NEGOMBO

Circuit of Sri Lanka --- Colombo arrival --- Negombo ---  Dambulla --- Kandy --- Nuwara Eliya --- Ella --- Yala --- Bentota --- Colombo, departure.

Last night we were picked up from Colombo Sri Lanka airport. By the time we got through customs it was probably just after 11.00pm and we were driven to our first Hotel called Jetwing Blue Negombo, which was 20mins away from the airport. By the time we checked in it was mid night. By then we were feeling very tired a long day with two flights. One Udaipur to Delhi one hour fifteen mins, then three and a half hours later from Delhi to Colombo Sri Lanka, three hours twenty mins. Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka the home to the largest catholic community in Sri Lanka. The little we have seen so far of Sri Lanka, it is much much different to India. A little more organised and cleaner with less dust and plastic waste and clear skies without the haze. Although I believe it gets misty up in the hills.

Today we had a leisure day around the hotel which is right on the beach. So good to see the coast again and feel that sea breeze after no wind at all in India. We have a nice big room with the best sea views on the third floor looking over the beach out to sea. This morning we found it very humid and hot but as the day went on the breeze got up and that made it more comfortable. Had a nice swim and felt a lot more relaxed. It's always good to have a leisure day after flying the previous day. We did this when we arrived into India. Now feeling refreshed we are looking forward to setting off to Dambulla tomorrow, which is the start of getting up into the hills which we are looking forward to. Hopefully it might be a little cooler with luck.

Our view from our room. It was great to have a balcony which got the afternoon sun to catch up and get all the washing dry. And of cause the breeze.

Our view which continues around to the right.

This is a traditional fishing boat which was  just on its way to do a days fishing not far off the beach.

When we came out of the hotel roadside we had a walk along the road until we came across this walkway to the beach. Gave us a chance to walk past some of the local houses. Very small all down this walkway. The little box right in the middle of the picture is their toilet. There appeared to be plenty of ventilation!

Looking along the beach.

More boats were arriving for their days fish. In all we counted 17 boats. Thought they would have been netting for these relatively small fish but they were line fishing with several lure hooks with 3 or 4 crew on each boat.

I tried to converse with these ladies without to much luck but they were beheading and gutting these fish all in one motion. They were very quick. The birds were all hanging around. This was all about 300m along the beach from the hotel.

After the gutting process they were dried, soaked in a brine solution for 2 days dried again and then sent to the market.

As none of the local ladies could speak English PT needed lots of questions answered re the fishing so found this young man who spoke well.

A bit of a wreck( not PT the boat), just left on the beach.

We couldn't swim in the sea today as the currents were strong and it was quite rough.

This is one of two pools. We swam here as nearest to our room. Pleasant temperature not too cold. Even PT could get in quickly and not take ages.

Our room is the third from the right on the top floor.

Went a little made with the sunset as it kept changing all the time.

Between the sunset and the palm trees. ( quote Peter Sellers )

Waiting for dinner. I didn't realise the flash wasn't on. The waiter said that he will take the same shot at breakfast tomorrow when there will be better 

light. Nice breeze coming in off the beach. The sand is right up to the table open air restaurant. Just feels like we are up in the Pacific Islands with this balmy breeze such a contrast to India. Of interest was that we were at the same table for breakfast this morning. As the birds (crows) were hanging around and making a hellava noise one elderly chap's job was to use a shanghai (slingshot) to keep the birds away from the dining room area.