So Close Yet Worlds Away
Less than an hour flight from Cochin, India lies the island nation of Sri Lanka. Although there are several similarities between the two countries, there are also things that completely differentiate them. The climate and the vegetation here definitely remind me of South India yet there seems to be much more diversity, especially where tourists are concerned. There are quite a few visitors from China as well as a mix of European countries.
It was an early start from Marari in order to catch my 9:45am flight to Colombo. Upon arrival in Colombo airport, I was stunned at how quickly things moved along and especially how efficient the luggage delivery system was-by the time I got to baggage claim, my bags were already heading towards me on the belt. This is a far cry even from home where I've waited more than an hour for domestic luggage at Oakland airport!
It was an early start from Marari in order to catch my 9:45am flight to Colombo. Upon arrival in Colombo airport, I was stunned at how quickly things moved along and especially how efficient the luggage delivery system was-by the time I got to baggage claim, my bags were already heading towards me on the belt. This is a far cry even from home where I've waited more than an hour for domestic luggage at Oakland airport!
Last Stop For Luxury
The next two days mark the end of my luxury travel component, so I'm planning to fully enjoy the upscale accommodations, the porter service, and the sheer pampering that comes with Traveling Well, before I transition to the "active travel" portion of this trip.
My home in Fort Galle is Amangalla, a luxury resort that retains the architectural beauty and furnishings of a bygone era and ups the ante when it comes to service. Each of the 28 rooms have butler service. Now before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify what butlers mean in today's world. This is not a stuffy overdressed individual hovering over you with condescending glares. Today's butler service is more of a personal concierge, readily available to assist you with any request and to make your stay as pleasurable as possible. Yes, in some instances (depending on the resort) they will unpack and pack your bags in your room and be available via a personal cell phone. In this case, Charith is my point person for everything from setting up excursions, ordering meals, and even being my guide for a walking tour of Galle Fort (water bottles and umbrella in hand of course). He is dressed in the traditional clothing of the Sinhalese people and has a very easy-going and charming personality.
My home in Fort Galle is Amangalla, a luxury resort that retains the architectural beauty and furnishings of a bygone era and ups the ante when it comes to service. Each of the 28 rooms have butler service. Now before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify what butlers mean in today's world. This is not a stuffy overdressed individual hovering over you with condescending glares. Today's butler service is more of a personal concierge, readily available to assist you with any request and to make your stay as pleasurable as possible. Yes, in some instances (depending on the resort) they will unpack and pack your bags in your room and be available via a personal cell phone. In this case, Charith is my point person for everything from setting up excursions, ordering meals, and even being my guide for a walking tour of Galle Fort (water bottles and umbrella in hand of course). He is dressed in the traditional clothing of the Sinhalese people and has a very easy-going and charming personality.
First order of business he tells me is that I must be welcomed in the traditional way by the lighting of the oil lamp. There is a very specific method to this and I must ensure that my hands are placed correctly before I light the wick. I also have to remember not to blow out the flame on the match but rather shake it until it disappears. With the ritual complete, Charith begins to acclimate me to the room.
The resort itself is nothing short of stunning, set inside the walls of the UNESCO World Heritage site that is Fort Galle. I'm blessed to be upgraded to a suite, which is the up side of traveling during off season (the downside being the humidity and constant threat of thunderous downpours). I'm on the top floor with a view that just takes my breath away. Through the arched windows, I can see over the rooftops to the Indian Ocean. I am completely floored by the beauty of this place. The hotel was originally built in 1684 as a Dutch commander's army headquarters. The original floor tiles and polished Burmese teak floorboards have been retained and the entire setting makes you feel as if you are in the Dutch colonial era. This place is so iconic that tourists come by for high tea or to have a drink on the hotel porch. It is perfectly situated in the heart of Fort Galle which allows for easy access to the shops and restaurants, all within a short walk from the hotel. I don't have time to tour the hotel itself today, but it's something that's top of mind for tomorrow. I cannot wait to see all the character and hear about the history that's contained within these walls.
Exploring Fort Galle
As tired as I was after the early wake up call and the over two hour drive to the hotel thanks to gridlock that's worse than the 405 in Los Angeles, I knew I was in this part of Sri Lanka for only 2 days so I had to make the most of it. Given that I had requested the temple visits tomorrow, Charith suggested we do the walking tour of Fort Galle this evening, the coolest part of the day.
Charith is an incredibly knowledgeable guide, providing facts about historical buildings and their original purpose. I was absolutely in love with this quaint area. Within the fort, cobblestone streets meander past jewelry shops and restaurants. There are museums and libraries and Charith points out places he would recommend for a great local meal or the best souvenirs in the fort. I cannot take enough photos to do this place justice, there is something of interest at every turn.
We end up walking on top of the fort walls which provide stunning ocean views and circumnavigate the city within. As we reach the site of the old lighthouse, I grab my phone but realize it has shut itself off and needs to be charged. This was my trade off in trying to limit my luggage for this trip-I left my camera at home in hopes that I would be able to make do with my phone camera. ARRG! I'm missing some amazing photos from an incredible vantage point. I try to focus on what's before me and let the beauty soak in. I'll have to ensure that I'm better prepared for the remainder of the trip.
Charith is an incredibly knowledgeable guide, providing facts about historical buildings and their original purpose. I was absolutely in love with this quaint area. Within the fort, cobblestone streets meander past jewelry shops and restaurants. There are museums and libraries and Charith points out places he would recommend for a great local meal or the best souvenirs in the fort. I cannot take enough photos to do this place justice, there is something of interest at every turn.
We end up walking on top of the fort walls which provide stunning ocean views and circumnavigate the city within. As we reach the site of the old lighthouse, I grab my phone but realize it has shut itself off and needs to be charged. This was my trade off in trying to limit my luggage for this trip-I left my camera at home in hopes that I would be able to make do with my phone camera. ARRG! I'm missing some amazing photos from an incredible vantage point. I try to focus on what's before me and let the beauty soak in. I'll have to ensure that I'm better prepared for the remainder of the trip.
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