Sri Lanka > Buying clothes in Negombo

Although I always have trouble sleeping well on airplanes, last night I dozed off for short stretches several times. At half past one, I am woken for breakfast. Why so early? The breakfast turns out to be more like a regular meal with salmon, fish, and spaghetti. I eat a little, but I’m not very hungry. A few minutes before five, the plane’s wheels touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport. The line for immigration in the customs building is fairly short.

Sri Lanka - The Dutch Canal in Negombo

Since I’ve already applied for my visa online, this goes quickly. The customs officer wishes me a pleasant stay and gives me a small welcome gift. At the baggage claim, I wait for my luggage. My travel bag comes out quickly, but my travel companion’s bag does not appear. When the staff at the belt confirms that all luggage has been unloaded, the only conclusion is that the suitcase is missing. Italy again! At baggage claim, they record the details. Hopefully, the suitcase will arrive in two days on the next SriLankan Airlines flight from Rome. Outside, I meet Ajbriy (pronounced “Allbrie”). He has been waiting for me for over two and a half hours. He quickly drives me to the car and takes me to Negombo. Along the way, I see the hectic street scenes, which remind me especially of India. The Sri Lankans also have a somewhat Indian appearance. The Villa Arajiry accommodation is just outside the city center. Luckily, the room is ready. I notice that I am quite exhausted. I make plans with Ajbriy to go into town this afternoon. Until then, I lie down on the bed and immediately fall asleep.

Sri Lanka - St Mary Church in Negombo

When I wake up, I realize the nap has done me good. I take a shower and put on some light clothing. In the afternoon, Ajbriy drives me to the center of Negombo. At first glance, all the streets in the center look similar. I agree with him to meet back at the yellow clock tower at half past four. In the streets, I look for some temporary clothing since my travel companion’s suitcase has not yet arrived. I also order some samosas—fish and chicken wrapped in pastry—from a small shop. I stroll to the lagoon and follow the canal that the Dutch built during the colonial period. Schoolchildren shyly greet me. I arrive at the large St. Mary’s Church, the biggest Catholic church in western Sri Lanka, built in 1874. When I arrive back at the clock tower slightly before the agreed time, Ajbriy is already coming to meet me. He drives me back to the hotel. We make plans for tomorrow at nine o’clock for a boat trip on the lake. In the evening, I eat at one of the nearby restaurants. The Kings Coconut is recommended in the travel guide as a good and cozy restaurant—and it lives up to its reputation.