hchalkley.blog

Air transporter bargains field mileage, originally uploaded by Ahmed Zahid.

Ahmed Zahid's photos from the Maldives always have intense colours, an intriguing title, a poetic description, and an insight into island life. (He won the 'flickys' award for most unique photostream last September.)

The boat is small enough to be handled by Ali, single handedly. It is sturdy, functional, minimal, highly aerodynamic and has a carrying capacity of eight, with room for cargo and provisions.
Freedom.
From fuel, pollution and traffic congestion.
He makes numerous trips a day, to the neighbouring islands for various purposes. Work, shopping, fishing, fun or medical.
Ali, like many islanders is a true captain. He is many in one. He is aware of the wind direction, wind speed, current movement, boat bouyancy, sail height and angle, tide times, wave formation, sea depth, coral clusters and . . . has a hard wired 'GPS' in his brain.
He supports a family of Seven. Feeding, housing, educating and recreation.
Community spirit is inbuilt within the islanders. They rely on each other and can survive for long periods without money or modern day conveniences.
Ali is happy.
Ali WAS happy. That is, until recently on a trip to a nearby island, he discoverd . . . cable TV!
Life is not the same anymore!
Story coming.