World Water Day 2013: Saving lives and changing attitudes
Today is World Water Day, an initiative from the United Nations to help get sanitation and drinking water to those who need it most. Held every March 22, it celebrates its 20th anniversary today.
MV Aegean Odyssey in Maldives
MV AEGEAN ODYSSEY is a premium class ship that was rebuilt to cater for cruising in the coastal waters of the central and eastern Mediterranean. The vessel provides the best features of a mid-size ship such as gracious public rooms, a choice of restaurants and stability in inclement weather.
Originally a vessel carrying up to 570 passengers, Aegean Odyssey’s new configuration includes generously-sized suites, junior suites and staterooms with and without balconies. She now carries an average of 350 passengers.
Happy 2013
May this new year be a step forward, In leading you to new adventures, New roads to explore and new success to reach!
‘Victory day’ fireworks
Here are some pictures of fireworks show by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to mark the Victory Day, 14th November 2012.
Maldives victory day is of supreme importance, as it is on this day that a terrorist group from Sri Lanka attacked the Maldives government. The incident took place long back on the 3rd of November in the year 1988. Since then, 3rd November each year is celebrated as the victory day festival of Maldives, a remembrance of the unwavering defence put up by the National Security Service and the steadfastness of the people, in defending our nation.
A legend undeterred
Ahmed Nashid’s voice on the phone is calm and elegant much like his released music albums and performances. He gives me directions on the phone to his house at a private residential complex in a suburb of Sri Lankan capital Colombo. The man even answers his own front entrance gate, greeting me with a large smile on his face and a welcoming handshake. By all means he appears strong and shows no signs of his ongoing battle against kidney cancer.
He closes the gate behind and leads me to the first floor balcony, just passing a small room, which has a basic music recording setup. Imagine being Nashid. You are a pop star who about 20 years ago was absolutely massive in your own country and abroad. And, however little you do and time you spend in mainstream music scene, your fame refuses to diminish. Unlike other countries, the 49-year-old singer might not have to deal with paparazzi stationed outside his residence or fans stalking him 24/7, but he is one of the few music legends the country has ever seen.
I place my phone on a chair alongside Nashid, making sure the recording app is not missing out any part of our conversation. “I rarely give interviews. This must be the most comprehensive of them yet,” he shrugs, introducing me to his beautiful wife Safoora, a professional singer from Fuvahmulah island, who had been performing in Colombo and Dubai over the last ten years. He is right; he has refrained from the media’s eyes during his entire musical career, which spans over 30 years. But here I am, welcomed into his home, surrounded by the rather pleasant sound of his neighbours’ pet parrots chirping which add to the relaxed atmosphere. (more…)
Save our surf breaks
[A shot from Sultan point]
Here goes the news; “Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Corporate plans to build a resort in Thamburudhoo (Sultans & Honkies). The project includes dredging and reclaiming the surrounding area of Thamburudhoo and Girifushi reef. This is going to affect the natural current flow of the surrounding waves such as Jailbreaks, Honkies, Sultans and Pasta. Moreover, it will destroy dive spots around this area. So the government’s best interest is to annihilate our natural resources which include world class surf sites and dive sites. I call all my friends & my extended family (surfers, snowboarders, skaters, divers, non-surfers, on liners, surf media, surf rider foundation, international community, everyone) to help us save these waves like we all stood against the state and saved the Trestles. Save it for or children, save it for the future.” - Banzai Bongo (well-known local surfer)
Maldives celebrates 47th Independence Day
Maldives Independence Day has a lot of significance, as it is on this day that this country got freedom from the clutches of Britishers. It falls on the 26th in the month of July. In the year 1887, Maldives became a British Protectorate. During that time, the Britishers agreed that they wont interfere in the internal affairs of Maldives. However, when it came to foreign matters, the Britishers had to be consulted.
As a part of agreement, the Britishers said that in return, they would ensure that Maldives is safe and won’t be subjected to any colonial intimidation. Later on, on 26th July 1965, Maldivians were granted full independence. Independence Day celebrations in Maldives take place on a large scale.
Note: This is the 1st Independence Day of Maldives after coup d’etat.
ITHAA – Maldives Undersea Restaurant
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s unique undersea restaurant 16 feet below sea level. Marvel at 180° views of reef and marine life, sip champagne cocktails and savor Maldivian-Western fusion cuisine at this spectacular Maldives venue – the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant.
For more details and images of the “Ithaa” restaurant, please visit to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
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