Day 3 - We're here! After seven years, I'm relaxing in the house in Minuwangoda, Sri Lanka. There are lots of differences; some with the house, but more with the people. Since my last visit we've lost an auntie, Jay's father, and his brother-in-law. Primarily, we will be visiting Jayantha's sisters.
We settled in right after the 20-minute ride from the international airport. Coming into Sri Lanka was easy and the visas fees have been waved in an attempt to jumpstart island tourism. We easily withdrew some money from ATMs and booked an airport taxi for the short drive. The road to the house had changed a lot with much new development along the Vayengoda Road. The driver was a bit unhappy as, I'm sure, he had hoped to snag a long-distance fare to take someone halfway across the country. It was his luck, or in this case, unluck, of the draw as he was next in queue and we were the next passengers requesting services.
It seems hot but mostly because of the humidity. The temperature will fall to 24C tonight, which is just about as low as it gets. There was a huge rainstorm and this only reminded me that when water is added to copious amounts of tropical sunshine the result is a jungle. It took me only minutes to fall in love with the amazing variety of bird sounds which are the background soundtrack for life in Sri Lanka!
Jay's elder sister is staying here although her house is nearer downtown Columbo in Nugegoda. So Jay and his sisters caught up as we unpacked our suitcases and ate lunch, dinner, and plugged in my G4 SIM for wifi around the house. We had a two-hour afternoon nap but will still be ready for bed in a few minutes. It's not quite 10 PM yet.
I'm so at ease already. These three months (and the two in KL) are going to go very quickly!
