The turtles are back.

After spending some time on the beach, we did a bit of exploring. Our first stop? Another turtle hatchery! I supposed you can’t see too many turtles in one day.

Next we drove out to see some of the stilt fishermen. The fish weren’t out at the time but the sun looked pretty.

With just the last few bits of sunlight, we visited a spice garden. There’s not too much to see there, just samples plants of the different spices, before you’re ushered into the gift shop. The spice garden was on a lake and I really liked the look of the boats on the water.

We returned to our hotel after dark and ate dinner out on the beach.

xo, jill

The popular beach.

After our breakfast we spent a few more hours on the beach. Mike took out another surf board and I finished reading Zeitoun.

On our way out of Hikkaduwa we stopped at a temple. A monk showed us around and explained some of the depictions on the walls.

Not too long later, we arrived in Unawatuna. Our hotel was right on the water (probably a bit too close to be responsible even) and we had an awesome mosquito net.

After dropping off our things we took a walk to a vegetarian restaurant we were both excited to visit. The food was delicious. With lunch out of the way it was time to get back on the beach!

xo, jill

And it’s not the last of them either.

Our second morning, we (as in, Mike) had plans to be up early (as in, before the sun). We didn’t quite make that deadline but it was an early morning nonetheless. There aren’t too many people on the beach at 7am… better for photos.

Before too long we were in the back of a tuk tuk heading towards a turtle hatchery. Turtle eggs are a tasty treat to some in Sri Lanka. To help dissuade people from enjoying this delicacy, the hatcheries pay the locals to collect the eggs on the beach and bring them to safety. The turtles are able to hatch in a protected area, safe from predators.

The turtle keeper let Mike hold a big one…

but just the little ones for me.

Baby turtles are pretty cute.

The owner offered to let us release a baby for a “donation” but we declined. According to a few articles I read before the trip, this is bad practice because it has a negative effect on the life of the turtles, which normally would not enter the sea in daylight. The focus of the hatcheries should be on the turtles… not pandering to tourists (in my opinion). But enough of that.

After the hatchery we happened upon more turtles! While we were walking along the beach back towards town, a self proclaimed “Turtle Man” guided some giant turtles into shallow water. He handed us some seaweed and pulled us in. It was a very awkward moment of privilege to have this man completely ignore the giant group of school children (in uniform), who were also there to see the turtles, in favor of catering to us. When I offered to let a child feed the turtle, Turtle Man told me the experience was just for us. I guess he knew who had the money because a tip was requested shortly thereafter.

We continued our walk along the water and sought out some breakfast. Once there Mike could barely keep his eyes off of this guy:

xo, jill

We finally meet.

There’s not too too much to say about the beginnings of our trip to Sri Lanka. I would just dive right in to the more interesting stuff… but it doesn’t feel natural. I’m so linear that way. I’ll at least try to make it quick!

It was a long wait at the airport due to fog delays.

We arrived in Colombo a bit later than expected and set about getting a taxi down to Hikkaduwa. Mike found us a deal, which later turned out to be a miscommunication which is how I’m choosing to describe a potential scam. But for the time being, we were happy. Sleepy, but happy.

Four hours later we reached our hotel in the dark and in the rain. We ran out to the beach for a hot second before the rain drove us back in.

Our first morning we walked along the beach seeking breakfast and surfboards.

Turns out, I’m a better surfer in the chilly waters off the Oregon coast and in the company of my sister. I ditched the surfing and played on a boogie board while Mike kept at it. Naturally, there’s not evidence of this as we were warned to not leave our camera on the beach.

Later in the day we hired a scooter and scooted around town. It’s always more interesting to get away from the tourist strip and see where daily life takes place.We found the lake and relaxed there for a bit before racing back to the beach for the sunset. (Note: Sitting on the back of a scooter is the perfect time to start singing annoying Shania Twain songs in your driver’s ear. Especially if you can change the lyrics to give it a much more personal touch.)

The cloudy skies foiled our sunset viewing plans…

but didn’t stop us from taking silly photos.

With not much going on in town, we had dinner at a place that claims to show feature films. I say “claims” because whatever we were watching, it was not 2012 as advertised. Not that low-low-low budget films can’t be amazing… but when it’s the world that’s ending, you kinda gotta go for broke.

Excitement picks up on day 2. Don’t you worry.

xo, jill