The runway, as I had mentioned before, doubles up as the island’s evening recreation center. Around five o’clock, the whole village pours onto the runway. Kids, parents, grandparents… everybody. Soccer, rugby, volleyball, you name it. Some are out for an evening stroll while others simply stand around soaking in the energy and cheering everyone on.

I have seen airports with duty-free shops, lounges, and even spas. This is the first one with a pickup soccer game on the runway.

That was a lot of walking in the hot, humid weather. I came back to my room, took a shower, and stretched out for a bit. As I rested, I found myself wondering what I was going to do for the next three days.

Then I rented a scooter.

And that changed everything.

Now I do not want to leave the island.

There is something magical about riding around with the warm evening breeze on your face. There are no helmets anywhere on the island, which somehow adds to the wonderfully carefree feeling.

Now, I just need to make sure that I do not miss my flight with all that scootering around!

Curious if anybody ever uses it.

The one place that was nearby had two items on the menu. It is the same everyday – a burger or a half or half pound chicken with rice.

Burger it was! Since it also came with fries!!

People have their family members buried right in front of their house – in their frontyard to be precise.

It was just as easy as that. Stood there and took a selfie. Realized that there were a couple of amused locals looking me as they were crossing the runway on their scooter.

This is the main island I am staying in.

As beautiful as the water is, the rising ocean levels will all but consume the entire island. Lately, the water level has been rising at a much faster pace. That structure you see is an UNDP project to quickly create embankments – else the runway will be submerged in five years, making the island and its people all but unreachable!!