Final day in Mirissa

Hi all,

Last night we had another dinner together as a group, but a few people left quite early on for airport transfers. It was so strange saying goodbye. You live in each other’s pockets for two weeks, discussing anything from runny tummies to the job you do at home, and then all of a sudden it’s like “alright – bye! Have a good life!” and then you keep up with each other on Facebook. Mum and I are both so glad we were with a group on this trip when we received the news about Nan. They have all been really loving and supportive and looked out for us. We got a photo with our guide, Darsh, as the night ended.

This morning, Mum and I joined Rob and Carlos for some more snorkelling, and Hazel came too this time. We saw another turtle, and the ocean was slightly calmer this time so we were able to float and follow it for quite a long time. We particularly enjoyed seeing it come up for air. The third time it did this, it came so close to Mum and I that we had to back away as we were worried we would accidentally touch it. Just amazing – I absolutely love seeing animals in the wild.

Here we bid farewell to Rob and Hazel who had to get back for their taxi, but Mum, Carlos and I enjoyed a passionfruit juice before climbing the island on the beach here in Mirissa. The stairs and the bamboo to help you up the stairs looked pretty dodgy, but actually turned out to be quite good. Then we headed back and had a shower.

Mum had been hankering for a smoothie bowl the whole trip, so I did some Googling and found a place. Unfortunately the first place was permanently closed when we arrived, but the second one we tried was well and truly open, very busy, and we soon found out why. Mum had a chia pudding with mango smoothie, I had a mango smoothie bowl, and we each had a juice. They were delicious. A smoothie bowl costs approximately $15 at home. All four of these items totalled $15 for us – including a tip! I’m not looking forward to how expensive everything is at home.

Then we walked on to Secret Beach again. It tried hard to rain today, and was very grey. We were glad we had gone yesterday to see Secret Beach in the sun, but we were grateful for the clouds today as it meant we shared the beach with just five other people. We sat for a while having a swim, and talking about Nan and lots of memories. On the way back down we had a laugh at some sleeping dogs in precarious positions, and we enjoyed seeing a dog that looked just like my brother’s!

After a quick rest, we were then craving some banana and chocolate roti. Again I did some Googling, and we stumbled across the ‘No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop’. Their menu included the history of the shop, which was first started in 2009 back when the Civil War had just ended. The first two plots of land they rented to set up the shop were taken off them as their respective landlords wanted the land back, and then finally a German couple suggested they set the shop up out of their house, and helped them to do this. Some other kind tourists helped them fund setting their backyard up as an outdoor eatery, as well as suggesting menu items. Today the restaurant had a very homely feel, and it was really nice walking to an ‘off the beaten track’ type place. Mum and I shared a banana and chocolate roti and a mango and chocolate roti, each with ice cream. Delicious!!

Then we walked back to the beach to watch the baby turtle hatchlings from today being released into the ocean. We had a great spot near the top today. They are so cute! The only thing that spoiled it was some moron flying their drone above us, which set the stray dogs off going insane. One ran through between the ropes and stepped on a baby turtle. Yet another reason to despise drones – they are the 2022 version of the selfie stick we reckon! We watched with our eyes apart from 2-3 quick photos I took. Finally, we enjoyed a drink sitting on some beanbags by the beach while the sun set. The clouds blocked the sunset itself but we enjoyed sitting there nonetheless.

Tomorrow is our last day in Sri Lanka. I’ll be putting up my final post before we leave.

Love to all
Claire
Xoxox