It all started with a vacation. Michela Ostini, 38, originally from San Giovanni in Croce, in the province of Cremona , worked as a sales assistant in a clothing boutique . A normal life, but one that at a certain point began to feel cramped: closed environments, formal clothes, routine, and above all, the feeling of being far from the things she truly loved: the sea, the heat, and the outdoors.
On a gray day in November 2022, Michela, while enjoying an aperitif at the bar with her friends, decided to leave for the Maldives the next day. At that moment, her life changed completely when the hotel where she was staying offered her the opportunity to stay and work , especially since the establishment had many Italian clients. Michela jumped at the chance, and what was supposed to be a vacation turned into a permanent move, and in just a few months she became an excellent snorkeling guide and divemaster.
Today, she lives on Thulusdhoo , a Maldivian island also known for its surfing. She focuses on snorkeling and organizing groups for yoga, surfing, and snorkeling retreats. She plans boat trips based on wind, currents, and sea conditions; for surfing, she collaborates with local guides who know the local waves inside out.
In a typical day Michela must:
- controllare wind, sea and currents;
- decide which spots are suitable for snorkeling;
- prepare masks, fins and equipment;
- accompany customers on boats;
- get into the water with them and look for turtles, rays, tropical fish and other animals;
- explain what they are observing;
- go back and organize the next outing.
Thusdhoo, about 25-35 minutes by speedboat from Malé, isn't the classic resort island seen in glossy photographs: it's a local island , home to Maldivians and foreigners, with guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and activities primarily related to surfing, diving, and snorkeling. A place that, at least for now, doesn't make you miss Cremona.
Cover image source: Corriere della Sera
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