Sri Lanka 1

The flight from Kochi to Colombo was about the same as Edmonton to Vancouver. The customs guards actually smiled, which surprises me whenever it happens. Mine even showed off his knowledge of Canada by mentioning Justin Trudeau. No one looked at my mandatory visa, noted its number, or copied it. The air is even softer and more humid here. Once my driver picked me up, we made the 20 minutes or less to the hotel as darkness fell, the streets getting smaller and quieter as we left Colombo behind and headed to Negombo. Well, quieter until the fireworks and fire crackers started. When I inquired today, I was told it’s part of the celebrations “for the month of Christmas “. The party never ends on this continent!

The hotel has a small, well-kept pool and I was greeted by a man bearing a coconut with a straw in it. This is a drink I like, so it was much appreciated. Up to my room, which is a good size with a great bathroom (this means a toilet that can handle toilet paper and a full-force shower with immediate hot water) of good size. I had bought a bottle of wine in duty free and enjoyed a glass after going through my suitcase to toss some, and reorganize the rest, of its contents. It took me a while to realize I could hear the ocean from my room. This morning I stepped onto my balcony and realized that I can see the Bay of Bengal too. (I never seem to tire of writing that I can see the Bay of Bengal. Sorry if you’re tired of hearing it!) ****Well, I guess I’ll stop saying it for now, since I just checked and I’m actually on the Laccadive Sea. I was looking for a tide chart - which here includes all sorts of information I don’t get at home, including best fishing times, and realized my error. ****

I slept in, had an enormous breakfast of fresh fruit, fresh juice, toast and an omelette, then walked to the beach. It’s like all the other beaches I’ve seen here - garbage strewn about, soft ungroomed sand. The view of the wide open ocean is fabulous. The water rushes to the shore, not breaking until it reaches it, thumping down loudly, exhausted, after all those miles at sea. 

I will be here for 9 days of quiet before joining the next tour group, so I don’t expect I’ll have much to share with you for a while.