Monday, March 31, 2014

Hello from sort of down under...

Having a great time in Sri Lanka (while our house/farm/petsitters cope with yet another snow dump!)

We looked sort of perky when we left Montreal on Friday night. We snagged the two seats ahead of the emergency exit on our Qatar Airways flight. No one next to us, yay!



After a getting some interrupted sleep on the 12-hour flight to Doha, we didn't look TOO awful!



Qatar looks like what I expected. A big desert!



We switched planes and after another five-hour flight, arrived in Sri Lanka. Our guest house was lovely and I really liked the towel and sheet art on our bed:


We had a typical Sri Lanka breakfast yesterday. Fish curry, lentil dahl, tomato/onion salad, and those big coconutty things I forget the name of!



This morning we had Sri Lankan omelettes (and fruit!) on the terrace.



This afternoon we arrived in Tangalle, where we are staying at the Mangrove Garden chalets. Here's ours:


So relaxing here! I conked out in a hammock for two hours this afternoon. Still dealing with jet lag!

And here's a spiny sea urchin I found washed up (dead) on the beach tonight. Poor thing. Glad I didn't step on it!



The beach here is quite beautiful...


Lots of fishing boats.


A happy Canadian!


I went for a walk a bit before sunset.


The ocean is too rough for swimming in most parts, but there is a spot near our place that is sheltered by a reef and works just fine. We spent a good hour in there today. Warm like bathwater, aahhhh!


And to end a fine day, supper on the beach with some fruity drinks...


More soon!



30 comments:

  1. The best looking jet lagged couple I have ever seen!!
    Enjoy your vacation!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you Jane! I finally made it through a day without needing an afternoon nap!

      Delete
  2. You have definitely found paradise.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sri Lanka is probably overlooked by many tourists. I'll be interested to see your travels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think of it as India without the hassles. Amazing place!

      Delete
  4. The food and scenery look beautiful. You two must be having a wonderful time.

    In the sunset photo, the sun looked larger than it does in North America. Was this an optical illusion caused by the camera, or does the sun really look larger when you're near the equator?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm, I didn't notice that when taking the photo so perhaps it's a combination of the camera, and also the sun being so close to the horizon.

      Delete
  5. Just when I was beginning to think our weather was improving..... you show us this. I've just turned GREEN!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have not been thinking about winter AT ALL!!

      Delete
  6. Bring us back some Ceylonese cinnamon, please! It will go deliciously with your honey on my almond butter sandwiches. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will go shopping for cinnamon to be sure!

      Delete
  7. You deserve every bit. Enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. you are in my country :D...enjoy!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A very wonderful, beautiful country! My very favourite place to visit. This is my second time and I hope to come again before too long. Love you Sri Lankans!!

      Delete
    2. really glad you are enjoying the trip....take a train trip too.....may be to haputhale ..have you ever gone there???Adisham bungalow...Lipton circle...breathtaking places

      Delete
  9. We have spring here, but I'm still jealous! Enjoy your stay :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would like to stay here until all the snow at home melts...

      Delete
  10. It looks heavenly. Be safe and have fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are having a total blast. Also, we are so old now that we got a car and driver, instead of taking public transit like we usually too. QUITE luxurious!!

      Delete
  11. Never mind the jet lag, what about the temperature change! It looks wonderful, enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My body is in shock! :) -30 to +30C!

      Delete
  12. Beautiful start to your vacation. Send more pix when you can! If I can't go there, I might as well live vicariously!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am happy to oblige! More pics today. :)

      Delete
  13. Have a wonderful time Natalie and Gordon........... it looks lovely and I know you'll be enjoying the change of scenery....no snow!!
    That Sri Lankan brekky looks very interesting but not sure I could handle that first thing in the morning. I enjoy my cereal or porridge!!
    You both look fresh as a daisy after the flight too......who's home looking after Ophelia, Julius and the rest of the gang?

    Claire x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strangely, I tolerate curry at breakfast very well! :)

      WE have farm/pet-sitters in residence at our place. Works GREAT!!!

      Delete
  14. It looks amazing!
    Enjoy the tropical paradise :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. THank you Maggie! I love this country.

      Delete
  15. I am so jealous but also looking forward to more blogs as this is now my old age way to travel, vicariously.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!