Here are some of the photos from my Maldivian quarantine.
You will recognize many of the things mentioned in my book,
Both Things Are True.
Just steps outside the open-air airport, this was taken on arrival, and this is where I had my panic attack on that last day.
The room on the boat that Wendy and I shared during vacation.
Me, healthy and happy, living the yacht life.
Me sitting on the deck of ScubaSpa Yang in the Indian Ocean. I was actually writing one of the poems that ended up in my book in this photo. My friend Julie took the pic without me realizing it.
Morning coffee on the boat, just before yoga on the upper deck! Left to right, Julie, Wendy, and me.
This is where I was spoiled beyond belief - the ScubaSpa Yang. A spectacular vacation.
That's Max on the left of the bar, the boat manager, and Shahadat on the right, our bartender and barista. That stool on the right was the one I was sitting on when I got the devastating news that last morning.
My perfect black coffee and 2 puff cookies that I enjoyed every morning on board. These were the cookies that Wendy and I were delighted to find in that first little market on the island during our time in the "holding cell".
My friends took this as they left the boat later that morning. I did not take a photo as I left... it was far too sad and traumatizing. When I left, the staff was all on that next deck up where the plant is, waving and holding their hands to their hearts. Such love.
That is our Shifaau, our interpreter and guide from the boat, as he led me down the narrow alley streets to the clinic to re-test, in hopes of going home.
This was a fruit stand I passed on the walk to the clinic that first morning on the island.
My holding cell, where I waited with Wendy for 6 1/2 hours for my re-test results. This is the whole of it. There was a TV on the wall to the right, across from the foot of the bed.
Me... I took a selfie of myself, sad, scared and alone, so I could remember and identify with it afterwards.
The front entrance to my quarantine hotel.
The room were I quarantined - my bed, the odd window next to my desk, the makeshift pantry shelf on the right of the desk, the door to the bathroom.
The toilet and shower situation.
My (sometimes shared) terrace.
The street that ran in front of my hotel.
That room service meal that I decided to spend my last cash on so I could get myself well when I had diarrhea. I couldn't taste any of it, but it was so beautiful! And I was delighted by the egg on top of my rice - extra protein that I hadn't expected.
Tuna Mas Huni - Maldivian breakfast
My first meal after the restaurant owner approved me to pay with a credit card - I ordered two meals, I was so hungry. And that fresh squeezed orange juice!
My warrior bench.
The giant bird that wanted my food if I ate outside. I did finally share - you can see the piece of food I put on the ledge for him.
Unexpected Beauty. This bloom showed up out of nowhere in the window box of a neighboring apartment's balcony, and the pop of color took my breath away. Hope springs eternal.
A woman walking along the beach one morning, in her full burka.
The women swimming in the sea with their foam noodles to hold them afloat, some kicking as they lay in the shallow surf.
The first thing I could taste - an apple slice!
The fresh tuna kabobs that I loved. This was my favorite meal, but they didn't have it in most of the time. I got to have it a 2nd time, on a particularly celebratory day.
The slice of coconut cake that I splurged on that day I was feeling so happy and hopeful.
Sunrise through the trees over the Sea. This was my view from my bed each morning.
The dead lizard covered in ants on my terrace that last morning.
The last sunrise as I walked the beach the morning I would leave the hotel.
Sahin and I, the last day. I didn't get a photo with Rubel because my taxi arrived so fast.
The pool at the day-pass hotel where I calmed myself before returning to the airport.
My tribe... oh my sweet tribe. Waiting for my arrival at the Denver airport.
I am HOME! This was at the airport baggage claim, just before going to get champagne.
My friends and family had stocked my fridge and filled my home with balloons and flowers.
I mean... REALLY stocked my fridge!
My fur babies, Noelle and Nicki! So happy to see me - and it was mutual!
That first night of softness in my puppy pile with blankets and pillows.