We knew we would be visiting Sri Lanka in the off season. It was just the timing of our route from Turkey to Thailand. During our time here we have felt like the one family from out of town (we know we aren't, but we haven't seen many travelers). It was pretty lonely when we were faced with torrential rains and storms. It didn't make it a bad experience, it just got us wondering if we were idiots to come in the off season. Thankfully when we ended up in the south the sun appeared and our off seasonness started to pay off.
We lucked out with a large, bright room with high ceilings and a balcony. It is listed on the guesthouse's website as $90 next month and we got it for only $35, including breakfast for 4. For the first time on our trip we are staying somewhere "fancy". We call it fancy because we have towels that match and actually cover our bodies, and we have two GIANT beds. Even better the kid's bed, while still in the same space, is tucked into an alcove beyond the main room. I'd show it to you but then I'd be gloating, besides Buddy and Girl are chilling out in their underwear trying to cool down.
The one thing we find really lonely about being the one family here are the empty restaurants. Ours and every other one around these parts. It is kind of creepy being watched and hovered over while we eat. Plus we always feel like when lots of people are eating somewhere it is a good sign.
But no crowds make for quiet homeschooling,
and staff with time on their hands. Coconut water anyone?
Plus empty beaches.
Except for when the fishermen emerge to haul in their catch.
The crowd grows as the nets get nearer to shore. Everyone who helps gets fish, except for The Dad who didn't stick around for the divvying up.
And then we are alone again wondering how many fathoms (Buddy is studying different forms of measurement these days) between us and the South Pole.
Lonely is the best way to see the place for real, miss you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Con, miss you too!
DeleteOff season travel is the best, but I now what you mean about feeling slightly weird when things are too empty. When we were camping in Turkey last winter, we were often the only rig in the campground.
ReplyDeleteEventually it became too lonely and depressing, so we got an apartment in town — ironically for less than the cost of the campground. It was still off season, but we had lovely Turkish neighbors to cheer us up.
Looks like you're in a stunning spot there!
Yes we are happy with the quiet and lower prices. So far the food has been AMAZING, just awkward!
DeleteThat's one cool shirt you've found there, Silas! You are authorized to give tuk-tuk seat estimates but you'll have to keep the costs awfully low, sir! Ha Ha! We're thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteWe think of you whenever he wears his Tommy's! He has had many comments in various places about it.
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