4 Must-Know Facts That Make You Sound Like a Local In Maldives

Thought that Maldives is all about sun, islands and sparkling blue water? That’s true, partially. Deemed the best year-round diving destination in the Indian Ocean, this tropical island is unrivaled for its amazing underwater world and scenery. But there's more to it that makes over a million people visit this remote, tiny yet incredibly beautiful paradise each year.

We have gathered 4 amusing facts which you might not be aware yet – but you'll love to hear it.

Maldives underwater – is always exciting

Do you agree if we say you’ve only really been to Maldives if you have look underwater? Maldives have good coral reefs, but it’s the abundance of marine life beneath the sea that is really stunning. Enjoy swimming along whale sharks, sea turtles, and trigger-fish; watch parrot fish nibbling on the coral; or explore the caves for more exciting diversity of underwater landscape. 

Swimming right next to a whale is ultimate
in the bucket list for true divers

Maldives sand – is actually parrot fish’s poops

That’s less attractive to know, but the fine coral sand is largely contributed by the parrot fish. Unable to digest the algae on coral in the water, parrot fish poop out and yes, here’s your long dreamed white, sugary beaches.  

All-white sands in Maldives are actually fish poops,
can you believe it?

Maldives houses - used to be made from coral

Maldivian homes were traditionally built from corals, held together by lime produced from coral burnings. Now globally protected, coral reefs for house construction are no longer allowed, and replaced with cements instead. Many coral houses still can be seen in Male and local islands. 

Many old coral houses can still be seen in Male

Maldives water - is really that blue

The distinctive turquoise water colour in Maldives is real – and remains even after the sky is dark. Perfectly mixed by clear vibrant water and its particles on the white sand bed, Maldives water reflects a unique blue on its own that you can't find elsewhere. 

The distinctive water colour uniquely found in Maldives

Source: apollojets, audleytravel, dailymail, govisitmaldives, 

koimalamaldives, makemytrip, obcadventuresmaldives, peaceandaloha

With so much to discover, Maldives might be the perfect vacation within a vacation that you need to unwind. Besides photos, perhaps you might want something that will closely capture all your go-nature moments in the island, like a palm tree or a cute Nemo fish...

"Sunny Palm Tree" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

"Fly Away" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

"Finding Nemo" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

... or a pearl ring that is as white as the Maldives sand.

18k White Gold Pearl Diamond Ring

Isn't it time to get the sand between your toes?

10 French Phrases You Should Really Learn Before You Visit Paris

You’ve been waiting sooo long for it, and now you are finally on your way to France. Do you want to get a warm welcome throughout your visit in Paris? You might be worry now because you can’t speak French and you doubt they can understand English very well. Perhaps you can make a little effort to learn few basic French phrases that are very useful when you need help.

By knowing these 10 French phrases you won’t be seen as a tourist, but perhaps a new friend that the locals would love to talk to, sounds interesting?

Bonjour or Bonsoir Monsieur / Mademoiselle (Boh(n)-zhoor or Boh(n) swarh muh-syuhr/ mah-dah-mwa-sell: Hello, Mr / Miss

This is a big opener before you plan to ask anyone in France. Just as you like people to greet you, start with a friendly “hello” or “good day”. If it is already late, use “bonsoir” instead to say “good evening” or even “goodbye”.

Say bonjour to anyone you meet in Paris
is a lovely way to make friends 

Excusez-moi (Ex-kyou-say mwa): Excuse me

Alternatively, this phrase is also very helpful to begin your question when you are trying to find or buy something.

Où est…? (Oo ay): Where is…?

You can find most of the tourist spots in Paris on a map, but perhaps not for toilets, cafes and restaurants. You can use this phrase to ask “where is…?” 

When you are lost, do not hesitate to use
ou est to ask for directions

S'il vous plaît  (Seal voo play): Please

For example, if you wish the person to speak slower, say “Parle lentment, s'il vous plait”. Always remember to show appreciation after someone has done you a favour.

You can use si'l vous plait during menu ordering too

Pouvez-vous m'aider? (Poo-vay voo meh - day?): Can you help me?

This is another helpful phrase when you are loss at words and need a favour. It can be used together with s'il vous plait, for example “Pouvez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît?”

Again, there are many ways to ask for favours in French

Je ne comprends pas (Zhuh nuh comp-rond pah): I don’t understand

And if you don’t understand, tell the person so that he or she can reformulate the sentence or use other words. 

Parlez-vous anglais? (Par - lay vooz ah(n)-glay?): Do you speak English?

Though you are able to ask questions in French, you’ll still hope to be answered in English, which the local people might be reluctant to. Most of them speak basic English, and asking them politely helps you to communicate better with them.

Merci (Mare-see): Thank you

This is the second most important word in French, formally or informally. Whenever you have received a favour or a help, always end the interaction pleasantly with a thank you. 

Say thank you to them who take photos with or for you
too as a gesture of friendship

Oui / Non (Wee / No): Yes / No

When you have limited vocabulary, saying "yes" and "no" in French is very useful. The person will realize and perhaps change interaction by asking you questions instead.

Au revoir (Ah reh-vwarh): Goodbye

“Au revoir” is the preferred way to say “goodbye” because “adieu” (ah-dyooh) though more informal, can be mistaken as “never going to see you again”.

At the end of a conversation, say au revoir to
indicate that you hope to see the person again

Source: ask, etsy, howtosurviveinparis, natgeotraveller, speaking-agency, 

theguardian, stilettobeats, huffingtonpost

And One More Thing...

If knowing a few phrases can make a huge difference in your meeting with people in Paris, what's more with a piece of two of symbolical jewellery of the city itself. It helps to immerse yourself in the local culture and show your eagerness to discover the city, and locals might be much happier to help you.

We can think of nothing better than these Paris-themed gold charms:

"Fashion Bag" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

"Eiffel Tower" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

"Arc de Triomphe" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

Follow us on Wah Chan Official Facebook for more travel tips and adornments. 

7 Things You Can't Forget to Pack to London

We do know, London is a history rich city, and its weather also can change quickly. No matter how often you travel, you’ve probably asked “what should I pack for London at this time of year”!

London is a huge metropolitan city where you can buy anything you forget easily. However to save your money and time, here are our 7 useful tips for what you should really pack for a London getaway. Travel to London just got a bit easier with this packing guide! Read on to find out how to plan for your travel wardrobe.

A small folding umbrella

London weather is unpredictable so be prepared with a handy umbrella for spontaneous showers during your visit.

A compatible umbrella to be put along inside your daypack

A few layers of clothes

Again for the weather, pack several layers such as sleeved shirts, jumpers and a coat to keep you warm. You can put them on or take them off as the weather changes.

A pair or two of jeans

Jeans are a universal street fashion and perfectly acceptable to wear anywhere, except certain upmarket places with smart dress code.

A pair of sturdy walking shoes

Wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes, for all-day use and pack another evening shoes if you plan to visit some theaters and enjoy London nightlife.

One of the street fashions
usually seen in London

A day pack

A small day pack is used to carry your daily things that won’t fit in your pockets such as a camera, a water bottle, a map etc. Alternatively, if you bring along a laptop, use its briefcase as your carry-on.

Carrying a day pack keeps your hands free while travelling

A smartphone or tablet

These gadgets allow you to access free wifi in London easily and you can navigate around the city even without a map. Also, with so many fabulous places in London, your phone can help you capture the fun in just one click.

A smartphone can be a handy camera and a gps along

Source: dailymail, flickr, livinglocal.triip.me, standard, 
theconstantwanderings, travel.nationalgeographic

A few costume accessories

For ladies, a few chosen pieces of jewellery will transform any outfit in any occasions whether it is for sightseeing or fine dining. With the travel mood so strong this month, why don't customize one or two charms that will capture all of your travel moments in London such as these:

"Say Cheeze" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

"Double Decker" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

"Big Ben" 916 Yellow Gold Charm

Like us on Wah Chan Official Facebook for more travel-related tips and jewellery.

5 Things to Show That You Are an Independent Woman

Happy International Women’s Day! Say this to yourself, your mom, or any strong, independent women you know. We are celebrating you for all that you are and have accomplished. No no, we don't merely mean doing your own laundry and cooking – it takes a lot more than that to single-handedly take on the world.

Being independent is about being you in all ways. Sometimes, you might not realize it yourself, so here's 5 things that show you are indeed the independent woman we marvel about.

You love to travel alone

So true. Being an independent woman, you are not afraid to take on your own adventure. Travelling solo for you is a freedom and self-indulgence that makes you more confident and open to the world. Even if you can't speak foreign languages, you are ready for the ride halfway around the globe. 

Every single step you take alone makes you stronger, better

You are career-minded

You are focus in your job and aim to expand beyond your "comfort zone". Your “I-can-do-it” attitude is very strong; nothing can stop you from overcoming any challenge and achieving your dreams - on your own efforts. Does everybody call you superwoman at work?

Taylor Swift is one of the many successful,
independent women we can't stop loving

You are “not” alone

For you, watching a movie in cinema or eating out on your own doesn't mean you are alone, but merely enjoying your solitude. You neither afraid being alone because that's what makes you the independent woman you are today. We admire.

Knowing how to appreciate solitude enables you
to focus better in work and life too

You pay your own way

Of course, here we mean you are financially independent too. As far as we know, you don’t expect people to pay for you and shower you with gifts because you are comfortable to pay for your own meal, cab fare and basically almost everything. So, you don’t mind splitting bills at all. 

Financially independent women can afford to pay their own way

Source: beingfa, tripgator, newyorker, richdad, shernlynshaw.ca, theughtcatalog, googleplus

You dress up confidently

You know how to use fashion to express your mood, taste and character. You embrace your freedom to choose outfit and jewellery that represent you, rather than for the compliments. An iconic tiara ring, for example, perhaps might best show the confidence of you, being you.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Wah Chan proudly presents the all-new Tiara ring collection, which is getting popular among celebrities such as FKA Twigs, Hannah Quinlivan and Angela Baby. Symbolizing strong, outstanding women, our Tiara rings are elegant interpretations of round diadem shapes added with miniature details for grand effect.

Crafted from white or warm rose gold, these extravagant Tiara rings offer 4 designs embellished with shimmering diamonds that lend empowering, sophisticated touches to your look. Fit for modern-day independent women, you can wear it as a classic and elegant piece for day or evening alike.

Adorn your finger with a tiara ring. Wah Chan’s Tiara Collection is now available at selected showrooms.

18k White Gold Tiara Diamond Ring

18k White Gold Tiara Diamond Ring

18k White Gold Tiara Diamond Ring

18k Rose Gold Tiara Diamond Ring