Over the last few days we have experienced a mixture of emotions. Huge excitement about our travels, spending time as a family and maybe even ‘living the dream’ but also sadness at leaving friends and family at home and London, not only for seven months but for the foreseeable future as we move to the country. This is not to mention the, at times, overwhelming anxiousness and worry that this is really a very crazy idea (and the Jury is still out on that point!).
The airport was exciting for the children. The thought of being allowed to sit in front of a screen for 10 hours eating limitless chocolate and aeroplane food appealing to their sweet taste buds. We had such a lovely surprise as not only did Mikey (Fred’s brother) send us off with good luck wishes and positive vibes but our crazy friend Sally, and god-mummy to Alfie popped up from behind a stand as we were checking in to say farewell. Quite literally popped up with balloons and laughter like a little pixie Jack in the Box! We were very touched and left the UK with much excitement, the anxiety dying away over every mile.
Sri Lanka is our first stop (see itinerary) and we have been overwhelmed by this wonderful country, falling in love with its charm and it's only day five. Despite the inevitable delay getting from the airport to our hotel and the ensuing drama with cars we managed the two hour drive south from Colombo to Bentota and were welcomed into Villa 80; a quaint but perfectly functional B&B a kilometre from the beach.
We settled there for the rest of the day, the kids more delighted with the pool and slide than anything else and then visited a local restaurant overlooking a lake in the evening.
Day one was interesting. We had decided to try to avoid Western hotels, too expensive and we wanted the kids to experience a more ‘Real’ adventure than our usual holiday. In this spirit, we dragged them all for a walk down to the beach but in the midday heat it was a disaster with tantrums and tears and we soon jumped into a tuk-tuk and made for the first hotel we saw. Cool juices and drinks were the first order of the day. We had cheated massively and we vowed never to do that again, spending the afternoon instead on the most beautiful beach jumping through the waves.
Our host at Villa 80, a Sri Lankan local whose English name is Henry had his grandchildren staying and we had a very enjoyable sea food BBQ here that evening while the children played with his grandchildren and the other kids at the villa. It is amazing how culture, language and age can bypass children when they just want to play.
And so onto day two which really was magical. I won’t bore you too much with a description but just look at the photos to see our visit to the turtle sanctuary here. Eliza in particular was absolutely mesmerized by this amazing place, with the incredible job they are doing to save turtles from extinction and even house disabled and albino turtles before releasing them into the wild. The highlight was being allowed to come back in the evening and be part of releasing these beautiful baby turtles back in their natural habitat. It really was quite an emotional moment and as you watch these incredible creatures totter into the sea I challenge anyone to do this without a small tear or lump in his or her throat.
This was followed by a candle lit beach dinner for five with the kids running around in the sand, the waves rolling in the distance as we were thinking ‘yes this is what we are doing this for.’
Our last day in Bentota compiled another visit to the beach and the discovery of a rock pool filled to the brim with huge scary looking crabs and a trip down Bentota River by boat where we spotted Eagles, bats, birds, and even got acquainted with a very friendly and surprisingly soft baby crocodile. Our day was quite full and we enjoyed a very late dinner at a fabulous local restaurant on the railway and overlooking the beach.
Slowly but surely the children are trying more dishes although I have to confess we are not staying totally clear of chips and ham sandwiches yet!
Today we have arrived in Mirissa, just south of Bentota. The weather at the moment is humid, grey and rather oppressive so we have arrived hot, tired and in need of some R&R. The beauty of seven months away is we have time and so we are doing just that…
Weird fact about our trip so far
It may seem a minor blip to most people BUT to some like me, who enjoy a Diet Coke on a hot sunny day and has never (even in third world countries) had a problem finding it there has been a run on it here. The result being is that it is not available, despite many places claiming they sell it. According to our host in Mirissa Coke has been unusually slow at delivering this year!
About Bentota
Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province, governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 40 miles south of Colombo and 35 miles north of Galle. Bentota is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth,. The name of the town is derived from a mythical story which claims a demon named 'Bem' ruled the tota or river bank.
Wow Leone what a summary! So beautifully written. Amazing experiences
Rat race !
Give the kids time to get used to the climate. Try to use back packers places to stay, in Thailand you'll be able to find places costing around 5 quid a night, they are absolutely fine. The food costs just a couple of quid each. Lots of fried rice and noodles for the children. I think you'll have more fun at a back packers place and meet nice people there also you'll get good info on where to go next. For someone who's spent 13 months travelling Asia and since then Vietnam, Thailand India and Cambodia with the kids I'm happy to give suggestions if your need them !!! Try using coconut oil mixed with citronella on your skin …
Looks amazing have an amazing time and love your blog xxxx
Slightly different from when we were children and we brought a stuffed turtle back from Indonesia if you remember James. Glad you are experiencing all sorts of fun things. Love Julie