last day in the office...

My work colleagues have gone above and beyond to acknowledge that our six months have come to an end. What an incredible experience personally and professionally... It is really hard to express - but I feel humbled and warmed to the core by the hospitality and friendships I've formed here.

We have spent the last few days enjoying traditional Maldivian food, cakes (with chickpeas for the chickpea), majaa (fun! party in your mouth)... It's been so wonderful that I have decided to stay a little longer...

to Hinnavaru...

This is the main 'green' grown on the island.
Similar in texture to cabbage and served fresh with onion.

It is amazing what can happen in just a few short days. I was invited to join the UNOPS team on field mission to Lhaviyani Atoll, Hinnavaru island, where a contract was recently signed to develop a new integrated water system to help ensure the future of water security here. This is a partnership with USAID and will be subcontracted by Hitachi. Representatives from all stakeholder parties were present for a community consultation series and site visit before the build.

I came along to document the sites, events and to capture human interest stories with my camera. I shot well over 1000 images in two short days. 

This is a magical little island with around 4,000 inhabitants. The streets are smaller, more narrow and maze-like than other islands I’ve visited. The waste disposal system is honor-based and taken seriously. People separate and deliver their own refuse to a controlled area, keeping the island clean and well tended.

 I am continually blown away by Maldivian hospitality... not just by my friends and work colleagues, but by complete strangers. This young lady, Mary, invited me into her home off the street to see her roof-top view of the village and to meet her little girl. She shared some crispy snacks I saw ladies making in the street earlier in the morning. By the time I left, there was a gang of women who had dropped by to share a giggle and some selfies with me.

From back left to right: Nawal, UNOPS, Nihani, USAID SriLanka, clutching our stash of nuts
and Fazeeh, Ministry of Ag & Environment.

We were in Hinnavaru to work, and these folks work long, hard hours, but they also made time to play no matter how tired or how long the day. I was invited along on a night fishing trip with them, where I caught the first wee fish by moonlight, Fazeeh caught a shark, and Nawal caught the big one that fed us under the stars on a deserted island... On the second night we were invited to attend the reception of a wedding. By the end of the two days, Fazeeh pronounced me an honorary Maldivian (probably because I can pack away betel nut just as hard as Nawal), which frankly I found quite touching. I really felt a sense of belonging, and that is due in large part because of how generously they opened their hearts and friendship to me.

I am standing in front of the immaculate Grand Mosque, under a breadfruit tree.
Breadfruit is abundant and best served in thin deep fried slices.

The local food was simple and delicious.
We ate like kings, sharing a large home-cooked spread for lunch each day.