2nd – 4th September

So I’ve left it a little bit longer than I intended to write my next blog post, but I guess that’s how travelling goes! So I’m going to write this in a couple, or maybe 3 posts. Here’s my first few days in Sri Lanka………

First Impressions

Landing in Colombo Airport I was coaxed to the first local SIM card stand, before I’d even got through immigration! The tourist sim was pretty cheap, $9 for the whole time I’m here with internet, calls & texts – it can last you a month so well worth it! I’m so glad I decided to grab this, it’s been great being able to call places when I need and look up places to go, eat, book places to stay etc on the go.

I drew some money out at an ATM at the airport (after 3 attempts) – Sri Lanka has a closed currency so you can’t order any rupees in advance. I then got a taxi to Jon & Mini’s place in Moratuwa, friends of Jo’s (Tom’s sister) who I met last year. They’re so lovely and gave me such a nice start to my trip! Seeing familiar & friendly faces and having a nice place to stay for my first couple of nights is just what I needed to settle any nerves. And wow they’re place is amazing! They’re so accommodating and are looking after me great, even from afar.

The roads are crazy! It’s like a total free for all, nobody pays attention to anyone else on the road, beeping is to tell someone else that you’re there and happens every few minutes and the hundreds of tuk tuks (3 wheelers) squeeze through gaps in the traffic that a normal person wouldn’t think existed! It’s also very hot & humid (sweating is a fact of life here). The scenery on the way was nice though, lots of palm trees and whizzing past a few local towns – I like the vibe in Sri Lanka.

Boats, Bats & Beahes 🦇

As soon as I arrived we were off on their boat on the Bolgoda river / lake. The scenery is stunning, tropical palm trees and lush green vegetation. We had a beer at their local boat club and just getting back on the boat I spotted several flying foxes (giant fruit bats) flying above!!!! 😆😆😆 Anyone who knows me well will understand my sheer excitement – being a bat lover, my first time seeing mega bats in the wild was epic. 🖤

In their beautiful home I slept great the first few nights of my super long trip, and I’m forever grateful! 💛

We chilled for a couple of days, swims, walk on the beach, trying Mini’s amazing cooking and beers in the evening listening to music. I also saw some of the local area.

Great first few days, but now I was settled, it was time to go off exploring!