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TRAVEL NOTES ON THE BLESSED EARTH

02 February 2016 • Travel time: with 25 august 2015 on 10 September 2015
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Returning from distant wanderings And now the long-awaited vacation loomed on the horizon, and with it the question: where to spend it? At first glance, there are many options - but in fact, as in the old joke “. . . Do you have another globe? ” In general, after a family council, it was decided to fly to Sri Lanka again, although they had been there many times. No wonder that the legendary traveler Marco Polo called Ceylon the most beautiful island in the whole world. Yes, and it's time to visit your Sinhalese friends. We will not describe in detail the stunning tropical vegetation, the warm ocean with endless wide sandy beaches and incredible sunsets. This time we offer practical advice for those who want to make this trip truly unforgettable and not miss anything. A guide, so to speak, along the paths explored and not very much. Buffaloes on the Roads To begin with, I would like to note that even during the rainy season, the earth (that cool, reddish soil) and sand dries up very quickly, and every day there are several hours for swimming and walking. But, basically, there is either no rain, or they come at night. . And do not forget - that in the first day or two you can burn out severely in the sun even in half an hour, and the sun goes down even through the clouds... If, nevertheless, such a nuisance happened, then you need to buy aloe gel (not cream! ). But, in principle, due to its unique geographical position, the island provides an opportunity for a year-round beach holiday, because it is located in two climatic zones at once, differing in different periods of seasonality. When it rains, you can go north to Trincomalee, watch huge turtles, scuba dive at the reef and, if you're lucky, see whales. But we should not forget that it is more than 7 hours drive from the airport and around, to put it mildly, civilization is poorly developed. Yes, and it will take a long and tiring journey to popular tourist places (well, this is provided that you do not use the new VIP service and do not fly by air taxi or helicopter, where the same distance can be covered in less than an hour, however, it is very expensive ). Therefore, we propose to stop at the favorite place of many tourists - the Southwest coast, on which we will consider Bentota as the starting point. So, basically, everyone is flying through the UAE either FlyDubai or Airarabia. Food is served on board only if it is discussed in advance and included in the ticket price, so the best option is to take sandwiches with you (it tastes better and you don’t have to pay a few dollars for a strange burger with tasteless sausage). Drinks: bottle of water 0.5l. costs 4 dirhams (3.75 for $1). Therefore, we recommend that you find a refrigerator in DutyFree at a transfer in Sharjah and take a couple of one and a half liter eggplants of the same water for 5 dirhams apiece and ask for a package. They will no longer shine through and you can safely go on board with it. In general, the shop here in transit is weak and it is better to leave the purchase of perfumes and other duty-free "joys" in Colombo and buy goods immediately after arrival. Just do not stay too long so that the group does not wait for you for a long time, plan your purchases in advance. If, nevertheless, you get carried away, then you will need to look for luggage no longer on the tape, in the center of the hall, where everything not taken away is dragged to the “stall” with employees. By the way, there is also a good shop at the exit: after all the controls, you go up to the second floor and immediately to the left - surprisingly, the prices there are slightly lower than on the next one... There, a little further, on the left hand, there are good departments with Mlesna tea ( a large selection, for example, in a wooden box of 100 grams - $ 4, a half-kilogram bag of black - 20, ) and "Dilmah" (125 gr in a can - $ 5-6. True, the same in the branded department of "Odel" costs about 300 rupees). At the airport, of course, it’s expensive, but it’s super-aromatic and not “leftist” and good for those who decide to “stock up to capacity” before departure. Transfer: you can save money and use a group transfer, especially since in the conditions of the global economic crisis a comfortable bus will be less than half full. But, at the same time, do not forget about the roads, or rather, about the movement. Of course, there are no pits and potholes either on the old colonial or on the new toll road. . The last one is fast, but not long... Then there will be narrow roads with tuk-tuks, cows, buffaloes, trucks and buses... And no one ever and nowhere observes traffic rules: that is, driving into the oncoming lane, the sound of a horn, they say, skip and literally under the hood, outgoing vehicles to the side of the road are the norm. At the same time, no one swears and does not resent. It is almost impossible to understand who, where and in what lane is moving. So it turns out that the road less than 60 km from the airport to Bentota can take, if you're lucky, 2-2.5 hours. Plus transportation of tourists to hotels. In general, maybe there is a point in an individual transfer. Welcome or be careful! Compared to the neighboring towns of Alyutgama, Beruwala, etc. , Bentota is the safest. There are fewer drunks, junkies and punks here. By the way, a curious fact - the Sri Lankans are very fond of alcohol and proudly claim that they are the second in the world in terms of drunkenness, naturally, after the Slavs. But recently, all because of the same crisis, many times fewer tourists began to visit the island, and from all countries, and therefore you need to be very careful. If you go to the beach from the Bentota Beach Hotel and go to the right, then after 35-40 minutes you can reach the extreme point of the spit, where the Bentota River of the same name flows into the ocean. There, on the top of a small but picturesque mountain, which is located at the very end of the path, there is a staircase laid among the picturesque vegetation. Upstairs there is a small Buddhist temple, caves for meditation, a garden, etc. Last time, the culmination of a walk with gorgeous views from different sides of the peak, resting there and talking with a good-natured monk, was a pleasure. But this time. . . While we were walking, a local joined us, although he walked at a distance, it was clear that we were behind us. From the hotel we were accompanied by a very intelligent and funny dog ​ ​ - medium size, white with black and red spots. She comes to Bentota Beach every day - tourists feed her, give her fresh water. She loves to play in the sand, look at the ocean and swim. Pamper her, if you meet her, bring sausages from the restaurant... So, further - next to the mountain there is a recently built helipad (in fact, you can fly anywhere from here, but very expensive... ), but this did not add optimism. From somewhere, two more climbed out of the thicket, and while we were taking pictures on the picturesque stones sticking out of the ocean, they were digging in the trash near the site. The dog was patiently waiting for us under the rock. Suddenly, the one who is older and, apparently, either more experienced, or a little smarter, ran to the side - looking closer, we noticed how two of his accomplices were looking at the mine with interest. In general, nothing surprising - the civil war ended on the island just a few years ago. While the natives were busy with the find, we hurried to the monk, in the hope that he would lead us to the boats, and we would return to the hotel along the river. Already on the way, we agreed to get to the Bentota Beach pier for 400 rupees (1 dollar - 133 rupees). Ayurveda for visitors Speaking of the hotel: it is the best on the coast. Four stars only because the fifth one was removed due to repairs that were not made on time. . A chic territory that has no equal - an incredible amount of greenery, palm trees, chipmunks... Do not be too lazy to take a couple of pieces of bread in the restaurant and feed these funny rodents from your hands. Let's do it a little bit - they will take it with their paws and pull it towards themselves. In fact, these minke whales are called palm squirrels. But, be careful with them - do not leave food in bags, bags or on sunbeds - believe me, they will smell it and take it away, and they can leave claws on things! It is worth noting that on one side of the hotel there is a river, and directly - the ocean. All rooms face the garden, and therefore passing trains can not be heard at all. And the food - the variety and taste is just super! And the exit to the town is convenient (unlike the new hotel, which was built a little further along the spit. Its reception is located on one side of the river, and the building on the other. And in order to go for a walk or shopping, you need either to go around the coast for half an hour, or wait for the ferry : -) And don't confuse Bentota Beach Hotel and BentotaClub, which is many levels lower. Opposite the Bentota Beach Hotel is the Aida Ayurveda hotel - the price range is about the same, but sometimes even higher. There used to be a few salons. The most hyped in this neighborhood is Laguna. The owner, who is also the head physician, determines the disease of a person by the pulse. But, by and large, an experienced doctor and a little psychologist, while he will count the pulse, according to your appearance and a couple of leading questions, will tell you the main problems. And the rest will "pull out" during the conversation. On our last trip, we bargained with him for a long time, and as a result, for 12.000 rupees, the two of us received the following procedures: a light massage, which ended quickly, acupuncture (a few in the hands and head) and a local sauna. The latter, in appearance, resembled the medieval Inquisition, only more pleasant: it was necessary to lie down on a wooden grate, which was located at some distance from the lower tier of a large box resembling a coffin. Then the lid closes so that only the head sticks out of the special slots in the upper and lower parts, and steam starts to flow from below, warming up the whole body. . Very, of course, cool, but all the time the inner voice did not let you relax - what if the temperature rises and you get a barbecue : -) After these procedures, the doctor tried to tell that you need to go here for at least a week, and we went on a tut-tuk for 100 rupees per hotel. The approximate price tag for procedures for 6 days is 280-350 dollars. This is wholesale, so to speak, that is, in this case, several types of massage every day, and retail is more expensive. . So, for example, bodies - 40, head - 20, faces - 20, herbal bath - 20. In a hotel - more expensive. In summary, we note that if you have been to Thailand and know what a real massage is, you should not go here. But, of course, it's up to you to decide. Durian for dessert By the way, when you go to the beach, then on the left, next to the beach-boys, there is a Muslim Mohammed with royal coconuts (bright yellow - much tastier than green ones). They are 100 rupees and very tasty. Don't forget, when you drink milk, be sure to ask him to break the coconut to eat the pulp. So he can order any fruit. Prices may not differ much from market prices, but they will be guaranteed to be ripe and tasty. . Bring him dark natural chocolate for children and say hello from Andrey and Ira. After that, there will be good discounts. Fruit prices depend on the season. Pineapple and red papaya are amazingly delicious, but we did not buy them, because the hotel had them for breakfast and dinner. Tree apples (round, of a strange color) are “none”, and fresh from them is the same. Mangosteens and rambutans are delicious. The dragon fruit has a traditional white and an unusual red. So, white ones are tastier. Anode, familiar to us from soursop tea, is not sold everywhere. In the off-season, for example, two dragons and 5 mangosteens - 1600 rupees. Small bananas cost from 100 to 170 rupees per kg depending on the variety. Red bananas are said to be the tastiest, costing around 40-50 each. But there isn't much difference. It is curious that when we, together with our friends, sat down at the "sweet table", they sprinkled some fruits with a mixture of salt and pepper. Here is such a local flavor or, indeed, there is no arguing about tastes... Of course, it is worth trying the famous durian. Just don’t buy it yourself, because there is a high probability of running into a really smelly and unripe. When we traveled with a local guide, on the way among the heaps of this "king of fruits" we were able to choose only 7 times. Moreover, I didn’t understand the difference in appearance, but the fact is that a recently picked fruit does not yet have such a “killer aroma” as the one that “reaches” on the counter. We divided it into two halves - it will not work on our own, because it is covered in very hard, sharp spikes, the cuts from which will heal for a long time and painfully. Considering the weight, even holding it in your hands hurts. In 1-2 minutes you get used to the smell and you begin to eat juicy pulp with pleasure, similar in consistency to jam. I just peeled it off with my fingers and bit it from huge bones, of which there are several pieces in the fruit. Really delicious and unique. The only, then not very pleasant belching, open windows in the car and strange smelling hands. By the way, as they say, this is a natural analogue of Viagra. Only alcohol does not fall - it can be fatal. But since our company does not drink in principle, the whole fruit was eaten! Speaking of alcohol, not all supermarkets sell it, and tourists praise the local red rum. Beach-boys and black market As soon as you leave the hotel on the beach, you are surrounded by a bunch of beach-boys who will offer any excursions and trips. Of course, it is much cheaper than that of the host country and it can be very personal. But before you go - look at the car and clearly specify all the details and prices. The fact is that in Sri Lanka the tourism business is under development, and therefore excursions are very expensive. Mostly by minibuses and private cars. So, a trip to Colombo and back for shopping at the popular Odel store will cost the “beach boys” 50 dollars (and the guide - 70-80). It makes sense to go to Odel if you spend 3-4 hours on it. By the way, at the entrance there is a small duty-free perfume department with branded goods. In the center of the first floor (between the Dilma tea shop and the cafe - delicious cashews at 410 rupees per 100 grams). On the way, you can drive past the Government House, old colonial buildings and stop at the Embankment. Nothing magical, but it's worth taking a walk and "checking in". Few people know that the official capital is called Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The population there is only about 40 thousand, and as the main city it “did not take place”, therefore Colombo is called the actual capital. Also, good things of famous brands, as well as just high-quality cotton at low prices, can be bought at BlackMarket. From the hotel - to the left across the bridge, then to the right at the crossroads, pass the railway tracks and carefully look on the left side for a small shop with closed transparent doors and an abundance of T-shirts and shirts - this is the paradise of Polo and Lacoste. In order to understand for sure that you are in the right place, there is the owner of a small stature in appearance, flawed, but a cool little man. When he saw us, he remembered, was delighted, and boastfully told in broken Russian how he was establishing contacts with the Bangkok black market. Here you can take a cool men's (there are also women's) things from 500 to 1500 rupees (Polo super-quality). In addition to this list, we also took homemade sausage with us in a cooler bag - we went with a bang! But the locals regarded the fat as a "raw product" they began to fry it to the state of "bacon". Locals also ask for red caviar, but many, having opened a jar, do not dare to eat, believing that this is also a “raw” delicacy... Diamonds and spices , perhaps, the certificate printed under the palm trees inspires confidence... Each tuk-tuker will “accidentally” pass by the “jewellery”. As an example, I will quote the words of one whip-boy - “At the end of the year, I received my interest for the money spent by tourists in jewelry stores and bought myself a good hybrid “Japanese”... By the way, their cars are very expensive due to high taxes. For example, a three-year-old Toyota minibus, not in the best configuration, costs about 68 thousand dollars. And this is despite the fact that "the metal does not live long" and is subject to corrosion due to high humidity and the proximity of the salty ocean. . (Rasika Fernando lives in Beruwala and if you need help, regardless of the territorial location, or a reliable person with a car, we will gladly give his phone number). But back to decorations. Conclusion: so that there are no temptations, it is better not to go there - the products are really beautiful, but there are questions about the quality. I recommend to stop by the mine and see how the moonstone is mined. But at the end, again, exit through the store... For extreme people - take chicken meat or fish and ask to slow down along the way near any small lake or river. Go out and take a closer look - near the shore in the thick grass you will surely see the heads of monitor lizards sticking out. Throw the meat closer to the shore and they will trample on - individuals come across up to one and a half meters. This, by the way, will debunk the myth that they are herbivores... By the way, they climb trees too. Be sure to take a boat ride on the Bentota River. A lot of positive impressions. Let them drive you to the place where the river flows into the ocean. It costs 2000 rupees for two. Anything above is cheating. We also recommend that you go to the turtle farm on your own. Leave the hotel and find yourself in the "paws of a gang of tut-tukers. " They will charge double the price. Negotiate 400, well, maximum 500 rupees round trip with expectation. If not, exit onto the road and turn right. On the way, you will see the consequences of the tsunami that have not yet been eliminated and on the left there is a large monument to those who died from the elements... A ticket to the farm is 500 rupees per person, but it is very interesting there (the main thing is to wait for the tuk-tuk). You can also hold one-day-old turtles with a “handful” and take a hefty one in your hands. We also recommend that you go to a Buddhist temple on your own. In front of him stands a hefty Buddha statue, which a few years ago was the largest in the world. The highlight of the tour: you need to go through the door at the base of the statue, and already under it look at several levels with beautiful frescoes... The actual temple itself is further up behind the Buddha - a small but interesting architecture. Buddhists pray inside, and in a separate room they worship Vishnu as the most important deity. It somehow turns out so universally... Elephant shower A trip to Galle Fort will also cost a tidy sum. Interesting, beautiful, gorgeous photos on the background of the lighthouse. You can, however, save money by traveling less comfortably on a bus without windows and doors. The locals will be happy to show and explain everything, and the colorful road will cost only... 40 rupees, instead of 40 dollars. On your own, you can go to the largest elephant nursery in Southeast Asia, Pinavella. A little by bus, then by train for 250 rupees, then by tut-tuk. Of course, it's easier with a guide by car - $ 45 per person: comfort + more interesting stops along the way. Be sure to find out if tickets are included in the price, because for foreigners they are 2500 rupees. But it's worth it! Important recommendation: you need to leave at dawn in order to arrive by 8 in the morning. The fact is that by this time only a few elephants go swimming and you can safely watch and even come and feed for 100 rupees (another 100 for bananas). By 9 no longer crowded. Therefore, after the first bath, you need to go back upstairs and watch these beautiful animals in the nursery. . Then bottle feed a baby elephant for 300 rupees and don't miss it when the herd goes down to the river (where you were before). Follow him and, although there are already a lot of people, enjoy an unforgettable sight - the mass bathing of these giants. Then, it is important, do not listen to the guide, but you must insist that they take you to ride elephants. From the nursery - it's less than 10 minutes drive. And there, for 2.000 rupees per person, the elephant will ride through the jungle, take him to the river and make a “shower”, pouring water from his trunk. It's unforgettable. Next to you will be a driver and a partner. So feel free to give the camera to the latter - he knows how to use any technique and knows good angles. At the end, do not forget to prepare 150-200 rupees for everyone. The task of each guide or "beach boy" is to drag the tourist not only to the jewelry store or for spices and tea, but also to an expensive excursion. For example, on a "Safari" in one of the national parks. We do not argue, in some places it is beautiful and unusual. But given the road, which takes only four hours one way, the high cost and the dubious probability of meeting various wild animals in their natural habitat, it is worth considering. Of course, in any case, you will see beautiful birds, monkeys, possibly a crocodile and monitor lizards (they are also on the river near the hotel). There will also be buffaloes - the same as those found along the roads. But leopards and other rare inhabitants - the odds are like in the lottery. We saw peacocks, for example, when we rode the elephant Monica, and a huge beautiful parrot at a random “sanitary” stop. "Tourist tea" Do not buy tea in the town - it is, in fact, Sri Lankan, but mixed with second-rate Indian, and therefore the "aroma" will be the same as from our supermarkets. This is a product for those who sincerely believe that "Ceylon tea" is everywhere and there is no point in paying more. When you decide to go to tea plantations, it is best to go to Nuwara Eliya in the mountains. Say so - high and in the center of the island. By the way, there is a completely different nature there: there are no palm trees and other tropical plants, but deciduous forests and, wherever you look, all the slopes and peaks are in tea plantations. This is impressive, and not where tourists are mainly taken - a small tea processing factory and several tens of acres of a plantation... This is not it. The factory must be over 50 years old and there are vast tea plantations around, that is, they were grown, harvested, processed, and not brought and shown. And now at serious enterprises you need to stock up on tea! On average, black or green is 1200-1500 rupees per 1 kg, and with natural additives - 1500 per 200 grams. By the way, good tea can also be bought at Odel (although the choice of fragrant ones is small). It is better to take a trip Kandy - Temple of the Tooth Relic - Dambula - Sigiriya with an overnight stay and plan all the details. Especially transport and lodging. In principle, you can stop by the tea plantations on the way, see one or two waterfalls (you don’t specifically need them - they are not very large, but the landscapes are excellent, though they get bored quickly, since it’s a long drive) and then to Kandy and to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. But if you spend the night, then on the way back you will climb a rock, look at Dambulla - a cave where there are many Buddha statues (if you were in Thailand, it will not be very impressive... ), you will be glad if the monkeys steal anything and go further. Then climb up Sigiriya if… it doesn't rain (the steps are so slippery that helpers shoving you in the ass from below for $10 won't help), and if there are no Chinese. In general, judging by their number in Lanka, they strongly feel the crisis. So, it will be an anthill if they are brought to Sigiriya... Moshka, seefood and medicine And a few words about the ocean - it is always restless and it is better to swim while you feel the bottom. The fact is that after the wave, the reverse current will not only carry away, but will tighten. And the point of no return is easy to miss. And there is no one to save, and no one will hear. So splash, play, and swim better in the pool. And don't lie on the sand. Yes, yes - on this wonderful, gentle, beautiful sand - otherwise some inconspicuous midges will bite you, and then the bites will itch and spoil the tan. If, nevertheless, something “itches” - buy a miracle ointment in a green box of Belaan herbal cream (900 rupees. Enough for a long time) in an Ayurvedic store. To scare away the local midges and mosquitoes, you need to purchase a natural Citronella spray in any store (450 rupees for a small one and 900 for a large one). Change of climate, time zone plus the equatorial sun and tropical rains caused an attack of severe headache. I had all my medicines for both low and high blood pressure. Having learned from past trips, we knew that in traditional pharmacies the choice of drugs is rather poor, and many require a doctor's prescription. Therefore, it is better to have everything with you. I remember the case when, an hour and a half drive from Kandy, we saw an ambulance with flashing lights on. To our question to the guide “How far is the patient being taken? ”, he replied that in... Kandy, since there are decent hospitals only in a few large cities. “Perhaps they will take him…”, he finished. Returning to the migraine, we went to the reception and asked to measure the pressure. There was no blood pressure monitor in the best hotel on the coast and we were advised to “look in the town”. On our way to Bentota, we found a branch of the Red Cross, which also did not have a device. But a helpful employee took us to the Suzanta Hotel, on the territory of which a local Ayurvedic healer rented an office for the purpose of healing tourists. It turned out that only he has a blood pressure monitor in the entire district. I've heard of these, but never seen them. Old, or rather ancient, mercury. But it's accurate! In general, if there are pressure problems, take the device with you. By the way, about "Suzanty" - we used to come here sometimes to eat. It was cheap, quiet and delicious. Now it has become just a canteen with high prices, in which the Germans and the British sour all day in cigarette smoke. But when you buy up - it's time to refresh yourself. You can eat inexpensively and tasty by the pool right at the Bentota Beach Hotel. Pay attention to the tables without signs and menus. But as soon as they sit down, the waiter appears. So, 10-12 marinated shrimp cost 400 rupees, two pieces of fish about one cm thick and 10 in diameter + potatoes or rice - 650. Drinks are expensive, but no one bothers to buy water and juices in the supermarket. Small but decent ones are Carling FoodCity. Exit the hotel and go right to a small lake (by the way, monitor lizards also live here). Pass BentotaMarket, where you can buy local clothes, T-shirts and souvenirs cheaper than in the town - do not forget to bring down the price everywhere (except for state stores and supermarkets). So, a men's Sri-Lanka T-shirt with an elephant can be bought for 450-550 rupees, and a women's one for 350-400. And in general - bargain outrageously, turning it into an exciting game for yourself. Further on the left, pass by the expensive GoldenGrill restaurant, then behind the bank (there is an exchange and an ATM, open until 15.00), turn left and go to the road. On the highway - to the right and after 50 meters on the left in the "pocket" there will be an excellent small shop. Here, inexpensive and high-quality water, juices, curd (buffalo milk in ceramic pots), vegetables, fruits (pineapples, bananas, apples), papadam (if these small cakes are thrown into boiling oil, then there will be the most delicious natural chips), ginger brewed tea Steuarts GingerTea (200 rupees per 100 gr) delicious gingerbread cookies, cinnamon sticks, spices and spices. There is also a small pharmacy department, where we recommend buying Threpala tablets (160 rupees) for cleaning the liver and Samahan super granulated tea for colds, flu, fever with withdrawal, etc. from traditional 15 herbs, roots and spices. To taste - cool and spicy, although many say that "pull out your eye. " Restorative and immediately raises to his feet. With severe malaise - 3 packets per day. Cost per box of 100 pcs. - 1500 rupees. There is also a smaller package. Do not forget to buy Supervicky Ayurvedic toothpaste - with spices and herbs! Perfectly whitens, heals and strengthens the gums. Very specific taste! And if you leave the hotel and go left across the bridge, then immediately after it on the left there is a cafe, well, or a restaurant that you need to go to by the ladder (there is a billboard with lobster next to it). So in Kulmith Restaurant you can order the freshest Thermidor lobster + salad and rice for 2500 rupees. Or royal fish of bright red color for 2000. Just let them show live seefood in advance. And if you go further without turning, then on the left there will be an Ayurvedic store Rajapaksha Medicals No, Aluthgama - one of those rare ones that have a state license and where tourists are not taken. Everything is here and you need to come here for a long time. We recommend Baraka products (fixed price from 195 to 400 rupees) for problems with the heart, brain, potency, liver, digestive system, etc. There is also the so-called insulin bowl - a vessel carved from a special tree. Pour a glass of water there at night, which turns dark brown overnight and reduces the level of sugar in the body if you drink it on an empty stomach (3000 rupees small and 4500 large). In pharmacies where guides are brought in, a bowl (mostly made of ordinary, not healing wood) will cost 10-12 thousand. We also sell the same ones from India - crafts of local homeless people, from which there will be a maximum placebo effect. Try the jumbo In the last chapter we left the hotel, turned left across the bridge. Now we pass by a lobster restaurant, an Ayurvedic shop and move on without turning. Leaving the crossroads on the right hand, we still do not see, but we already smell the fish market. On the left, near the shops with various rubbish. Considering the heat and the fact that flies eat fish for half a day, the amber is indescribable. However, if you arrive at the right time (ask when the fresh shrimp will arrive, don't be lazy) then the dinner can be unforgettable. If you become a face, then at the end of the market on the right hand there will be two sellers, near which there are white foam boxes. A few attractive ocean dwellers are on the counter - and in containers the same thing, only fresh and in ice! Here you can choose a lobster, lobster or a dozen of the freshest tiger prawns, the size of a man's palm, for about 1250-1400 rupees, depending on the weight. After that, turn to the road and look diagonally to the right (the merchant will point you to the red Pizza sign). Across the road and one and a half to two minutes walk. Not only does this inconspicuous cafe make excellent pizza in front of you, but here for only 300 rupees on the grill they will cook everything that is bought on the market. At the same time, hot garlic sauce (not spicy) will be served. Here we recommend ordering fresh (pineapple - 250 rupees). Just do not forget to ask without ice: firstly, ice “steals” the volume of juice, and secondly, it is certainly not from pure water... Another option is more expensive, but also more romantic. We leave the pizzeria on the right hand, go to the crossroads, turn right again, across the railroad tracks. When you go, leave the knitwear store mentioned above on the left (I repeat, which does not carry tourists) and go to the turn. In front of it you will see a sign to the right between buildings with the words Pier 88 Restaurant. Pass it "through" and sit down on the terrace, which offers a gorgeous view of the Bentota River. Here you can take assorted seafood (4000 rupees - enough for two) or the famous jumbo shrimp with garlic sauce - 3000 rupees along with a side dish and salad. Enough for two and very, very tasty. In addition, while the food is being prepared, you can enjoy the stunning nature. Most importantly, wherever you eat, don't forget to ask for "no spicy". Leaving the restaurant Pier 88 (especially after 17 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and turning right, you will see a food market. But this is only its beginning. Walk 50 meters and enter its main rows. Where to go - you will understand by the cries. This is a real madhouse - in order to sell a product, each merchant tries to shout down a competitor. And everyone does it almost non-stop. . And the lack of garbage cans, and, in principle, any hygiene standards, make this place impossible for squeamish tourists to visit... In general, it’s colorful... And, finally, about romantic evenings: the hotel will promote that instead of dinner for $ 45 from a person you sailed down the river on a longboat. In addition to traditional dishes, there will be sea food, national songs and dances, a small swing and thousands of mosquitoes. As an alternative - a great dinner at the hotel and then go to the bar, where you can watch the same show without ordering on comfortable divas. The locals, in turn, will offer for a hundred dollars to arrange a "holiday" on the beach in the evening - some shrimp and fish on fire to drum roll. Think for yourself. . . Afterword Leaving the island, we thought that we had already seen everything on this Blessed Land, and when we arrived, we realized that someday we would return here again. The place is really hard. What are the energy balls of prana worth, which we managed to see with the naked eye for the first time. When the flash went off at night, we were simply afraid to move, as we were surrounded by them. An analogy can be drawn with a sea full of jellyfish. . . Surrounding us, they hovered in the air - of different shapes and sizes. This is a real miracle! And it's not alone here! Andrey and Irina TSURKANOVA, photo by courier@i. ua

Translated automatically from Russian. View original
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Весёлая пальмовая белка (бурундук :-)
Торговец фруктами Маххамед
Знаменитые креветки джамбо с горячим чесночным соусом
Наши сингальские друзья - Расика с семьёй
Бим
Черепашьи детки - им всего сутки :-)
Шары праны
Дорога к
Продуктовый рынок
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