With the focus on all the negatives of being a Maldivian it’s often hard to think of the things that we love about our country. First there are all the political clashes, murders and crime on the rise, drug abuse and the list goes on. It’s easy to focus on the negatives, because there’s a lot to dislike about Maldives right now.
Yet, as another year approaches, it is important that we
think of the good things about Maldives and being a Maldivian. We can all start
fresh and work towards building a stronger and happier nation.So I thought I would come up with a list of things that I love
about our little nation.
After all, I think that foreigners love our country
more than we love our own. That sounds good from a tourism point of view, but
let’s faces it; this is our country, and who better to love it then us?
Here is my list, not necessarily in any specific order.
1. The beach and the natural
beauty.
2. The weather (its summer all
year round) – sounds too good to be true right?
3. Friendly people – at least
that’s what our parents and history books tells us. I also have come to the
realization that most of us are really friendly and socially capable of
handling ourselves even in the most difficult of situations.
4.
One religion – (you might
argue that there are still religious conflicts) but imagine what it would be
like if there were more than one!
5.
Tiny little islands, and
the fact that we could travel to some new island during the holidays
6. Picnics in the sun and Pretty
fishes.
7. Luxury resorts.
8.
Water sports – not that I can
surf or do anything of that sort other than handle a jet ski. But still, its
breath taking to look at and we can’t ignore all the international competitions
hosted in Maldives.
9. Football.
9. Football.
10.
Zero Degree Atoll.
11. Rihaakuru and Mashuni.
12. The fact that we never have
to travel too far to meet family and friends.
13. Democracy – hey, at least it’s
been introduced!
14. Foreigners want to become
Maldivians because of its beauty (once while I was traveling to Australia one
immigration officer said she want to steal my passport – I was pretty proud of
my country at that moment).
15. The expression on people’s
face when you tell them you’re a Maldivian. And you probably would be the first
Maldivian and the last that they would meet in their life time. That makes you
special right?
15.
Value on education.
16.
Snorkeling – it’s an ‘out
of this world’ experience. (I still haven’t’ tried diving – I’m sure it’s much
better).
17. The fact that there are
lots of intelligent and high achieving Maldivians for a country as small as
ours.
18.
Le’Cute.
19.
Seaplane rides.
20.
Watching the sunset
21.
Starry nights on a deserted
beach.
22.
Safaris.
24.
Cleanliness
25. Digu hedun – the dress is
designed to make any lady look breathtaking.
26. Maldivian national flower-
the rose. Whoever picked this flower have good sense, it’s probably the most
beautiful flower on earth.
27. Coming home after a long
trip abroad and seeing the clear blue-green sea, the beaches and even the smell
of the sea breeze which takes my breath away.
28. Coffee with friends – This
is usually the only option available with the lack of things to do and places to
hang out with friends. And over time we have come to love these places that we
frequent.
29. Under water cabinet and
underwater restaurants – totally unique
30. Shell beans, Sea house,
Thai wok, Traders and the likes.
31. Corner stores – they are
life savers when we need something urgently.
All that said, I wish that we could all put our differences
behind and work together to better ourselves and show the world what we are
capable of. Our country is in much need of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative
ideas, diversity, compassion and generosity. We need to take more risks, become
more creative, love each other more and be more forgiving.
What is it that you love about Maldives?
