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India Sri Lanka 19 March 2025

A Fond Farewell and a Relaxing Retreat: Our Journey Continues

Today marked a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to half of our incredible travel companions. Christy & Hayden, Janet & Lie, Rebecca & Jason, Styfan & Wendy, and Jacqui & Peter—thank you for the memories, laughter, and shared adventures. Though we’ll miss you, the journey continues for the rest of us!  
2004 Tsunami Memorial
But before the farewells, some of us embarked on a serene boat ride around Maduganga Lake. The calm waters were scattered with birdlife, and we even spotted a water monitor lazily basking in the shade. Along the way, we passed quaint shacks perched on stilts, where locals sold goods and one store holder came across and showed us a  baby crocodile. Our boat made a stop at a small island, where we witnessed a fascinating demonstration of cinnamon processing—a true sensory delight!  
After the boat ride, we arrived at the luxurious Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort, where we gathered for a final group photo to commemorate our time together. With hugs and well-wishes, we bid farewell to our departing friends.
The remainder of our group—Deb & Ally, Joy & Liz, Kylie & Stephen, Wei & Harry, and Glenn & I—settled into the resort for an extra two days of pure relaxation. The agenda? Doing absolutely nothing. We strolled along the beach, enjoyed a leisurely late lunch, and sipped cool drinks by the pool, soaking in the tranquil vibes.  
We’d heard that the nearby turtle hatchery releases baby turtles at 6:00 pm, just 100 metres up the beach. Eager to witness this magical event, we arrived right on time—only to realize we’d missed most of the release! Lesson learned: tomorrow, we’ll aim to get there earlier to catch the full experience.  
As the evening unfolded, Glenn and I found ourselves too tired for dinner or the cultural show by the pool at 8:00 pm. Instead, we enjoyed a quiet drink with Joy and Ally before calling it an early night. After all, even in paradise, rest is essential!  

Here’s to new adventures, cherished memories, and the joy of doing nothing at all. Until tomorrow! 🌴✨
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