India Sri Lanka 21 March 2025

A Leisurely Farewell: Winding Down and Wrapping Up Our Adventure

After two weeks of early mornings and non-stop exploration, today was all about slowing down and savoring our final moments. Thanks to a late checkout, we got to enjoy another blissful sleep-in and a leisurely breakfast—a rare treat after so many days on the go.  

With no major plans for the day, we took the opportunity to relax, read, and make sure our bags were packed and ready to go. Of course, we also attempted the impossible: trying to squeeze the heavenly Sheridan bed and pillows into our luggage. Spoiler alert—it didn’t quite work out, but a girl can dream, right?  

We checked out at noon, and our bus arrived just before 1:00 pm to whisk us away. About half an hour into the journey, we made a quick pit stop at a service center before continuing on to Earls Regent hotel in Negombo. There, we spent a few hours unwinding by the pool, sipping on refreshing drinks, and taking turns freshening up in a room reserved for our group. It was the perfect way to ease into the long travel day ahead.  

Now, let me introduce you to the artistic souls of our group: Wei and Styfan. These two talented individuals documented our journey not with cameras, but with sketch pads and charcoal. Their unique perspective brought our adventures to life in a way photos never could.  

I’ll never forget the look of despair on their faces at Agra Fort when the entry guards confiscated their sketch pads at the gate. It was heartbreaking to see their primary means of expression taken away, especially when the rest of us were allowed to carry our cameras inside. It didn’t seem fair, but they took it in stride, proving that true artists can adapt to any situation.  The sketch pads were returned when we exited the fort, but their drawings were sketched from memory. Its not really the same.

Dinner at the hotel was a highlight—arguably the best buffet we had on the entire trip. And trust me, after two weeks of countless buffets, that’s saying something! We savored every bite, knowing it was our last meal together before heading home.  

By 7:50 pm, we were back on the bus and en route to Colombo International Airport. According to Google Maps, the trip was only 12 kilometers, but traffic stretched it to 35 minutes. Even after arriving, we had an hour to kill before check-in opened and waited until 11:00 pm for the gate to open. Our flight wasn’t until 12:45 am, so it was shaping up to be a very long day.  

As we waited, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’d shared. From early mornings to late nights, from sketch pads to buffets, every moment had been unforgettable. While it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, I know these memories will stay with me long after the jet lag wears off.  

Here’s to the end of one adventure and the start of planning the next! ✈️🌏