Colombo/Negombo

It’s December 6/23 and we disembark the ship.  We’re really going to miss the food and service that was provided on the ship however it’s time to cut back and start working on all that weight I have gained in the last 20 days of floating paradise.

We are in the port in Colombo and we board a shuttle bus that takes us to a place where we can arrange for taxi to Negombo.  We first get in a car that takes us a short distance to a waiting van.  We go through a check point where the guard speaks to our driver all the time shooting us dirty looks.  The driver seems very timid and agreeable with whatever the guard says.  It seems as though we might not be granted clearance but then suddenly the driver starts to proceed and we breathe a sigh of relief.  The next thing we pass is a protest happening on the street with a lot of police presence.  Not a warm welcome and we wonder what we have gotten ourselves into.

Traffic is a nightmare.  Totally plugged but finally we reach the highway that takes us to Negombo.  There are only 3 highways in Sri Lanka.  One ends at the airport and one is still under construction.  Nothing moves quickly.

We are thankful that our first hotel is welcoming.  It’s a two bedroom unit and the pool is a welcome relief as it’s approximately 30 degrees and humid.

We walk down the block to check out the beach.  This is the beach used by the locals, not the tourists.

The owner at Christima’s recommends Palomo for dinner.  It’s just a short walk down the Main Street but you really have to watch your step due to missing pavement.

Dinner is yummy.  Made fresh when we order.  Even managed to have a glass of wine.

The following day we are picked up by the driver of BH Lanka tours and transported to our hotel where we start our tour of Sri Lanka.  It’s only 15 minutes from our previous hotel but a step up.  It’s on the beach, nice views.

Nice rooftop pool.



Rooftop lounge and pool



Tomorrow we meet our tour guide and head to the elephant sanctuary.