As the Emirates plane flew closer to Male, the island housing the main airport in the 1,190 island nation known as the Maldives, I captured several images out of my window seat.  (Side note: if you have the chance to fly First Class on Emirates, take it!  I splurged for the 5ish hour flight and it was well-worth it!)

The water is as blue and clear as blogs describe, pictures show, and my mind imagined.  It’s been a long journey, and many failed attempts to get here.  And, we still have a few more hours before we reach the Westin and our over-the-water villa.  

But for now I’ll enjoy the wonder of this view, that doesn’t even seem or feel real.