24 Hours in Sri Lanka
After some unexpected flight delays and cancellations, I had found myself with an unexpected 24-hour layover in Sri Lanka. Initially annoyed at the expenses and inconvenience associated with any kind of travel interruption, my attitude quickly changed to one of ‘how much can you squeeze into 24 hours in Sri Lanka’.
Arriving in Colombo was daunting, recently dealt with the devastating impact of the Easter mass bombings, security and the nation’s defence force were on high alert, each armed with one hefty looking firearm. The recently implemented advanced security screening was not one you would expect from a third-world country and made me feel equally more relaxed and nervous for another attack. An overpriced taxi took us to our hotel, a comfort booking based on where we would in a week’s time be picked up for our Intrepid adventure. Despite this being just a sneak-peak of what was to come, the next 24 hours was adventure filled and got me even more eager for the time we would later spend here.
Steaming hot and after sampling the fish curry at breakfast and saying good morning to cricket enthusiasts and fisherman on the beach, we took the Tuk Tuk to the Sunday Markets, everyone so friendly, colours amazing and smells, mostly fishy! Next picking up our sightseeing at the treasure chest filled Temple, the dress code for the Hindu Monks is rather sparse compared to the Buddhist Monks. Onwards to St. Mary’s Catholic Church (well it is Sunday) and then a refreshing traditional Faluda drink before finding our boat for a tour around the Negombo Lagoon. This 120km stretch of waterway is now used for hundreds of fisherman and their colourful boats was the main goods and transportation link from Colombo. The shores lined with families enjoying their Sundays relaxing and having fun by their very basic homes. As we ventured beyond the canals we met an abundance of wildlife, traditional fishing methods and we even had a go digging our feet in the shallows to hand pick the clams from below the surface. Mangroves continue to fall and re-grow making this lagoon green all year round. Watching the kids play, men cleaning their fishing boats, the sand crabs scuttling around was the loveliest way to spend our first day exploring this incredible country. A beach bar sits perfectly in front of our hotel, the beach seems busy with local people (and dogs) who bring picnics, light fires and enjoy their local Negombo Beach each Sunday with their families, just like we do back home. The Lion Beer refreshing, sunset perfect and now heading back to the airport for the next chapter. A perfect , jam packed 24 hour introduction to Sri Lanka making us hungry for our tour next week.