Introduction - Maldivian Childhood
Hey there, I'm Abdul Latheef Abdul Azeez (AAQEI), and I want to take you on a nostalgic journey through my childhood (Maldivian Childhood) growing up on the picturesque island of N. Velidhoo in the Maldives. Those were the days when life was simple, and our island was our playground, where the blue sea, coral reefs, and close-knit neighbours were the essence of our existence. There were no smartphones, tablets, or video games, technology was a world away, and our days were filled with the timeless joys of island life.
Beneath the Azure Waves:
Imagine crystal-clear waters that sparkled like diamonds under the sun. Every day after school, my friends and I would rush to the shore, snorkel and mask in hand. As we descended into the depths, we entered a different world—a world where colourful fish darted among swaying anemones, and turtles glided gracefully through the sea. And not far from the shore was our cherished secret hideaway, "Huraagandu," a massive stone formation that once jutted out from the sea. We'd swim to it from the shore, our laughter echoing as we explored this underwater gem, discovering hidden nooks and crannies teeming with marine life. Sadly, today, this area no longer exists, as it has been reclaimed to provide land for the residents of N. Velidhoo.
Picnics on Nearby Isles:
Weekends were our chance for island-hopping adventures, and one of our favorite destinations was Raafushi. Raafushi was a true gem, known for its stunning natural beauty. We'd gather with our neighbors and set off on traditional wooden boats, eagerly anticipating the day ahead. On uninhabited islands like Raafushi, we'd unpack our picnics—simple yet delicious meals. Noodles were a favorite, cooked over a campfire, and served on broad banana/uni/dhigga leaves. We used sticks for forks, and there was something magical about eating with nature as our dining table.
Raafushi was particularly special. Its "Raafushi Antena" was a great landmark, rising proudly against the endless expanse of sky. We'd spend our days on its hilariously nice sea and beach, casting lines to hook fresh fish, and sharing stories and laughter with friends. The hours would slip away, and we'd stay there until evening, our hearts and bellies full, and our memories etched with the beauty of Raafushi.
Coconuts from Lush Farms:
N. Velidhoo boasted sprawling coconut groves. Climbing these tall palms was a rite of passage for us island kids. We'd scale the trees, pluck coconuts, and expertly slice them open to relish the sweet, refreshing water. Our elders would skillfully grate the coconut flesh for various dishes, adding a taste of the tropics to our meals.
Fishing Trips and Camaraderie:
Fishing was more than just an occupation; it was a way of life. Early mornings, we'd join our fathers and uncles on their fishing trips. Casting nets, hauling in the catch, and watching the sunrise over the horizon was a ritual that connected us to our island's heritage.
Playhouses and Imaginary Voyages:
Childhood on N. Velidhoo wasn't complete without the time-honored tradition of building playhouses with friends. We'd gather bamboo and palm leaves, crafting tiny sanctuaries that became our secret hideaways—a world away from the cares of the day. These simple structures held our most treasured secrets and bound us together in shared adventures.
Ingenious Creations:
Our island upbringing sparked our creativity in countless ways. In the backyard of a neighbours house, we'd stumble upon coconut shells discarded as waste. With a touch of imagination, these shells transformed into our trusty boats, launching us on imaginary voyages to distant lands. The sea was our canvas, and our coconut shell vessels, our passports to adventure.
Homemade Entertainment: Television was a luxury beyond our reach, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the magic of entertainment. We'd fashion our makeshift TV using a card box and a rolled-up magazine for a reel. Manually turning the pages, we'd create our own movies, lost in the world of our imagination.
Ingenious Car Creations:
Our inventive spirit extended to crafting cars. "Apollo Box" and "Hirundhu Furolhu" became the building blocks of our dreams. With these materials, we'd assemble miniature vehicles that carried us to places only our imagination could reach. Those cars may have been small, but our adventures were grand.
Sports and Outdoor Fun:
Our island was our playground, and we made the most of it. Football and other sports were a constant source of joy. In our front yard and back yard, we'd mark out goalposts using stones and old slippers. A Mikasa-type rubber ball became our cherished companion, as we played matches that echoed with laughter and friendly competition.
As we reminisce about those days, it's clear that our childhood on N. Velidhoo was marked by the ingenuity of youth and the endless possibilities of our imaginations. These simple yet profound experiences enriched our lives, fostering creativity, camaraderie, and an enduring love for our island home.
Learning to Swim by the Jetty:
Learning to swim was a rite of passage for island kids. We'd gather at the jetty, peer into the clear waters below, and summon our courage. With friends cheering us on, we'd take the plunge, flailing and splashing until the day swimming became second nature.
EID Excitement and Fashion:
EID was a special time on N. Velidhoo. We'd eagerly await this festive occasion, and our preparations would begin weeks in advance. Shopping for new clothes was an integral part of the excitement. Brands like "Falho Gadi," "Reebok," and "Zendo" were the talk of the town, and selecting the perfect outfit was a serious endeavour. On EID morning, we'd proudly don our "No 4 Trousers" and step out into the world, our new attire filling us with a sense of pride.
Chicken Hunting After Eid Prayer: The festivities didn't end with new clothes. After the EID prayer, a unique tradition awaited us—chicken hunting. It was a comical sight as we chased after chickens, each one darting through houses, evading capture until the final, triumphant moment. These chickens, the spoils of our amusing hunt, would later become the stars of our Eid special lunch, prepared with care and shared with loved ones.
EID Show Excitement: As the day unfolded, our attention turned to the much-anticipated EID shows. We'd gather with family and friends, and, with our EID finery on full display, we'd head to the nearby stage where the festivities were in full swing. "Antharees" was a super hit show, and its creative stage design, using barrels and steel tubes, left us in awe. We'd watch the performances with wide-eyed wonder, celebrating the talents of our fellow islanders.
Treats and Togetherness: Eid Hadhiyaa were a must during these joyous celebrations, and we'd savor every bite while enjoying the company of family and friends. It was a time of togetherness, of sharing laughter and creating cherished memories. The EID show, with its vibrant performances and the enchanting island atmosphere, brought our community together in the spirit of festivity.
In these moments, N. Velidhoo truly came alive, and EID was a time when our close-knit island community celebrated the joy of being together, in our finest clothes, sharing delicious food, and revealing in the creative energy of "Antharees" and other memorable performances.
Conclusion:
As I look back on those carefree days of my childhood on N. Velidhoo, I'm filled with gratitude for the simple joys of island life. The crystal-clear waters, the taste of fresh coconuts, and the camaraderie of neighbors and friends shaped who I am today. It's a testament to the beauty of growing up close to nature, where every day was an adventure and every moment a treasure.
Those memories of picnics on banana leaves, exploring the underwater wonders, and building playhouses are etched in my heart, a testament to the magic of island childhood. It's a life I'll forever cherish—a life on the enchanting island of N. Velidhoo.
