Sri Lanka, Baby!

After passing through one of the most hardcore security checks of all times we boarded our flight out of Trivandrum and arrived at Columbo Air Force Base...uhm...I mean International Airport. There is still a civil war going on after all and even though the action is nowhere near us, a certain anxiety hangs in the air with the humidity. At least in Columbo. We are now, however, on the south east tip of the island in Welligama Bay where the official mantra seems to be "No Problem". Crystal clear water, perfect waves and amazing sea food and tropical fruit are the defining characteristics here. It's so beautiful and relaxed that Radka and I are still in a state of shock after surviving two months in India. We've rented surfboards and simply walk accross the street to ride the pertfect rollers of Welligama Bay. Or... throw them on top a Tuc Tuc (local 3 wheel transport) and head to the break at Unawatuna, Hikadowa or Medigama. You can definitely see why surfers from around the world head here. Yesterday I shared the line-up with guys (& a few ladies) from France, Japan, England and Germany. Radka's technique is coming along nicely as well. We spent her 25th birthday, dec. 20th, doing what she wanted...surfing all day. For dinner we ventured over to the only luxury resort in the area. Beautiful candel-lit tables along the beach and a buffet! After India, the sight and the the abundance of a full gourmet spread made us dizzy. I think we ate more that night than our whole time in India. The locals here have been great as well. They mix more freely with the travelers than we generaly saw on the sub-continent. Last night we were invited to a bar-b-q, sri lankan style, on the beach. Fresh grilled fish and potatos with a bit of local rum to wash it down accompanied by drumming and singing. Tomorrow we are going to look at real estate. I'm not joking. Ten grand over here will buy you an ocean front plot on about 4 acres covered in palm trees. Any one want to go in on it with me?