Welcome to Sri Lanka

 

Colombo: First Impressions, Unexpected Moments, and a City That Challenged Us

We’re now almost two‑thirds of the way through our travels, and our next chapter brought us somewhere completely new: Sri Lanka, the island known as “the pearl of the Indian Ocean.” After a month in Thailand, we landed in Colombo—our first time ever setting foot in this country.

To be honest, our first two days here were fascinating… but also unsettling. Colombo is nothing like Bangkok or Hanoi. Adjusting our mindset to a different world wasn’t easy. We saw things that amazed us, and we saw things that disturbed us. Travel isn’t always comfortable—but it’s always eye‑opening.

Arrival at Midnight

Our flight was delayed, so we didn’t land until after midnight. Thankfully, the hotel had sent a driver who was waiting right at the exit, ready to take us on the hour‑long ride into the city. We checked in, rode the elevator to the top floor, and collapsed into bed.

Morning brought our first real look at Colombo.

We opened the curtains to a stunning view of the Indian Ocean, waves rolling in under a bright sky. But when our eyes drifted away from the water, the rest of the view was harder to take in. The poverty was unavoidable. Even from a 4‑star hotel, we couldn’t ignore the reality below us. It made us wonder—quietly, privately—if we had made a mistake coming here.

Every few minutes, a train rattled past along the shoreline, passengers hanging out the doorways like they were auditioning for an action movie.

Breakfast, People... and Our First Sri Lankan Meal

But then we went down to breakfast.

As I’ve said before, the people you meet can make or break a place. And our first interactions with Sri Lankans began to soften everything. Warm smiles. Genuine kindness. A happiness to meet us that felt real. Our initial concern started to fade.

Later that day, we had our first Sri Lankan meal, and that’s when we discovered something important:  

Sri Lankan spicy is not the same as Thai spicy.  

It’s not even in the same solar system.

Even Miss “I like it spicy” was gulping water like she’d just crossed the Sahara. At one point she looked at me with wide eyes and said, “This isn’t spicy… this is a damn hot.” I tried to be brave, but I’m pretty sure steam was coming out of my ears. We both agreed it was delicious—but also that our tongues needed counseling afterward.

Tuk-Tuk Touring

We had pre‑arranged a tuk‑tuk tour—a perfect way to get to know Colombo. Our driver zipped us in, out, and around traffic with the confidence of a man who had clearly been doing this since birth. I’m convinced tuk‑tuk drivers have a sixth sense that allows them to predict the future three seconds ahead of everyone else.

He showed us the highlights of the city, beginning with the Gangaramaya Temple, a Buddhist temple that took our breath away.

Barefoot, we wandered through courtyards filled with statues, artwork, and history. The highlight was a massive banyan tree. Our guide explained that Buddha had meditated under this very tree, making the temple one of the holiest in Sri Lanka. Sonja was visibly moved when he picked up a fallen leaf and placed it in her hand, asking her to take it home for a blessing of our house.

Meanwhile, I was thinking, “If Buddha meditated under this tree, the least I can do is stand here quietly and try not to embarrass myself.”

Cricket, Culture and a Sunset

The tour continued through lakes, parks, and even a stop to watch a cricket match. As a lifelong baseball fan, I naturally tried to translate everything into baseball terms. Turns out, cricket is its own universe. I kept asking questions like, “So… is that like a double?” Our guide was very patient.

Back at the hotel later, I even found myself watching cricket on TV. I still don’t understand all the rules, but I’m now confident I could at least fake my way through a conversation.

The day ended with a spectacular sunset from our window—one of those moments that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

Pettah Market:  Sensory Overload

The next day brought something we thought we were prepared for… but we were not.

Pettah Market.

Imagine an area the size of Seattle Center, packed with what felt like a million people. Sellers shouting, buyers bargaining, carts piled high with goods, tuk‑tuks weaving through crowds, colors and sounds everywhere. It was intense, overwhelming, and unforgettable.

At one point I looked at Sonja and said, “If we can survive this, India doesn’t stand a chance.”

And Yes... More Massages

We ended our final day in Colombo with massages. Yes, another one. But how can you resist when the quality is top‑notch and the prices are a fraction of what we pay back home? We’ve had massages for as low as $20 an hour, and the two‑hour treatment at a 5‑star spa cost us $75.

At this point, we’re basically becoming connoisseurs. I’m expecting us to return home and be completely useless without someone handing us tea and asking what pressure level we prefer.

Leaving Colombo

We left Colombo with mixed feelings. We’re glad we came—we learned, we saw, we felt—but if we ever return to Sri Lanka, we’ll probably bypass the city. It challenged us, surprised us, and made us think. But now we’re ready for the next chapter.

And what a chapter it will be.

We’re headed south to the town of Unawatuna and to a 5‑star beach resort that promises a very different side of Sri Lanka. We’re anxious, excited, and ready to see what this island has in store for us next.

See you in Unawatuna!