Our Sri Lankan Adventure: Private Villa, Beach and Friends

While the first half of our ten days in Sri Lanka focused on exploring the highlands and culture, the second half of our trip was all about relaxing.  The beaches of Sri Lanka are well known for being quiet and gorgeous. They are not overrun with tourists or huge beach resorts, yet.  The beaches are clean with nice surf and nearly deserted, at least where we stayed.  For our beach time, our friends Jeb, Andrea and Sam flew in from the US to hang out with us.  We rented a fabulous beach villa at Six Degrees North, where we were pampered and very well looked after. Our villa had four bedrooms, a private dining area, yard, pool, beach and staff.  It was beyond incredible.  We dined on some of the best Sri Lankan curries, spent long afternoons in the pool and marveled at some of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen.  Mornings came early for us, as the sun was up before 6 and the roti man's alarm clock followed soon after.  Eric, Adi and I spent our early morning sipping tea, eating cookies and going for nice walks down our deserted beach.  Literally, we were the only ones on it, except for the local fishermen.  Aside from a day trip to nearby Galle, we stayed tucked away in our villa.  It was so good that I'm almost positive we will go back. Here are some pictures of our amazing time!

After six hours in the car, Miss Adi couldn't wait to go for a swim

Adi and Eric playing in our front yard

The complete villa, house in the back, dining upstairs and our amazing private pool

And then there was the beach...Oh the beach!

Only our foot prints in this sand

Portland High School Class of 2000 - Reunion in Sri Lanka

Long, lazy afternoons at the pool = AWESOME

And the sunsets....WOW!

 Day Trip to Galle

Buddha monument for those who lost their lives in the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami

Adi and Upul at the Galle Fort

The pouty lip 

Snake Charmer...

One day trip was enough for us to decide that we had it made at our villa.  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves there!

Early morning beach walk

Big surf and fun fun waves

Local Fisherman pulling up their bamboo nets.  A very big undertaking

Happiness with a Pringles Can

It's safe to say that Adi loved the pool!  Loved!

Poolside Bubbles

Our last sunset

Our last perfect morning at the villa.  Tears were shed when we left.  Absolute perfection and I'm a tough critic.  

We spent our last night in Sri Lanka close to the airport as we had an early morning flight.  We chose a great hotel in a quiet location.  On our drive we ran into a processional after mass.  It was amazing to see the cultural and religious diversity of this country.  Absolutely beautiful.

Saris and the Cross a beautiful combination 

Sri Lanka sent us off with a final gorgeous sunset.  This country was amazing.  This trip was the best trip in Asia we have taken.  I'm not sure what or why but everything was pure magic.  All I can say is, I must go back, and soon.