Independence Day

Before getting down to business, we celebrated an unforgettable July 4th, thanks to our Maldivian hosts. Every time I visit one of the 1200 islands that make up this country it is a different experience, and this was no exception. Destination: the Chaaya Island Dhonveli resort.

We had a one-day pass to use one of the famous over-the-water bungalows. Unfortunately, one day is not enough to arrange a dive trip because of strict safety regulations that require a checkout dive and a waiting period until the second day. However, we went snorkeling and swimming and had a great time. This resort had a casual, barefoot ambience and is famous as one of the best surfing beaches in Maldives. As a result, there was a pretty strong current when we jumped in the water outside our bungalow. We realized we were in trouble and began kicking back to the deck, otherwise I might be writing this from Africa.

Fifty percent of a resort's employees must be Maldivian and we found that the election was very much topic #1. When people found out we were here to train journalists at TVM they couldn't wait to share their opinions of TV news and politics. So we did do some work... really.