Maldives Dream Vacation

The biggest question Hubs and I were asked about our trip to the Maldives was, “Why the Maldives?” That’s a legitimate question. I mean, the Caribbean is much closer if all we wanted was a beach resort vacation. Florida is driving distance if we simply wanted to go to the beach. But no! This was our first trip since January 2020 to Tennessee. We wanted to make it a big one. We succeeded! This trip is probably the best vacation I’ve ever been on.

To get to the Maldives was an ordeal. First of all, we had to have negative Covid-19 PCR tests, despite both of us being vaccinated. So we had one done, but they told us we wouldn’t get the results back in time. So we got another one done for a nice little penny. Then both the results came back within 24 hours of each other. Seriously? I saw this to be a bad omen. Fortunately, I was wrong. 

Our actual journey included a two hour drive to the airport, an hour and a half flight to another domestic airport. Then we flew 14 hours to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. On the flight the attendants treated us as if we were on our honeymoon and gave us extra dessert and champagne. They even made us a card! From there, after a seven hour layover, we flew another four or four and a half hours to Male, Maldives. From Male we had a two hour wait for the 45 minute seaplane flight to our final destination of the island of Fushifaru. Due to rough waters we had to land at another resort and then take a 10 minute speedboat ride to Fushifaru. 

Once we got there we were greeted like royalty! We received star necklaces made of palm leaves and were led to the main center by the beating of drums. The whole royal crew requiring this escort? Only Hubs and I. Out of a possible capacity of 150 guests, while we were there we had the company of 13 other guests. This was due to Covid and India and China being red zones with the new variant first breaking out. Normally, most guests would be traveling to Fushifaru from that part of the world. 

Honestly, Hubs and I loved this. The trip felt like we were on a completely private island. In way we were since the whole island is the resort. We were waited on by staff who knew our names and learned our orders. We were able to eat (some of the most delicious food ever), drink (and drink some more), and relax on the beach just the two of us. I cannot imagine being there at full capacity and having to do things like wait. Haha! 

We enjoyed this dream for seven days. Despite it being monsoon season we only saw a grand total of 15 minutes of rain. It was gusty and the currents on one side of the island were strong, but overall the weather was immaculate. 

Our room was on the sunrise side of the island. We woke up and watched the sunrise nearly every morning. We had our own private infinity pool and access to the beach. The room was comfortable and beautifully decorated with a sliding door opening up the porch and pool. A unique feature was the outdoor, but totally private and modern, bathroom. The room itself had universal plugs which was really convenient. A turn down service was provided twice a day. At night they would leave little goodies for us, like oranges or a little bottle of rum and can of Coca-Cola.

sun rising behind the clouds

Hubs at our private beach spot

our nearest neighbor

There were many activities to do while there which were included in our stay. We kayaked, snorkeled, tried paddle boarding (which is really hard!), and went on a sea turtle excursion. The last one was extra, but completely worth it. We saw unicorn fish among various other types, coral, and two sea turtles while we snorkeled along the reef. Dolphins swam alongside our boat on the way back to the island. Our favorite activity, other than snorkeling, was watching the hermit crabs. There were hermit crabs every where! Each evening and night the resort offered something. One night it was learning about the history and culture of the Maldives. Another night there was a flair bartending show. 

hermit crabs are so cute and social!

On one particular day it was Global Wellness Day. Hubs and I learned how to make sushi rolls and got to do yoga on the private sandbar. That night there was a DJ and we danced the night away. Who made up the dance crew? Another couple from Bulgaria, our host, and me. Don't worry, Hubs joined in the dancing the next night. 

When it was time to leave I did not want to go. I knew we had the doggos to get home to, but I was not happy about leaving paradise. I felt like the staff were more like friends and everything had been so perfect. It was hard to go back to reality! 

If you ever have the chance to go to the Maldives, GO! If looking for a specific spot, Hubs and I 100% recommend Fushifaru. 

 

~Sarah~

Veni Vidi Vici

If you have been reading these scattered, rambling posts for a while then you know I’m a teacher. However, after 10 years, I have made the hard decision to resign from my dream job for the time being. Why? Good question.

Teaching is a job where you have to give all of yourself, no matter what, all day long. It’s mentally, emotionally, socially, and even sometimes physically, exhausting. I understand every job and career comes with its own stressors and hardships, but teaching is different. And don’t come back with, “at least you have summers off!” That’s pretty much the one major perk to this career. 

For me personally, I didn’t feel I could give that 110% anymore. I felt tired and cranky all the time and was constantly finding something to complain about rather than reasons to rejoice. I wasn’t happy anymore and it was showing in my performance. My school, coworkers, admin, and kids were all amazing and they deserve someone who can give more than I can at this moment in my life. I am so sad and bummed about leaving all of the people from school; they truly were my second family. After much discussion with family and friends and much prayer, it became clear to me that I needed to take a break from teaching. This may be only a year or it may be forever. I hope to still work with kids in some capacity. Working with animals, outdoors, and/or traveling would also be wonderful. 

So what’s next then? Another great question. Starting pretty soon I’ll have a job working at a barn and helping care for horses. I also tutor through a program at the local tennis organization and I’m tutoring through VIPKid. 

My heart is heavy with this choice because I will miss it. Perhaps one day I’ll be led back into the classroom. For now I’m excited to see what the future holds for me, Hubs, and the doggos. 

~Sarah~

"The Song That Doesn't End"

 "Yes it goes on and on my friends! Some people started signing it…" and it was UNPRECEDENTED! 

2020 was a tough year for, I think it’s safe to assume, everyone. The year started out in rural Tennessee with Hubs and the doggos. The weather was freezing and rainy but we were able to get in some really nice hikes. On the downside, Hubs got an ear infection. This was before we could presume every illness was Covid-19. Remember those days? Before masks? Good times.

Then the day happened where we left school, Friday the 13th, and didn’t go back. Let me tell you, virtual teaching and learning is not great. I tried to take advantage of the new set up by riding in the mornings and then coming home and grading, answering emails, and Google Meets sessions after lunch. That went on until the summer. 

This summer Hubs and I actually had no big trips planned after the Ireland trip. Now of course we are antsy to get out and go somewhere, but the world is still at a standstill. We took the opportunity to work on our property where we want to build. We got the home site cleared and a driveway and culvert put into place. We also got the trailer (from the Trailer Trash post) FINISHED and moved out onto the land! 

Now that 2021 is here, the Capitol has been stormed, our school has mastered (if that’s possible) synchronous teaching, and Covid-19 vaccines are being administered… well, it’s still a year and it’s only February. 2020 is proving to be the longest year ever. 

"...some people started singing it not knowing what it was and they’ll continue signing it forever just because…"

~Sarah~