\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
A long-haul flight is really exhausting, and we were completely wiped out when, after about 9 hours in economy class, we finally looked out the window and spotted the first islands in the turquoise water. From above, it seemed as if they had all been simply placed in the ocean. At this sight, the stress automatically melts away, you feel the excitement on the airplane, and you immediately start looking forward to what awaits you.<\/p>
The landing on the airport island at that moment seemed as if we were about to land in the water! Yes, the airport is its own small elongated island! It was a strange feeling and very exciting! But don’t worry, the runway is long enough, and the pilot can easily brake here. As always, there’s the waiting time until the stairs are attached to the airplane and everyone is let out. So, which type are you? Comfortably stay seated and eventually stand up once the plane is half empty? Or are you the type who stands up immediately once the plane has been in the parking position for just a second? Honestly, we’re a bit of both. Of course, we’re just as nervous, but standing up right away doesn’t really bring an advantage since you still can’t get out anyway. Unfortunately, it’s kind of like peer pressure, if everyone stands up, then you have to do it too \ud83d\ude00 .
The doors open, you exit the plane, and “bam,” it feels like you’re running into a wall of heat. After the air-conditioned air, we had to get used to the hot tropical air. We were allowed to go down the stairs and just walk across the tarmac to the terminal building on our own. Nowadays, it’s not like that anymore, you’re driven by bus, and everything is bigger and more modern, and the airport processes have become very professional.<\/p>
In the arrival terminal, it’s a large hall where you’ll find the first restrooms to your left, immigration straight ahead, from where you can already see the baggage claim behind it. Things move a bit slower in the Maldives, so you might have to wait longer at the baggage carousel. You’re on vacation now and should take your time, but waiting for the luggage… always a test of patience for us \ud83d\ude09 .
Once outside, a hotel staff member was already there to receive us. Usually, a hotel representative or the tour guide holds up a sign or approaches you directly to check you off on a printed list. In 2009, the airport was much smaller, with only one restaurant outside and a few shops, while today you find many small hotel stations where the onward journey with the guests is discussed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t