A Leisurely Morning and an Afternoon Adventure in Galle
Today was a day of delightful spontaneity, with nothing on the agenda until 3:00 pm. After a leisurely late breakfast, our group split up—some headed into the bustling town of Koggala, while a few of us opted for a serene stroll along the beach. The soft sand beneath our feet and the rhythmic sound of the waves set the tone for a perfectly relaxed morning. We followed up our walk with refreshing cold drinks by the pool, joined by Joy, Ally, and Deb. The conversation flowed effortlessly as we reminisced about our tour so far and simply soaked in the tranquillity of the morning.
Later, we retreated to our room to check on our laundry and see if we could finally check in for our upcoming flights. Unfortunately, we were met with the dreaded “not yet” message, so we decided to let it go for the time being.
By mid-afternoon, we made our way to Galle, watching as the sky transformed before our eyes. Dark, brooding clouds rolled in, punctuated by the occasional flash of lightning in the distance. It felt like the heavens were putting on a dramatic show just for us.
Our first stop was the iconic Dutch Fort, a place steeped in history and charm. While the rest of us marveled at the fort’s impressive architecture and the fact that it was essentially a self-contained city within its fortified walls, Glenn and Stephen had only one thing on their minds: the cricket ground. We couldn’t help but laugh as they made a beeline for it, their enthusiasm undimmed by the looming storm.
As we explored further, we were shown into an old church, its quiet beauty a stark contrast to the lively streets outside. I bought a stunning lace-inlaid tablecloth that I couldn’t resist taking home as a keepsake from a vender. Kylie, ever the savvy shopper, managed to snag one for half the price—apparently, my bargaining skills were nowhere to be found in that moment. Lesson learned!
Once we received our instructions for the meeting time and place, we were set free to explore the fort at our own pace. It felt like stepping into a living history book, with every corner of the ancient walls whispering stories of the past. The freedom to wander and discover hidden gems within the fort was exhilarating—each turn revealed something new, from weathered stone archways to vibrant local shops tucked into the nooks of the fortress. It was the perfect opportunity to soak in the atmosphere, snap photos, and lose ourselves in the charm of this timeless place.
Travel isn’t always smooth sailing, and sometimes, even the best-laid plans need to adjust to the unexpected. Unfortunately, Deb wasn’t feeling her best, and it quickly became clear that pushing through wasn’t the right move.
Thankfully, Cham stepped up and saved the day by arranging a car for Deb and Ally to head back to the hotel and rest. It was a reminder that travel isn’t just about ticking off bucket-list items; it’s also about listening to your body and knowing when to slow down. While it’s never fun to miss out on exploring, taking care of yourself (or your travel buddies) is always the right call.
After we gathered at the bar, the skies decided to put on a dramatic performance—just as we were about to head upstairs (via the outdoor steps, of course), the heavens opened up, sending down a torrential downpour. Undeterred, we settled in for our final dinner together, savouring every bite of the delicious meal and clinking glasses one last time. Stephen raised his glass in a heartfelt toast to Cham, our incredible Sri Lankan tour guide, whose warmth, knowledge, and humour had made the journey unforgettable. As we laughed and shared stories, it struck me that this moment—this connection with the group and the country—was the highlight of the entire tour. And to think, I had arrived knowing almost nothing about Sri Lanka. Now, it felt like a place I’d carry in my heart forever.
Glenn was the sole rebel in our group who couldn’t resist ordering dessert—a decadent Warm Chocolate Lava Cake served with a generous scoop of ice cream. As soon as it arrived, the rich, gooey chocolate centre oozed out, and the aroma alone was enough to make everyone at the table pause mid-conversation. I managed to sneak a bite, and it was pure indulgence—warm, velvety, and perfectly paired with the cool, creamy ice cream. Needless to say, Glenn instantly became the envy of the entire tour group, with everyone eyeing his plate and wishing they’d saved room for dessert. Lesson learned: always leave space for chocolate!
It was a day of contrasts—moments of calm and relaxation, interspersed with bursts of adventure and discovery. Galle, with its rich history and vibrant energy, left an indelible mark on us, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Until next time, happy travels! 🌍✨
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