Sri Lanka...the final instalment

Arriving in Yala at night to the sights of wild bore lining the road made me smile. All I could think of was the Lion King. I had never been on safari before so I was really excited to see what it was all about.

Jetwing is a beautiful place so after a huge feast at breakfast, there was some pool chill time prior to heading out to see the animals. After surfing almost every day for the past 3 weeks, it was nice to just have some chill time and a swim! 

The safari was pretty cool! We saw some massive crocodiles, lots of bambis (spotted deer), beautiful birds - bee eaters, painted storks, pelicans, ibis (to name a few) and elephants. I was so desperate to see a leopard but I guess they were hiding out. There's rumours that the animals have started to migrate East - perhaps as a result of the ever increasing traffic in the park itself. 

Seeing all those beautiful creatures in the wild was really special. It's a whole different world out there and it makes you feel pretty tiny! 

We visited a little spot to jump out of the jeep to stretch our legs. Our driver explained that there was a memorial here for the people who died in the tsunami back in 2004. He told us about how many of the safari jeeps in that exact spot had been taken. It felt kind of spooky being there and made me feel sad to think of all the people who lost their lives that day. 

The little bay was pretty and lined with small fishing huts. I even saw a wave breaking there too. Of course I didn't have my surf board with me and I guess surfing in the national park probably isn't allowed! 

We headed out of the park for sunset. Our time in Sri Lanka was coming to an end. Koslanda was the last spot on the itinerary. 

The trip to Koslanda wasn't so far and we arrived to absolute tranquility! We were the only people there and it really was so peaceful. 

Living heritage grow all their own vegetables and herbs. We got to taste coffee beans from the tree and the whole place just smelt of jasmine flowers. 

The rooms were so cool. We had a whole courtyard to ourselves and a jacuzzi bath outside. Definitely a highlight!

They even had their own private waterfall that we hiked through the jungle too! I have to say passing massive elephant foot prints in the tracks and huge snake mounds did freak me out a little but then arriving to this made it all seem ok! 

I had never swam under a waterfall like this before and it was so special. 

Sitting out as the sun came down, I just reflected on everything. My time spent in Sri Lanka had been so incredible. Better than I could ever have imagined or expected. I had made real friends, experienced so much culture, tasted new food, seen beautiful wildlife and scenes that I'll always remember. Plus I had gained so much confidence in the water. So it was farewell to Sri Lanka and the Maldives was the next spot. I know one thing for sure, that I will definitely be coming back to this beautiful country again soon ❤️

Sri Lanka Part 2 - Arugambay ❤️

Where to even start...Heading to Arugambay from Ella was about a 3 hour drive. Picked up by Janaka (who now feels like family) meant we could take one more trip up the falls en route and this time we went a bit higher! 

As we drove down through the mountains, things started to flatten out and get hotter and hotter! I knew as soon as I saw an elephant en route that this was going to be pretty special. 

Finally, after a few hours on the road, I caught my first glimpse of the ocean and the swell lines rolling in! Couldn't wait to get to Coco Bay to explore.

Coco Bay is such a beautiful little haven. A mere 10 minute walk from main point and nestled in tranquility. 

After settling in, we took a stroll down to the beach and I got my first look at Arugam bay's stunning shoreline. 

The first few days were pretty mellow wave wise and gave me a chance to settle into life here. We took a couple of trips up north for some fun little waves. I had forgot how amazing it is to be surfing in tropical waters ❤️

King Kannan as we named him was the best Tuk Tuk driver we could have ever wished to meet. He knew all the spots and found elephants at the side of the road and plenty of other wildlife too. 

Kannan also took us to his family home near Lighthouse  Point where we enjoyed coconuts and peanuts from his family farm. 

Kannan also had us to his home for dinner. He made me auntie to his little boy, which I am stoked about. There were plenty of high fives and cuddles. I am seriously going to miss that wee face! 

The big swell that was forecast hit and it didn't disappoint. I was pretty tentative the first few days and when the swell arrived, in my heart I just wanted to be out there but in my head, I just kept going straight back to the accident and psyched myself out.   I got to know the local surfers pretty well and they rip! Asanka and Praneeth were two of the boys who really impressed me.  They also looked out for me a lot in the water and thanks to their help, I paddled out and bagged myself one of these beauties.

Asanka below, recovering from an ankle injury. 

It was solid out there and by far the biggest I had surfed since the accident and my injury. Of course I was terrified, my heart pounding as I scrambled over the sets but when I paddled in, I guess instinct just took over and my body took control over my head. Literally the best feeling in the world to catch that wave. I can't even describe! As always I am just so thankful to be back out in the water and being able to surf the waves that day with the locals was really special. Surf pics to follow...

This smiley face pretty much sums up my hype over being out there again though. Feeling really stoked I went out there. 

We took a trip to elephant rock one evening with Kannan to watch the sunrise. Sri Lanka really is such a stunningly beautiful country. 

Kannan also took us out on a 5am fishing mission one morning. Paddling out on the catamaran at 5 in the morning was a little different to being out in the line up at 5am! Watching the sun come up as the boats paddled out was so pretty! 

We didn't bring home any dinner but it was ace fun! 

We took a trip on a boat in the Mangroves that evening, which was super nice. We saw and elephant bathing, crocodiles and lots of beautiful birds. 

As if things couldn't get any better, I also saw resident dog at Coco Bay, Laki, give birth to 9 puppies. It was so special. Those little pups are just so precious and I could easily have sneaked one into my board bag to take home! Hehe. 

I can't put into words how special my time spent in Arugambay was. The place, the waves, the sunshine but most of all the incredible people that I have become friends with for life!

You know it has been a good trip when you don't want to leave and you actually shed a few tears on your departure. Everyone at Coco Bay became like family over the two weeks and I will miss them all very much. Thank you for sharing your world with me and making me feel so welcome and like part of the family! 

After the goodbyes, it was off to the next part of the adventure - Yala National Park. Seeing this guy on the road out there was unreal! I have never been chased by and elephant but this guy had a good go at chasing after the car! I couldn't wait to get to Yala and head out on safari ❤️

Sri Lanka so far...

It's been 3 days so far and I've taken 2 flights, a van ride, a train ride and several Tuk Tuks to get me to the amazing places I have been and experienced. The Sri Lankans I have met along the way so far are kind and spiritual. 

First stop was Kandy. A city full of hustle and bustle with vibrant colours and characters. Out of the hotel balcony everything looked so calm and like nothing I have seen before.

I spent that evening chilling. Literally suspended from the roof after the long flights. Just taking in the experience. 

The next day we went to the botanical gardens and the grand Buddha on the top of the hill. Standing in front of the Buddha felt very humbling. I spent a while up there, looking over the city and feeling blessed being there. 

Later I went to see some Kandyan dancing. A really awesome show beside the beautiful Temple of Tooth showing the Sri Lankan culture through dance and music. 

A walk back around the lake to the hotel was fairly enlightening. I met a new creature - a monitor lizard! Very cool. I didn't go too close.

After a quick stop over and a whirlwind taste of Kandy, it was off to the train station for the journey to Ella. 

I've never been on a train before that you can swing from the doorways to take in the views. Literally the most breathtaking train journey I have ever taken! 

6 hours later I arrive at Ella train station. A short 800 metre hill climb with the boards and luggage and Mountain Heavens welcomes us with open arms. More importantly the view is indescribable. I honestly don't think I have ever seen anywhere as beautiful! Room with a view doesn't even describe it! 

After a super tasty curry and a great nights sleep, best brekkie anyone could ask for before a day filled with adventure...

It was the tea plantation as a first stop - a tour of the factory. The process is amazing and tasting afterwards. Being the tea fiend that I am, several purchases were made! 

Next up, a hike up Little Adam's Peak which overlooks Ella rock. Good thigh workout that's for sure! Plus at the top, you feel on top of the world and definitely in the clouds ❤️

Next up was the Nine Arch Bridges! Making tracks and dodging a couple of trains was required to get to this place and not the easiest when one member of the party has a broken knee but we did conquer! 

Sanjay whizzed us back in the Tuk Tuk to stop number 4 of the day, Rawuna waterfall. Absolutely mind blowing. Of course I wanted to hike as high up as I could so a local guide took me up while GC had to stay down at the foot. I battled bamboo, rocks, monkeys and was crawling at one point but getting to the mid point of the waterfall was so worth it. Bathing in it surpassed all awesomeness though and the views! Oh the views! 

Rawuna temple is a short Tuk Tuk ride away from the falls and I really wanted to stop by. Tucked away in the lush mountains is a house of monks with their nearby temple of worship. So peaceful and tranquil and again taking the time out of my day to thank God for all the things in my life that I am so lucky and blessed for but also to appreciate another religion and the beauty and depth of Buddhism. Inside the temple was beautiful with hand carvings and paintork on the ceiling. Reclining Buddha to the left. 

Ella is a very special place. It's definitely stolen a piece of my heart. Time for dinner as I sit taking in the views and blogging this entry. Tomorrow is time to head to Arugam Bay and I'm so excited to see what the Sri Lankan waves have to offer! 

Page 3! Ha

Was stoked and honoured to be contacted by the evening express to form part of their page 3 spoof of inspiration women. Here's the pic and wee piece :)