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!
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