On Saturday morning we were up nice and early to catch our flight from Delhi to Mumbai, Mumbai to Colombo (Sri Lanka). We arrived at the airport with plenty of time, which was good because the check-in process took longer than usual for a few reasons. First, we had to check our “carry-on” suitcases because you are only allowed 7kg in the cabin and each suitcases weighs between 11-15kg. Second, you need a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka, which we had but all of that information needed to be checked and entered into the computer for each of us. We got through that, through security and had a few minutes in the lounge before boarding. Our boarding cards didn’t scan correctly, but they let us right through and we didn’t think anything of it.

We had a layover in Mumbai and were shocked/saddened to see the Dharavi slum. It was so much more extensive than I expected. And then the Mumbai airport is modern and clean. Quite the contrast. We didn’t have a very long layover and unfortunately had a lot of trouble because those boarding passes also didn’t scan and we were told to go here and there and back to here, but we did make it! We got to the gate just as they announced last call. I think that is a first for us!

We arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka around 3:00pm and had a driver there, ready to drive us the almost 4 hour drive north to Kalpitiya where we stayed for two nights. We rented a small house that was basic but worked. We especially enjoyed the outdoor shower! The woman who rented it was very kind, and we didn’t spend much time there, so it worked out well.

On Sunday morning we woke up and set off in search of some breakfast. We didn’t find a restaurant or a bakery in town but did stumble upon a small grocery store where we stocked up on some bread, cheese, yogurt and crackers. We thought we could find a bench at a park or on the beach, but that did not materialize. We made it to the water but instead of a beach, we found a boat workshop with some kind men who opened up their garage and got out a couple of stools for us to use.

We had organised a boat ride for the afternoon but had a few hours to kill so wanted to find a beach. We asked the men at the workshop and they arranged a tuk tuk to take us about 20 minutes south to Kudawa. We are getting quite good at squeezing into one tuk tuk together! In India, Steffen always sat in the front but here in Sri Lanka, they insist he sits in the back with us. 🙂 The beach wasn’t amazing–water was a bit murky and there were a few dead fish around–so after a quick cool off and a rest, we decided to move on.

We were walking back to the street when we came across Scoop Cabana Hotel. The owner was there, even though the place was pretty empty, and he nicely took some time answer our questions. He told us we could sit in their dining area, procured some soft drinks for us and, when it was time, called us a tuk tuk. He was so nice! And the girls loved his kitty cat, Shiloh.

Then it was time for our activity of the day: a boat tour that headed north through Dutch Bay to the coastal side of Wilpattu National Park (where we will spend a few days later on) to the Baobab Tree where we saw monkeys and then got to be monkeys ourselves! The boat ride itself was so fun–we went fast, through the waves and we were all so happy to be outside, breathing fresh air and feeling the cool breeze. The boat driver/guide was patient and knowledgeable.

On our way back, we made another stop with the boat: this time to a marshy island where we could spot eagles. So beautiful! Then, as we walked back to the boat, three adorable puppies ran out and everyone was thrilled. They were soooo cute! We spent some time playing with them, always keeping an eye on the watchful Papa dog who was nice but definitely sizing us up.

A very successful first full day in Sri Lanka! Mostly we have been so pleased by the kindness of the people we have met and the beauty of the natural habitats. We are excited to explore more!