Towards the Indian Ocean
The last two days will be dedicated to the sea. Going to Sri Lanka and missing out on it would be too much; spending time on the beach is definitely something we enjoy. Although we are not used to relaxing along a coastline, we are certainly not indifferent to the beauty of this important part of nature. We say goodbye to Tissa, who hosted us for two days, and head south again. This time, we will pass through the entrance to Bundala to reach Hambantota in a short time, about which we have read a lot about its recent history. The birthplace of the former president's home, the city and its surroundings have seen a huge influx of investment, from a port for large ships to an international airport. All this is part of an ambitious but reckless development policy, which currently sees the deserted airport with only a couple of flights per day, and other infrastructure highly underutilized. This situation has worsened since two years ago when the president lost power, and many have turned their backs on him. Now we are driving along a three-lane highway that is practically deserted, except for a few cars passing through at a leisurely pace. From here, you can see other cathedrals in the desert, as well as extravagant congress centers, about which we can imagine a sad fate. Megalomania knows no boundaries and so does the waste of public money. We don't stop and make our first stop in Tangalle, where we visit the port The fishermen have just arrived, one of whom tells us that he has been out at sea for a month, sailing around the Indian Ocean and visiting coastlines from India to Burma. Another shows us his fishing boat, where they are loading ice: it will depart tomorrow, and he and his crew will also be away for about a month. Speaking of ice, we see how it is extracted in blocks from industrial freezers, which are then placed in a electric ice scraper, cut into very small pieces. Continuing our walk amidst the aroma of freshly caught fish, we see some specimens of the prized yellow fin tuna, easily recognizable by its yellow fin, which gives it its name. The beach is very popular. but with a density more than acceptable compared to what is seen during peak season on our own mountains, and it will be one of the best views in those two days.
Ports, markets and beaches of the south
Lunch at Matara, in a local eatery frequented by residents where we can finally enjoy. the lamprais, a baked rice dish surrounded by chicken, egg and some vegetables, all cooked in a cabbage leaf. Digestive break. at the covered market, where we can see how is used the jackfruit..., removing the skin and cutting it into cubes with the fibrous white substance inside. The beach is quite narrow, just enough space, with a temple located on an island accessible via a walkway. For swimming in the ocean, we chose the Mirissa area: it's a fishing village undergoing rapid transformation into a tourist center. The beach is as wide as expected, but the sea is warm and you can comfortably swim up to your neck. Also Weligama It's not bad, there is more dirt along the beach but it is less frequented It's a shame that the view of the inland is spoiled by a large concrete building they call a hotel. It's an uncaring structure above the palm trees, lacking any architectural or, frankly, moral sense. The only other building taller than three stories is this appalling Marriott property. These are the negative aspects that the tourism industry is bringing: unscrupulous foreign businessmen join forces with politicians who are particularly sensitive to foreign currencies and bordering on organized crime, in order to bring "well-being" to this area. While there is space inside, the sunlit spot facing the ocean is the most desirable. As we continue, we wonder what pleasures a tourist arriving in these areas might find, since the beaches are beautiful but far from the expansive atmosphere of other tropical destinations and practically nothing exists in the surrounding area. The coastal villages are designed for their inhabitants, and there are no infrastructure facilities that foreigners can benefit from. We have already mentioned the overcrowding and smog on the roads; their only option is to commute between the beach and the hotel with its potential internal entertainment. The only alternative seems to be a trip inland to try something different, such as taking the train to Ella. Some brave individuals have rented motorbikes and are trying to survive in the traffic. As the sun begins to set, we arrive at the hotel located in Ahangama, just a few meters from the beach. We go to enjoying the sunset immersed in the ocean, then facing and battling with a flock of hungry Chinese people at the buffet. We miss the days spent in complete tranquility, but these situations also contribute to gaining experience. The hotel is beautiful and its proximity to the sea makes it unique, but one night is more than enough.
