‘I didn’t want to leave!’ by Carol Reed-Bishop

fullsizerenderIn November 2016 I spent 4 weeks on the Whale Shark project in the Maldives. The first two weeks in a small group of 3 volunteers and the second 2 weeks in a group of 7. Iru, Alex and Ed who help run the project, have an amazing passion for the it as well as extensive knowledge on whale sharks and marine life.

I have learnt so much in the last 4 weeks and experienced so many memorable things! Swimming with whale sharks and manta rays, sting rays and numerous colourful fish.

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The whale sharks are incredibly peaceful and graceful fishes. To swim along side one for a long time was just amazing and I can’t find the words to describe the experience. I even learnt how to duck dive and photo bomb most pictures, by accident really !!!

I have not only learnt a lot but have made great friends. I really recommend  joining this project, the only real downside is coming home from paradise. I really miss the island life, my friends and the splendid sea life. I believe this experience has made me a better person and a lot more aware of how wonderful our world is. Thank you to Alex and Iru for showing me this.

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