Negombo Beach, Sri Lanka
We’re staying our last three nights at Negombo Beach, not far from Colombo Airport. It was an eight hour train trip from Sri Lanka’s north/east coast to the Colombo train station. This was followed by an hour-and-a-half tuk-tuk ride to Negombo Beach. The agreed upon tuk-tuk price was roughly $13US., but as we neared our destination, the tuk-tuker complained that the place we were staying was further than expected. Without a word in response, Elenka and I looked at one another and simply shook our heads. The tuk-tuker took this as resignation and suddenly raised the fare to almost $26US. I smiled, felt real again. It was about to become the first time on this entire two month journey, that I was able to get my dander up. Foul language started to fly; some of it even coming from the mouth of Elenka. In the end I paid him the originally agreed upon $13US (4,000 rupees), along with a nice little tip. We smiled at one another and bid each other a fond farewell. Which leads to the next topic.
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I’ve never been a fan of tipping, but in this country I can’t help myself—same with the tightwad, Elenka.
We hired a tuk-tuk to take us from the High Park Hotel in Nilaveli to the train station in Trincomalee. When we got there, the driver spent a good 20 minutes helping us secure our train tickets, then walked us to our train car. Oftentimes, these proud people shake off the notion of tips. I had a feeling it was going to be tricky with this guy, so I hid a few extra rupees in with the agreed upon fare. His face went red when he saw what I had done; Elenka and I simply backed ourselves quickly through train doors, waving thankful good-byes.
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The people of Sri Lanka, by and large, are slender; physically attractive; have white as white can be straight teeth; are spiffily dressed; and have expensive looking designer hair. Our journey in the first class car from Trincomalee to Negombo showed the flip side of this interesting coin. Almost all of the Sri Lankan passengers in the first class section, while well dressed with groovy hair designs, had a measure of obesity. None of them looked as fit and healthy as the slim and trim ones we’d encountered over the past six weeks.
The answer was really quite simple. The wealthy ones, with their overly large bums and bellies, consume more junk than the financially unfortunate, who make up the greater part of the population.
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Just around the corner from the Angel Inn, where we’re staying on Negombo Beach, there’s a men’s only beauty parlour called Saraj Salon. Today, I went in for a before-flight shave and haircut. I asked the hair designer, Roshah, if he could make me look like one of the young fellows in his above-the-mirror photos, then guffawed at my silliness. Next thing you know, that’s exactly what Roshah was attempting, with the guidance of Elenka, of course. Almost an hour later, I walked out of the salon looking like a youngster. Every couple of minutes, I find myself touching my grizzled old face which now has the smoothness of a baby’s bottom. In the days to come, I’ll seek out a new approach for my paunch, as well.
A healthy tip was added to the $4.35US charge for hair styling/head massage/shaving. I’ll bet locals get the same treatment for less than a buck.
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Elenka’s making me very nervous; she’s looking at me with an odd smile, seemingly entranced by this new me.
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Note: Most of the photos, particularly, the birds, flowers and gates were taken back in Nilaveli.
Jackie
2024-04-03
Bon voyage you two. It was great meeting you. I love Sri Lanka and will certainly do my utmost to return some day, Imshalla. Lovely people as you say. Lovely photos Elenka and what a beau husband after his makeover! Love to you both xx
ToTo
2024-04-03
WoW Jack that sounded like a great trip, the pictures are really good & u do look younger. Did you eat? No food pictures.
Irene
2024-04-03
Elena always finds a cat or dog woman after my own heart. Animals are always good company
Renate
2024-04-05
Thanks for all the reports from your trip. Enjoy the welcome home from your three cats.
Cate
2024-04-07
Finally took time to read......great makeover Jack.......Love all your pictures Ellen and love your great story telling Jack.........yes it's time to come home and prepare for the next journey.....I know you're home now so I'll just say ....glad you had a safe return trip.....