Ambalangoda, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, it took Elenka and I just one bus and two tuk-tuk rides to get to the train station in Colombo. Easy-peasy from there, we thought, but the train was way more than full, and we had to stand the entire way. At three quarters the way through this two hour journey, an Australian woman, who’d befriended us, asked if one of us would like to sit in her seat. Moments earlier, I’d looked at the time and knew we were only half an hour from our destination. ‘Nah,’ I said. ‘In Canada we do train trips like this standing on our heads.’
We’re currently staying at a place called Wallama Villa on Ambalangoda Beach, on the south-west side of Sri Lanka. The rating on booking.com comes in at an almost unheard of 9.7 out of 10. Here is why:
Wallama Villa is owned and run by a young couple named Amila and Chandi — they have two children, Banu (girl 10) and Inku (boy 6). After learning of Elenka’s back injury, Amila, tuk-tuked us 10 kilometres or more to the Ayurvedic garden/medicine shop. Not sure how well the potions will work, but they sure do smell good.
There is an excellent seafood restaurant, about a kilometre or so down the beach from the villa. But it’s a bit of a challenge getting back along the sometimes rocky shoreline, after dark. So Chandi came up with the idea of cooking right here at the Villa. Into the tuk-tuk we went again, this time to the bustling Ambalangoda market, where we bought fish, vegetables and fruit.
Chandi, the chef, along with the Elenka, the sous chef, prepare the sunset dinners. Just prior to our first meal I realized we needed beer. Grandpa — Chandi’s daddy, to the rescue. This time I had to ride on the back of a motorcycle. I’d done this a number of times during previous Asian journeys, so knew what I was in for. Zooming along, dodging tuk-tuks, motorcycles, bicycles, cars, potholes, dogs and humans. All this while driving on the bloody wrong side of the road. Anti-anxiety medication is highly recommended, if it’s your first time.
It’s Inku’s sixth birthday today. Elenka came up with the idea of buying the little cricketeer a birthday present. So off we were again, tuk-tuking it to the department store where Chandi suggested a backpack for Inku. I told her that we needed to buy a present for Banu, as well. Chandi said that Banu’s birthday wasn’t until September. I explained to Momma that it would be a good way for Banu to remember us. Her September present will be a pair of non-Canadian blue jeans, with no rips or holes in them. It’s the end of our six days here, we feel like part of the family.
In closing: The surf at Ambalangoda Beach is wonderfully rough. If you’re looking for a good 30 minute workout, the fair to average waves will keep you struggling the entire time you’re in the water. And aside from just a handful of Russians, Elenka and I are the only surf exercisers on the entire beach.
ToTo
2024-02-25
Hi Jackie Great Story and glad your hosts are nice, you both look well , hope Elanka's back heals soon. The picture where nice as well, continue to enjoy your adventure.
Vickie
2024-02-25
Everything is fantastic: the food, the friends, the family. You look great. And happy! Finally to be traveling again!
Pablo David
2024-02-25
Glad you arrived safely and hope that Ellen is feeling better. Beautiful photos! More portraits please!
Dot
2024-02-25
You both look very well! Glad to see you are exploring Sri Lanka - I loved the diversity from tea in Candy to the terrifying climb up Sigiriya (30 years ago) I’m sure it’s got safe railings in place now! Have fun xxx
Michelle
2024-02-26
Looks like a terrific hangout, glad you’re enjoying yourselves.
Steph Zilinski
2024-02-26
Curious what the Russians had to say about the war?
Peter
2024-02-26
Nice fish shop :)
Cate
2024-02-26
Once again....great pictures Ellen......What a perfect place to be and to have such nice people around you. You guys look so wonderfully content, enjoy the rest of your adventure........Ellen I do hope your back pain is subsiding somewhat.......take care, stay safe!
Margo
2024-03-27
You two are amazing. I’m sure you’ve left a great memory of the Canadians