter in during workhours, which can last as long as the day itself.

Spotted at ishis soo camp party.
I have posted a story on circumcision in the islands sometime earlier in this blog.

Saying a sad, smiling goodbye.
From milandhoo island, far north, earlier this year. Home of ali, a good friend and travel companion... who has a dream of buying his own boat. Shown here, alis wife (with the blue umbrella) and close relatives. Heartbreaking.

Thank you flickr.

I have known isha since she was very small.
Her grandpa used take care of her... and her two younger sisters, whenever mum (age 26) is out on the job. Mostly night waitressing in the nearby capital island. She has learned not to take things too serious, and i have noticed her beign very simple and down to earth. And photogenic.

Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is? PONDERISMS... found via http://challenge.visualessence.nl/ Please visit.

Hoppers Q n A

Q: Bonito sitio. ¿Cómo aparece en el mapa?
¿Cómo mar (de baja profundidad) o como un territorio que cuenta con 2 playas? From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/primo2006/

A: It is water movement around a reef that creates or destroys an island. Water brings in the sand which make up an island. Many factors affect this. Ocean current, wind and tide. And alas, man activity. When the tide is low, newly forming islands seem, submerged under the water. Primo, you can see how islands form, more clearly from the aerial photo i have posted some time ago.

Three or four varieties exist in the islands.
Not sure about the name. Frangipani? Noted for its smell. Mostly found in expensive houses, mosques and institutions, so considered as royal and classy. I am very attracted to these..., sometimes collecting fallen flowers to liven up my room.

Thanks Arthur Coddington
Incase you are not aware, i have been waiting since yesterday... for someone to fav this pic. For the 500 time! I am so glad it was you.
Thanks again.
Hope my friends will visit Arthur at http://www.flickr.com/people/arthurcoddington/

When good design briefs are good for design.
Studio of leading photographer in Maldives. When yassin hameed, a popular figure among locals... requested that he would like the letter p along with a cute face for his logo, this was the outcome. http://www.f8pro.com/ The Portrait Gallery. Design: 1998

Came and gone in a flash. Hello?
Abondoned phone booth in a remote island. The all too powerful phone company was draging feet in providing communications facilites in the islands. Procrastinating for some 3 odd decades. With pressure from itu, the government allowed a second party to operate... and within a year, everybody was in reach of each other. Thanks to high tech mobile phones.