Above: Malé, the capital of the Maldives - NIROMAKS / GETTY IMAGES

Most people dream of becoming castaways during a trip to the Maldives, going there to get away from it all. But it seemed a shame to leave this delightful young country of a half-million people without experiencing its culture. The Maldivian government does not generally encourage tourism outside of the resorts, but it is possible. And I resolved to do it.

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Above: Malé, the capital of the Maldives - NIROMAKS / GETTY IMAGES

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