Dear Connections, Need a Break?

I have an extra room in my apartment with a 3/4 bath ensuite (in the room). There are 60 steps up from ground level with no lift but it's a nice view in daytime.

I got the apartment with an extra bedroom because the kids were supposed to come visit on their school breaks but they decided to get jobs and now promotions and also doing their required extra curricular activities for final graduation and graduate acceptance so they have less time available than I did when I was in college or, ever! Thus they cant make it until March school break or summer break.

The room is open and available for my connections to come visit and relax with no stress atmosphere. I have no tv service, only dvd's and laptop plug in. No house phone, only the cell phone for work and family.

I have most of December off and will be going home to the freezing bite of winter to do last season's spring-cleaning that we missed and also need to organize and eliminate the resulting clutter. Thus the room will be available without my being around for any bother.

I have extra towels for beach and many mask-snorkel sets and the recommended water-shoes, various sizes. But these you can also rent cheap at the local beach water sports business. There are 2 diving schools with rentals also. The beach sports business has kayaks, jetski's, sailboat like Hobiecat available. I have noodles and a couple life jackets for those leaning to swim. My beach is only a meter deep and 1/3 of it has sand, the rest has mixed sand and coral rocks - hence the water shoes need. That plus the healthy beach has several small black spiny sea urchins out in the corals and coral rocks so if you are not yet coordinated you might otherwise find one with your foot.

I have extra poles for fish feeding. It is best to use these instead of bare hands because most fish aren't smart enough to differentiate between fingers and offered food and they will keep nibbling.

Nearby main city island, Male', has several choices for food-market shopping. Fish market - fresh caught fish, open air fruits and vegetables market and local grocery shop plus western food items shop (more pricey). My place has a reliable gas stove. I have never tried the oven but previous resident used it extensively. Microwave is my main focus. The laundry is just a simple wash machine and air dry on racks here in the rooms with overhead fans for ventilation. (Same for my cooking!!)

The dive schools have organized dive boats schedule available plus there are connections to several other island by speedboat connection from Male' or the airport. The airport is 45 minutes away and the ferry to Male' city takes 8 minutes. On my island there are no gas powered vehicles except delivery, emergency services and a couple taxi vans for the old ladies that like air conditioning. Walking from ferry to apartment is 5 minutes, passing the hospital-clinic and pharmacies area and commercial fishing boat- fuel boats harbor. A nice (covered) open air restaurant has good selection of food at more reasonable prices than on Male' but you can also get to Male' restaurants within 30-45 minutes from the front door. On the airport island there is a modest resort that is allowed to serve alcohol and has a large outdoor pool and indoor gym which can be available on daily or monthly membership basis. There is an indoor restaurant 24/7 plus evening indoor bar and outside covered terrace plus poolside bar and tables. This is about an hour away, at the most.

My apartment is kept air conditioned at 26C or less but each room has it's own so you can set your room to whatever temperature you feel comfortable with at the moment.

Stay away from the tourist shops near the jetties on Male' city because they are too high priced and sell crap for tourists. There Are a couple places to get reasonable items and money exchange at a better rate than the bank.

You can get sim card at the airport when you arrive and I can meet you and show you around unless I have a flight - or I can arrange for someone else.

If you want to stay by yourself I can recommend some local guest houses or you can arrange a side trip to one of the expensive resorts, rooms there can go from $200 to over $2000 per night.

My apartment now has good DSL wifi internet and nothing is blocked here like in China and many MENA countries. Oh, it's time to get ready for my early morning flight but I'll be back a few hours to answer any questions.

Dear Connections, please come visit here if you aren't already a local or resident. Visas are free for 30 days upon arrival, just a passport stamp and you are in.

As a soft reminder- there are some items you are not allowed to bring: besides the usual danger items (guns, drugs and such) no spearguns for underwater fishing, no animals, no plants to grow, no alcohol at all, no pork products, no religious icons, no bikini wearing on my beach-modest swimwear only. It's allowed only at resorts, where they also have alcohol. If you have any can foods in your bags you might get checked by hand carry inspection or checked bag.

There is blackmarket available for anything you like just like everywhere else but I would prefer to not be associated with any activity that could connect to an possible law enforcement so please skip over this offer if you might incline toward anything like that.

If you just want a break and get away for a week or just a couple days then please write with any more questions. I dont charge anything at all and would like to learn about where you are from and your culture and lifestyle.

I have extra umbrellas and hats in case you forget yours. You can shop at Male' stores for swimwear if you forget that also.

Guys, gals, couples welcome, there is a smallish double bed available with sleepable couch as well.

I have fewer flights to take me out of town the next few months so I'll be around to show you anything you want to see.

You can recommend a new connection too if you know of anyone who needs a break!

Dave

[email protected]