We got up as usual and didn't try PickMe, the Sri Lankan rideshare app until 1:00 PM. Negombo beach is just a little bit over a half-hour from the house. If one could take a direct line it'd be even closer but the International airport is in the way.
The app couldn't find any drivers of small vans, and I had to include the tuk-tuk category before we got a lift. It really didn't take much longer than in a regular vehicle but was a little louder, hotter, and less comfortable.
We had seen the place as it is very close to the Negombo public beach. From the inside, it didn't really look as though they'd done many improvements in the last three and a half decades! We did, however, get an A/C room with a direct view of the swimming pool and ocean for around SR 12000 per night with breakfast. That works out to be almost US$ 60. Pardon me, I'm getting older and forget that good hotel rooms never cost US$ 25 anymore, anywhere. That was the standard, tropical-beach price when we started travelling the world.
We didn't have any naps today as we walked the beach in front of the hotel. We knew that the public beach area would get crowded and that several of the larger, expensive hotels would put on a fireworks show at midnight.
We walked the strip near the hotel to find a place to eat dinner. Tourism hasn't really made its comeback in Negombo. An added propane gas cylinder shortage has closed many small restaurants and food stalls. The Coconut Lodge specialized in seafood but Jay had chicken and I got a pizza.
