Starting at SEA Airport, which is currently undergoing a transformation that makes a caterpillar’s metamorphosis look like a quick trip to the grocery store, we checked in with one of the most pleasant Alaska Airline gate agents—Jaz. Picture this: a beacon of positivity amid the chaos, with a smile so bright it could outshine all those construction lights! Jaz was awesome, cracking jokes and keeping the spirits high. Who knew checking in could feel like a stand-up comedy show? We almost forgot we were navigating a construction zone!
Seattle to San Francisco was a piece of cake! We found ourselves comfortably nestled in the exit row—the first class of economy, where legroom isn’t just a luxury, it’s a national treasure. Jamie, blessed vertically- definitely needs all that space!
And let’s talk about the view as we landed in SFO. It was like a postcard had jumped out of a magazine! Who knew flying could come with such stunning scenery? It felt like a movie scene, minus the dramatic soundtrack—though I might’ve hummed one to myself just for effect!
Alright, folks, here we are, counting down the hours like kids waiting for Christmas morning! We’ve got a whopping 8 hours left on this 17-hour journey from SFO to SIN—just in case the acronyms have you scratching your head, that’s San Francisco to Singapore. And let’s not forget, there’s still a delightful 4-hour (plus change) jaunt from SIN to MLE—Singapore to Maldives, for the unacquainted!
I can practically hear the airline snacks calling my name as we settle into this marathon flight. Picture this: a group of intrepid travelers, squished into economy seats, trying not to think about the reality of lockjaw from being in the same position for over a decade—or at least that’s how it feels. I keep reminding myself that all this discomfort is worth it for the diving. If only our bodies got frequent flyer miles for every hour spent in a cramped seat!
And honestly, the flight attendants deserve a medal. They glide down the aisle like graceful penguins, serving up snacks that are both perplexing and comically delightful. What’s next? Beef jerky in a yogurt cup? At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised.
Ah, but the real highlight? The entertainment—two babies switching off like they’re on some rotating cry schedule. It’s a true battle of wills, and you better believe I have a front row seat! If I had a dollar for every cry, I could probably purchase an upgrade to first class—where legroom is less of a conspiracy theory and more of a reality!
Well, as we trudge through this airborne marathon, I’m pondering how airplane food has the wonderful ability to redefine what I consider a “meal.” Pork-n-beans for breakfast? Who knew? Travel is truly the world’s most hilarious buffet, and I’m ready for more of this comedic culinary adventure!
So here we are, delirious from a lack of sleep and squished into seats for what feels like an eternity. I keep reassuring myself, “It’ll all be worth it once we hit the diving part of our adventure!” So far, the highlight has been my marathon walk from Gate A to Gate G at SFO—a real Olympic event for sure!
In our quest to find our new gate, we went “Squirrel!!!” for sustenance, we decided to stop by Bourdin Sourdough—oh yes, the famous bread place on the Wharf in San Francisco! Back in the day, I practically lived on the Wharf since my grandparents lived on Mason Street close to the Wharf. Memories! But I digress, as I often do when I start reminiscing… Just imagine: a sleep-deprived ghost of my former self, stumbling around in search of carbs and a gate that seems to be playing hide and seek. Ah, the thrill of travel!
When we arrived in Singapore Changi Airport was amazing. It felt like huge mall with rainforest features. Check out some of the images.
We’re officially primed and ready for the final leg of our journey, folks—Singapore to Male, or as I like to call it, “The Great Leap Toward Paradise!” Picture us buckled in, hearts racing like kids waiting for the ice cream truck, except this time, it’s flight snacks and tropical destinations driving our excitement!
As we make our way to the Maldives, I can only imagine what awaits us there—sunshine, sandy beaches, and enough underwater adventures to make Aquaman jealous. Honestly, I’ve packed enough sunscreen to make a small island blush—if only that could double as my fairy godmother for a smooth flight!
But first, let’s talk about boarding this plane. It’s like a game of musical chairs, where the seats are slightly uncomfortable and the music is the soothing hum of jet engines. Everyone’s jockeying for position with the determination of Olympic athletes, all while clutching carry-ons like life rafts—because losing that precious backpack would mean losing our sanity!
Now, here we are, practically vibrating with anticipation. Will the snacks be as mysterious as they were on the last flight? Will the in-flight entertainment feature another battle of infant wills? Who knows! But one thing is certain: the moment we touch down in Male, it’ll be a splash of vibrant colors and a wave of serenity, far removed from any airport chaos.
So, grab your virtual floaties, because this ride is about to get exciting! I can’t wait to find out what kind of shenanigans await us in the Maldives. Here’s to hoping my luggage arrives before I do—a miracle in itself—and that I’ll soon be sipping coconut water with my toes in the sand. Cheers to the final leg, and may the flight gods be ever in our favor!
Once we landed, deplaned, collected our bags, and spotted the infamous “coconut tree”—a cutout that looked like it had been plucked straight from a tourist brochure—we knew our adventure was officially underway. It was a mad dash to this brilliantly crafted cardboard landmark, where we discovered that we were not the only ones who thought it was a good idea to meet there.
After a quick round of confusion and the occasional photo op with the cheerful coconut tree, we finally located our hotel transport to “White Beach Holiday at Hulhumale.” Let me tell you, trying to fit all our bags into that minivan was like playing a game of Tetris—one wrong move, and we’d have a suitcase rolling free!
Upon reaching the hotel, we rushed through check-in as if we were contestants on a game show, because who doesn’t love a little adrenaline before settling in? Our room was a charming little oasis, decked out with the kind of decor that screamed “Ka-Kaw” and immediately said, “Drop your bags and grab a beverage”.
Tomorrow, we’re making a splash back to the airport area, and I can hardly keep my fins on! We’re on a quest to find Gate C8, where our adventure to the live-aboard boat Blue Force 3 awaits. It’s like searching for buried treasure, but instead of a map, we’ve got our boarding passes and a thirst for adventure!
Just picturing it makes my heart race faster than a fish on the run! Forget coffee—I’m revved up on the thought of diving into crystal-clear waters and exploring like an underwater superhero. Every step toward C8 feels like we’re descending into the depths of the ocean, and my excitement bubbles up like a rising tide!
Can you imagine the moment we finally step onto the Blue Force 3? We’ll be doing the happy dance, just like a dolphin at play! And as we board, I’ll be channeling my inner Jacques Cousteau, ready to discover the wonders of the ocean.
Let’s hope we don’t get caught in any currents or end up in a different terminal—though if that happens, I guess we can always pretend we’re on a treasure hunt! Here’s to tomorrow and the gorgeous reefs waiting for us—may our adventures be filled with laughter, epic dives, and maybe a few comical tales! Dive on in, excitement!
Until next time…….
Sea Ya Diving Scuba Travel 
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