Janet's Journal

I returned to Sri Lanka in August.  This time I intended to be based in Negombo.  I had an invitation to my friend’s sister’s wedding near Horana in early September so I would have nearly a month before heading south.  I found a small guest house by the beach where the owners were happy for me to share their kitchen and cook for myself.

For those of you who have not experienced touring with a personal driver/guide you will not realise how strange it is to suddenly have to think for yourself.  For the whole length of a tour your driver will care for you and look after your every need.  I have booked several different drivers, but I did the most tours with Tharindu who introduced me to all his family, and we have remained good friends.

Now I was determined to shop and cook for myself and use public transport wherever possible.  I met up with people I knew from previous visits and started to learn my way around the town.

Negombo is so convenient for the airport, only a tuk-tuk drive away.  The island’s rail and bus network are accessible from here as well.  There plenty of shops and several markets, just a question of learning where everything is.

August is not the best time for swimming from the beaches as the sea can get quite rough but with care, I managed quite a few swims, for a fee you can also use most of the pools in the big hotels.

Fishing is a major source of employment for the town.  A familiar site from the beach are the brown and beige sails of the catamarans out everyday catching prawns.  Small two man boats launch from the beach and lay nets which are hauled back up the beach full of fish, it’s always fun to watch and see what is in the net each time.

One night I went with friends to see the rod fishermen on the bridge between the lagoon and sea.  A good catch resulted in me being given largest fish, a 2.5 kilo thabalayaa (mangrove red snapper).  Not easy to take home as it was still alive!  My hosts were delighted and rapidly dealt with it and put it in their freezer for.

The following night they barbequed my fish and threw a small party for 6 including a friend who play music and sang traditional songs.

The following day I left for a short trip and then the wedding.  I would return to Negombo before flying back to UK.

I was already planning to come back to Negombo in November and start looking for a house to rent longer term.