What struck me as the ship sailed closer to the the port of Hambantota in southern Sri Lanka was how flat the shoreline was. I could visualise how the 2004 tsunami would have just swallowed up this southern part of Sri Lanka where thousands of lives were lost.

On shore and before we knew it we were on a tuk tuk on our way to a National park. Our driver spoke half English and said the park we wanted to go to was too far away. I was thinking now we’re going to get some half arsed Wildlife park. Well….. the tuk tuk drive was a safari on the way to the safari!

Ruthie was shrieking in the back as we avoided head ons and pedestrians. I was loving it! The drive was so authentic. Driving past rice fields and banana plantations and seeing the workers slugging it out in the mud and the heat, I couldn’t help but pinch myself and think of how lucky we were. And we had a natural open windowed air conditioned tuk tuk showing us the sights.

Even the city of Hambantota reminded me of an unspoilt Asia. It was a balance of modern influence combined with street vendors, all trying to make a dollar. Sure traffic was going in all directions but it wasn’t overly hectic.

Our driver, Priante, stopped wherever for photo opportunities or for cattle being driven down the middle of the road. Of course he had a lot of relatives and friends so we stopped constantly to meet them as well as offers to buy freshly caught fish from his cousin or a coconut vendor selling coconut shells with milk. Everyone was super friendly and wanted to talk cricket. Considering we saw so much clothes washing being done in the murky waterways, the white school uniforms were pristine.

In the Ridiyagami safari park, we shared our caged vehicle with some French speaking tourists so there was a lot of hand gesturing going on. The safari was fabulous! The landscape felt like we were in the wild. The roads were unmade and it was certainly a bumpy 4 wheel drive ride.

Animal sightings were plentiful and close up and personal. Lions, tigers, elephants, hippos, wild boar, deer, wild horses, African oryx, peacocks, purple faced monkeys, ostriches and a multitude of other animals and birdlife were seen. One particular elephant wanted to play and poked his trunk into the jeep while rocking our vehicle. We thought it was fun but our driver quickly moved on avoiding a dangerous situation The Safari park certainly exceeded our expectations.

When our driver Priante took a detour on our way back to the ship I immediately thought of the upsell. Were we going to his Auntie’s gem shop or his Uncles carpet factory? No, instead he took us to his family home where we met his wife, son and daughter. They were a very proud family and together we enjoyed a genuine Sri Lankan cup of tea. The simple things in life ……..

Back on the ship, Ruthie and I both agreed what a great day we’d had.

When I awoke the next morning, the port of Colombo was staring me in the face. Over 60 years ago I had been here when my family was re-emigrating back to Australia from Holland. I was isolated in the ships hospital with measles and have a distinct memory of looking out of the porthole at night and thinking how beautiful it looked all lit up.

This morning there is a heat haze over the skyscraper skyline. The passenger cruise ship feels out of place in this huge working port terminal. We are surrounded by freighters, cranes and containers. Not the memory etched in my mind from years gone by.

Colombo is the tuk tuk capital and yes they got us doing a city tour. Along with the tuk tuks, I have never seen so many buses in a city. Most of them seemed parked and not running. When you throw in motorbikes, scooters, trucks and cars, you have traffic madness and chaos mixed in with a distinct exhaust flavour.

There were modern buildings, old colonial buildings and dilapidated areas including many heartbreaking sights of disfigured locals. There were lush green parks and the beach area appealed. Religion is very important to the people but I have to admit I was all templed out. Ruthie wasn’t too keen on the Cobra snake dancing demonstration!

Back on board, and during our deck happy hour, we encountered a huge thunderstorm. To give you an idea how loud and serious it was, they closed the outdoor bars!

Sri Lanka is referred to as the Pearl in the Indian Ocean. We had a small taste of that in the south.