Negombo, Sri Lanka – 5-6 April 2015

I leave peace and tranquillity mid-morning on Easter Sunday, 5 April, and head to Galle railway station. The first tuk tuk driver that came to the hotel to collect me wanted to charge 650 - I think not when I came here for 400! You are messing with the wrong person sorry buddy! The hotel kindly called me a new one, and quoted me 500 - done! I'm on my way.

On arrival to the train station there are a number of people around, clearly all going on the same direction as me. Tickets purchased and I head to the platform with everyone else.

To say it's a scrum to get on-board is being too nice!! People are trying to get off while we are trying to get on. I miss a seat by seconds and it's all because a rude lady behind me kept pushing me. Grrrrr.

I end up standing in the aisle between hot guy (I'll call him this as he is good looking and is Wearing jeans....) and a mother with two young children. Standing here the sweat is pouring down me - yes unpleasant I know, just imagine how I'm feeling. The sooner we leave the better as at least there will be a breeze.

We depart Galle a few minutes late, swear is pouring off me! Ye ha for a breeze.

Hot guy keeps looking at me - don't look dude offer me your seat.....Ooh how I wish I had my headphones; bad bad mistake Sadj. Instead I stare out the window and watch the world go by.

 

I'm surrounded by children so pass some time trying to entertain them; it's more for me I think :)



Hot guy starts to chat to me. Ooh dear. While his English is pretty good he is speaking softly so it's hard to hear him over the sound of the train. He tells me we can share the seat and to let him know when I want to change - thanks but I think I'll stay where I am. I'm then asked if I'm on facebook.

Ooh headphones where are you.....

There is no need to buy any food or drink before getting on board as there is a constant stream of sellers walking up and down the packed aisles.



Finally hot guy gives up on me and starts chatting to someone else - result!

Next thing I know he has given her his seat and they are looking each other up on facebook. The standing continues!!

We finally pull into Colombo Fort at 1.30pm, a little later than scheduled. I'd been chatting to the lady that hot guy had been speaking with (he left the train at the last stop), she gave me instructions on getting to Jetwing Lagoon (my next hotel). We left the station together and within a couple of minutes she's telling me to "get you, you can trust him". Righto then. She then jumps in and we drop her at the bus station. She's a tour guide and use to work for the hotel brand that I'm going too.



After a stop to get petrol we are off. A few minutes later I see a sign Negombo so know we are heading in the right direction; then a sign that says 27.9 km's to go. Bloody hell. Given we are going about 40 Kms an hour I'll be here for ages! Thankfully there is a cool breeze as we cruise down the highway.



My driver pulls over at a watermelon stall; he had just been speaking to his wife so I'm assumed it's to get her some. No worries for me, it's nice to see a bit of daily life. The stall man is a whizz with his big knife cutting the whole watermelon into slices within seconds. I would have taken off a finger or two. I'm then given a piece - yummo! After my driver has a piece he tries to give me the rest, I'm next sure what to do in this situation so kindly turned him down and said he can take it for his wife.



We continue on our journey, as we get closer he starts asking people for directions. Finally we arrive!

The first thing I notice on check-in is the massive swimming pool, woo hoo I'll be in there quick smart!

I'm given a tour of my room, a nice touch. Yet again I have an outside bathroom. Thankfully this time there is a fan :)



Togs time!

I head out just before the sun sets for the day so manage to catch a glimpse - wow wow wow! A shame I hadn't been here to see the full process, Ooh well there is always tomorrow night.

I enjoy a drink on the lagoon side of the hotel and get chatting to a guy who is here for R&R from Qatar - after only speaking to myself for the past 5 days it was nice to chat to someone else!! We end up eating dinner together too.

Monday, 6 April I wake before the sun - why ooh why when I'll be up all day today given my flight isn't to quarter past midnight. A nap by the pool will be required later! I head out for a run, similar to other mornings seem to be people's entertainment. It's hot!
After a leisurely breakfast I head to the pool - Aah this is the life.

I manage to extend my check-out to 3pm, although to be honest it really doesn't make a difference as I'm staying by the pool all day. On check-out I arrange a transfer to the airport for 9.30pm and a massage for 6.30pm. As most of you know I'm NOT a big fan but feel like I need one. If you hear screams later never fare it's only me!

The rest of the afternoon passing nice and slowly - and I keep moving my chair under the shade, I've seen enough sun. Hard to believe my time in Sri Lanka is coming to an end, it's been an amazing 10 days.

I arrive at my massage early; anyone would think I'm keen. No no just sick of watching the clock and it gets me out of the sun. After sitting waiting for a while a lady comes by asking if I got her message that we will start at 7pm. Umm no I didn't and to be honest that won't work. Ok she says, 5 minutes.

I survive the massage :) and actually will have another one when I’m back in Hong Kong.

After a delicious dinner I head to reception to do a quick rearrange of my things before heading to the airport; it’s a relatively quick 30 minute trip. I'm usually in bed by this time!

Getting through the airport is painless, just numerous security stops. No upgrade on check-in so fingers crossed for one when I board. Time now to go and chill in the lounge and try not to go to sleep!

It's been an amazing 10 days in Sri Lanka - the friendliness of the people is the thing that I have loved the most, they are so open. I will return!

Unawatuna, Sri Lanka – 3-5 April 2015

I take a tuk tuk mid-morning from Galle Fort (on Good Friday, 3 April) to my hotel in Unawatuna. It's about a 15 minute ride which could be shorten if he would drive faster.....saving petrol perhaps??!

 

On arrival I'm pleasantly surprised by the airiness, now wishing I had rushed this morning to arrive earlier! On entering my room one of the two staff with me opened the curtains - the first thing I notice is I have my own private pool (which then goes into the main pool), with two loungers and two comfortable chairs on the balcony. Wow wow wow this is heaven! I'm now kicking myself I didn't get here earlier. I spent a couple of hours relaxing - getting in and out of the pool and reading. I'm in heaven. After a quick lunch in the restaurant (where there are amazing views of the sea) I head straight back down to my balcony.

 


The general manager made a point of greeting me when I arrived earlier and told me the sunsets (and sun rises) are amazing from the restaurant so I head up about half an hour before sunset. I'm not disappointed!! A sight I will never ever tire of.

  
  


I decide to head down to the town (which is mainly on the beach) for dinner, as it's dark I take a tuk tuk which I'm sure tomorrow in the day light I will think is silly but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thankfully there is a nice breeze which drops the temperate a few degrees.

Aah its bliss sitting listening to the waves while drinking the local beer Lion. I could get use to this! Unawatuna reminds me a bit of Dahab, Egypt and Koh Samui, Thailand - restaurants on the beach and a very chilled atmosphere.

After dinner I have sometime before my tuk tuk driver comes to collect me so I wander up the beach; its lovely having the sand between my toes. On gazing up I see stars in the sky :)

Saturday, 4 April, I wake early and head out for a run. While the sun is well and truly up it doesn't feel as hot as it has been other mornings. Thankfully I can run in the shade most of the time.

  

After breakfast on the roof top I retire to my balcony and relax for the day :)



I decide to walk down to the town for dinner - there is a couple that leave just before me, perfect timing, so I follow them down. I have my torch for the way back.

Dinner is had sitting on the sand under the stars - a great way to end the day!

Easter Sunday, 5 April, I'm awake far to early so head out for a run. It's very hot!! I manage to run for 33 minutes then walk the rest of the way back to the hotel. A/C is needed and fast!

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast I begin the awful task of packing up - I'm heading to Negombo today for the night before flying back to HK late on Monday night. It's been a lovely 2 night stay here - so nice and peaceful.

Galle, Sri Lanka – 1-3 April 2015

We finally locate the "hotel" after driving up and down the street a few times, even asking a few tuk tuk drivers where to go including one that was right next door! Ooh well.

The first thing I notice getting out of the car is how hot and humid it is, a change from cooler Ella.

Check-in couldn't have gone easier! I was greeted by my first and last name. Due to the issue from last night’s hotel I had two separate reservations - one for tonight and one for tomorrow night. They had it all under control! But was confused that I came from Hong Kong but was a New Zealander. Story explained and I'm off to my room. A massive difference from last night, but to be expected given the huge difference in cost.

After getting rid of my bags I head out for a walk, nothing better when you have been in a car for over 5 hours. Very happy not to have to travel anywhere tomorrow!

My hotel is directly opposite part of the Fort walls so I head over and just wander. The sea breeze is heaven and looking down at the crystal clear water I want to get in. Let's hope tomorrow isn't too hot.

  
  

I come across the clock tower then the main gate and continue wandering. I wonder at times if I'm in Europe. I'm about to stop to watch a game of locals playing cricket when they decide to call it a day. Buggar.



Early evening I head back to the hotel before getting some recommendations for dinner. The first place I go too everything sounds delicious but they don't have any beer (or any other alcohol) so I order a ginger beer and decide to go elsewhere for dinner. By the time I leave its started to rain so I duck into an art gallery / jewellery store. A pleasant surprise.

The Heritage Inn (another recommendation) is now across the road so I make a run for it, within minutes of getting inside the heavens open like there is no tomorrow. Very happy to be under cover! Now for a drink....what no alcohol here either. Very very bad planning Sadj, tomorrow I'll need to ask that before I actually sit down! I decide on the local Sri Lankan speciality of rice and curry, tonight choosing the vegetarian option.

By the time I'm due to leave the rain has disappeared, and it's actually pleasant out. I'm asked a few times if I want a tuk tuk, no thanks. Absolutely no need when my "hotel" is just around the corner.

Thursday, 2 April I wake early, surprising given I feel like I didn't sleep well at all last night. Between the loud a/c and fan and the piece of rock I'm sleeping on! One more night then fingers crossed it's a comfortable bed!

I head out at 7am for a run, on stepping outside I wonder if I'm back in Singapore as its bloody hot! Finally I can run in a temperate my body gets. There are guys playing cricket in the grass field already. I run around the perimeter of the Fort, at times the only person around, with the sea right there. If only I could go and jump in! After running down the coast for a bit - clearly everyone's morning show - I head back to the train station to find out about the train to Colombo on Sunday. I need a shower and some serious a/c!!

 


I walk back into the Fort and around to the lighthouse. Such a gorgeous morning. Before finding somewhere for breakfast I decide to wander the streets, it's basically me and the locals which is so nice. I'm loving the laid back feel of Galle Fort, with the colonial buildings and very friendly people. Such a shame I don't have a hotel with a pool as it will be needed today! Instead I'll be walking around slowly in the shade. I come across the Galle Fort Hotel so decide to check their menu - yes alcohol is served, Ye ha I'll be back later on.

I enjoy breakfast under the fans sipping on my iced coffee, far to hot for the hot one.

After standing under the a/c (following a cold shower) for what seems like forever I decide I need to leave the room - it's just gone 10am and already a hundred and one degrees Celsius. There are numerous groups of guys playing cricket now, how they manage in this heat is beyond me.



I slowly meander around the streets, at times thinking I'm going backwards as I'm so slow! It seems like every second person wants to say hi and have a chat. While it was nice to start with I'm slowly getting over it; being nice may get some people into their shop / tuk tuk but right now I'm happy to continue on my Merry little way. I escape the midday heat by having a much needed cold ginger beer - I would have like a massive ice bucket on the side but decided against asking as they wouldn't get my humour.

It's nice just wandering with no fixed abode, and as my trusty lonely planet says it's good to put away the itinerary and just see where your feet take you. For me right now it's to the shady side of the streets :) I look in a few shops but generally it's just walking the streets.



   
  
  

I stumble across a place for lunch and on entering am in awe, there is a lovely courtyard and tables surrounding it under fans. Yes thanks I'll have one of them. Feeling satisfied on a mezze plate I head out to the heat again. This time it's to go straight to my hotel; I can feel my arms are burnt and a couple of hours inside will do me well.

Late afternoon I head out again, while the sun is still out the dark clouds are making their way on this direction. I'm half pleased as it will mean a drop in temperature. I wander around the fort walls, saying hi and bye to numerous school children. Visiting Galle Fort is clearly a common thing in schools around here as I've seen many groups throughout today and yesterday afternoon.



It's coming up beer o'clock so I make my way to the Galle Fort Hotel (there will be no mistakes like yesterday!); before relaxing on the front balcony I check out the hotel backyard (believe me it's a lot more fancier than the typically backyard!) as I had looked into staying here. While it looks lovely the pool is tiny, think half a squash court and that’s probably being nice. Thanks but I'll leave my swimming to tomorrow.

I've got more important things to be doing....drinking the local (Lion) beer. I order a small beer and out comes a large one - hmmm ok, I'm sure I can drink it but….. I did expect slightly better service, and on asking why it's big given I'd ordered the small size (which on a side note would have been more economical to order two small sizes instead of a large) I was told it's because they have sold out. Hmmm ok, seems odd but hey ho. Beer to drink.

I'm hanging out enjoying just relaxing and taking in the sounds when one of the staff come by and tell me I can drink the whole bottle - thanks very much but I need water first :) Two days of no drinking (with very hot days) and my tolerance has decreased. He giggles.

I catch the last of the sunset before heading off to locate the first stop I had last night for dinner, yes I know it doesn't serve any alcohol....it's the food I'm after. I have a nice romantic table for one sitting out under stars. A great end to a lovely day! Within a few minutes of ordering tuna a tuk tuk pulls up, the driver goes inside and comes out with a bucket and three of the staff. A good size fish comes out of the tuk tuk and straight into the bucket. Two guys then pull out a massive tuna, wow talk about fresh!, and carry it into the kitchen.



Good Friday, 3 April, after being awake in the night (so over insomnia!) I manage a wee sleep in....7.20am - wow! Far too hot now to head out for a run so instead I take my time getting up. It's packing day, again! Over that too.

I stroll the streets looking for a breakfast place, the streets are more deserted than yesterday but there are a lot more groups of guys playing cricket. While I'm in a rush to get into a pool I take my time over breakfast then have a last stroll around the Fort walls before checking out. It's been a lovely 2 nights in Galle Fort - I know really want to get back to Europe but right now that needs to wait, I'm off to Unawatuna.