Maldives

1985—The first country which we visited that was not Australia. I should say, the first that I visited—my parents were widely travelled at the time also.

It was a beautiful place, all clear water and coral and atolls. I remember that everything was dreadfully expensive, because of the tourism.

Something a bit more current about the place: it is in danger being lost. The collection of atolls are just above sea level, and the sea level is increasing. This means that this beautiful place is going underwater, and despite all that they are doing, sandbags and all, it is not working. I predict that a large number of Maldivians will be migrating to Australia before long. Perhaps within the next two decades.

Ohh, it was beautiful. We could anchor anywhere, and then look down into the water—and see the bottom, 30 metres deep. Now that was something, something that I remember and I hope to for the rest of my days, as long or as short as they may be.

One thing that stands out in my mind: swimming there one day, we found a string of beads. In the local hotels, these beads were interchangeable for money at the time (cannot vouch for now). No, not any kind of beads, but special coloured plastic beads, and one had to buy them. Purple, $10, blue, $5—much like casino chips, actually. We bought drinks at the local hotel—a treat. Nothing alcoholic, alas.

I was young at the time, and this is the extent of my memories of the place, other than the capital, which was dingy. I also recall that we met a family there, and my mother gave them my favourite perfume! This is a bad habit that she holds to this day. She gives away things that are mine, but keeps everything that she has ever owned. Sheesh.