Happy NATIONAL DAY UAE!

ditto what Mac said

Thank you very much gentlemen.

This year we are celebrating two national holidays close together - to the joys of the kids, as they get a lengthy break from school.

In fact, we are currently in the Maldives for the break.

This has been a very intersting day - again, to the ever lasting joy of the kids.

We spent all morning snorkling with them, and they loved every minute of it.

In the afternoon we though we would rent a boat, and take them out in the ocean to see dolphins and manta ray.

We went out, and saw one ginormous manta ray, and decided to jump in after it. By the time we got into the water, the manta was not to be seen. We saw some turtles and lobsters.

Then the real fun started.

Our boat was quite far from us - it could not get too close because of the reef.

A storm hit us out of the blue. Driving rain, high winds and big waves.

Getting onto the boat was quite an adventure, as the current was very strong, and the wind was blowing it away too - this is a 60 foot boat. After quite a few tries we managed to get the kids onto the boat, and drag ourselves out of the water. At this time we got a relief, as the kids - 6 and 7 years old - were totally unaware of the dangers we were in, and were having quite a laugh about it!

One actually said he wished it stormed all the time - it was fun to him!

The ride back was interesting to say the least! The stabilizers on the boat got stuck on one side, so we were riding almost sideways back to our island.

Again, the kids thought this was fun!

We got to our island, and back to our villa. It was really pouring with rain now.

Guess what they wanted to do?

Jump in the pool! Every one joined in this mad caper. Then someone suggested we go jump in the see while it is raining!

We did that too.

My wife saved the day by asking for tea. And the boys bringing the tea came over to tell us the tea was ready.

We complained to the management that we did not come here to be rained on. We came for the sun.

"It will be sunny tomorrow sir" was the answer we got!

I have taken quite a few photos underwater - not today though. And I will post some on the Photo Album Forum once I am back home.

I know some of will enjoy them.

Sounds, like quite a adventure Saaed.

Only four things on this earth scare me out of my witts, and they are storms at sea, High winds, an African Lion, and a gang kid, or angry woman, with a gun!

quote:

"It will be sunny tomorrow sir" was the answer we got!

Glad this did not become Open Water III.