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A chance conversation led to an invite to this beautiful island. Algodoal was simply breathtaking. A paradise island strewn by undulating sand dunes and natural unspoilt beauty. Blessed with arriving in the low season it was peacefully tranquil. Transportation once on the island was the basic horse and cart, dramatically different to city life!
We stayed on the mainland island of Maruda at Howneys holiday home. A great weekend getaway with a swimming pool. Only downfall was the bar on the opposite side of the road playing very loud dodgy music consistently throughout the day and night.
A live-in saga unfolded where we were expected to provide all food for everyone during our stay. Due to Dal being a veggie and our dietary requirements we discussed this with Raul prior to setting off and agreed to purchase our own food seperately. On arrival we realised we were the only ones who had brought food. Couchsurfing is an organisation built on trust, understanding and communication. On this occasion we felt that our host had taken advantage and resulted in a confrontation. Its very difficult to travel from another country and understand local customs and expectations. Each couchsurfer is unique and thankfully we have not experienced such misunderstanding as we did here. Our overall view of our hosts expectations was that of providing for all his financial needs over the weekend. Unfortunately, as you are all aware, differences in currencies allows the sterling pound to be stronger. His expectation was that of 2 very rich girls (we wish!). Thankfully there was a peaceful resolve but it did affect our weekend somewhat and has solidified our need to be more cautious and awareness of others expectations.
Once this situation has been resolved we spent the night sat around the pool drinking cocktails, talking and watching the stars. Funnily enough everyone was in good spirits after the consumption of their first cocktail :)
The following day we caught the boat across to Algodoal. Our first boat ride on our travels, enthusiastically on the lookout for dolphins, sharks etc....However this enthusiasm wore off very quickly when it became apparent that the boat was swaying vigourously aswell as our lunch! Leaving us feeling a little queasy. On arrival we were greeted by many locals offering a horse and cart ride into the main village but we opted for the coolness of the sea bathing our feet washing away the grit of the city streets. We made our way into the village and caught a boat ride across to the infamous Princess beach, reknown for it´s white sands and outstanding beauty. Battling our way through the hot inclined sandunes (an excellant workout for bums and thighs! Especially after all the icecreams). Unfortunately due to limited time we didn´t get to appreciate all Algodoal had to offer but we did manage to view it´s spectacular sunset. Our boat ride back to Maruda was in darkness which made for great star gazing and calmer waters.
That night we were all exhausted so we hit the pillows as soon as we reached the house.
Before heading home we visited a place called Crispy beach. The tide was so far out you couldn´t even see where it began. We walked all the way out to where the water met the sand which took us just over an hour! Crossing many pockets of warmwater and mini rivers.
The journey home was mostly in silence as I think everyone was in a reflective mood after spending a whole weekend surrounded by such natural beauty. We for sure will never forget our time spent there despite the mis-communication episode.
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