Having travelled via most
forms of transport to get here, there is no denying that the 36 hours without
sleep is worth every lost minute when you set foot onto your sandy island of paradise
that is Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, Maldives.
Prior to departure, there were
the careful deliberations around who would be accompanying Mary on this
incredible adventure; a difficult choice as you can imagine.
Mary and Mr Blue snuggled happily into my hand luggage together but
somebody (Sunny) just couldn’t be left behind.
So here they are, the three
of them enjoying a moment of tranquil reflection on the beach.
As I write this, a small ray
has gracefully swept past my feet. The beautiful reef houses an unimaginable number of different species of fish and aquatic creatures which can not be missed so here is Mary preparing for her next snorkelling adventure. The
island is also home to the frantic bumbling hermit crabs, many of which still
display painted numbers on their shells as a reminder of their former
days as hermit crab racers from which they have either escaped or
retired. Young black and white tip
sharks cruise the shore unsettling the schools of tiny fish that swim in union
in the shallows.
The bigger fish and rays know it’s
feeding time as they arrive to enjoy their daily treat of fish scraps.
Mary and the boys have enjoyed a few drinks at the bar gazing at the breath taking sun sets with Hari and Lal the kind and attentive barmen.
Finally as we speed along
the tranquil waters into the pink sunrise to embark on our way home, we have
time to reflect on our amazing experience with those who have become part of our
lives and memories. Thank you to all of the staff and
guests at Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo for making our stay so special once again. We hope to
see you again soon and wish you all well with your futures what ever they may
bring.
If you would like Mary
Monkey and Friends to blog about your business, please contact us on
jo@marymonkey.co.uk
As I write this, a small ray
has gracefully swept past my feet. The beautiful reef houses an unimaginable number of different species of fish and aquatic creatures which can not be missed so here is Mary preparing for her next snorkelling adventure. The
island is also home to the frantic bumbling hermit crabs, many of which still
display painted numbers on their shells as a reminder of their former
days as hermit crab racers from which they have either escaped or
retired. Young black and white tip
sharks cruise the shore unsettling the schools of tiny fish that swim in union
in the shallows. 
Mary and the boys have enjoyed a few drinks at the bar gazing at the breath taking sun sets with Hari and Lal the kind and attentive barmen.
As a creature of magic,
Witchy keeps a very special book of spells called a Grimoire. Witchy keeps notes of her most precious
spells, amulets and talisman within this book. 
Mary Monkey would like to
say a big thank you to Isla for testing out the new materials for the website
this morning. From her look of
concentration, you can see how seriously we take our duties here at Mary Monkey
& Friends. 
Culinary Casualties
Mary wanted to acknowledge this day to recognise and celebrate the influential women in our lives. 
Witchy and Froggy have been inseparable since they met many many years ago on a swamp. Witchy was out looking for ingredients for one of her potions when she heard a tiny 'ribbet ribbet' coming from the water and went over to investigate. There, sat happily on a lily pad, was baby Froggy! He hopped into her basket and off they went home together.
Froggy has been Witchy's familiar ever since. Being a familiar means that he helps her with her magic spells. Froggy is her beloved and trusted companion and never leaves her side.
