The Languages

The tourist makeup was a large percentage of Russians (old hairy guys with young svelte Svetlanas in tow), then Israelis (generally surfers it seemed), then Germans (ditto), then Brasilians (definitely there to surf), a smattering of Poms (definitely not surfing), a handful of Aussies (yep, surfers), and even a French couple or two. 

Most of the Maldivians seemed to speak a bit of English and German. We tried out our sparse collection of Dhivei language phrases, met either with no response or shy but warm smiles. At first I wasn't sure if I was saying things right due to minimal feedback. I stopped, in case I was saying something bad!! (yes, Cat, I still laugh at your Thai 'turn penis' taxi directions!).

Once Drew was with me, from his 10-day boat trip, they seemed to warm up a little more, so maybe it was just the female thing (i.e. men talking to a single female in Muslim countries not the norm, but sometimes necessary for the tourist industry). 

But we found we did have the pronunciations right (thanks Digi and Dad!), it's just that it wasn't normal for the tourists to try to say anything, and the Maldivians really wanted to try their English! A select few thought it wonderful that we cared and respected them enough to try and learn some phrases. Always fun!