Maldives [antikvár]

On the RoadTOM MASTERS Coordinating AuthorThis photograph was taken on a sandbanl< where a friend and I had just enjoyed breakfast at dawn. I hadn't been convinced until I did it, but coffee, croissants and fresh fruit on the sand with the warm Indian Ocean lapping the shore as the sun broke across the horizon was one of the most magical experiences of the trip MY FAVOURITE TRIPI have been diving in the IVlaldives many times, but the last dive I did on this trip was easily the best of them all. Our diving boat arrived at Body Hithi Thila at around Sam, and we descended the dazzlingly clear water down to around 25m. Immediately we saw white tipped reef sharks (I counted five), a green turtle, three huge mantaBodu Hithi ThilaO-rays, two eagle rays, several tuna, stonefish, lion-fish and moray eels - never have I seen so many large creatures in one short dive. I'll definitely be returning to Bodu Hithi Thila next time, and hope it wasn't just good luck!ABOUT THE AUTHORA keen diver and lover of all things tropical, Tom was blown away by the Maldives on his first visit in 2006, where the friendly sharks, the great beaches and the relaxed vibe made for a good break from his usual haunts in Russia and Eastern Europe. Returning for this edition, he was delighted to find the country changed for the better, with a democratically elected government in place of the former dictatorship. Tom currently lives and works as a freelance writer in Berlin. More of his work can be found at www.mastersmafia.com.