Arugam Bay

Over the last couple of days, we were debating on whether or not to head to the eastside of the island. In a bit of a spur-of-a-the moment decision, we decided to go yesterday. We had about 20minutes to pack all of our stuff, get into the van, barge across the island. A little hectic to say the least. Especially when we didn't make it 10ft on the road before almost dying in a car crash. A scooter jumped onto the road in front of us as a bus coming the opposite way was in our side of the road. Probably one of the scariest moments of my life. My heart literally skipped a beat. But after that debacle, the eight hour drive was definitely uneventful. Just a nice mellow drive with tons of beautiful scenery.

I have to admit, up until today, I was definitely underwhelmed by the scenery of Sri Lanka. It was not as pristine and beautiful as I was expecting. Upon arriving in Arugam Bay, it is fair to say those expectations have been met and exceeded. The beauty of Arugam Bay is beyond description. Only a small fishing village, still early in the surf season, there are only a handful of tourists here. We are the only people in our guest-house.

Upon arriving at the guest house, I heard this strange chanting coming from afar. At first I did not know what it was, until I remembered that Arugam Bay is 95% Muslim. Upon looking at my watch, I realized it was evening prayers. Hearing the evening prayers was one of the most surreal things I have every heard in my life. I am definitely looking forward to listening to again this evening and for the rest of our stay. The 5am morning prayer is a little annoying though, because it is so early in the morning. But it helps me wake up to go surf.

This morning we surfed the main surf spot in Arugam Bay, which is a reef/sand bottom point. A really fun and fast wave. The walk to the surf, is a little far, about 30 minutes, but it is a walk I will take any day. The walk is absolutely beautiful. However during our walk, Hannes and I were stopped four times by fisherman, asking us to help them push their boats up on the beach. These are no small boats either, they are big! It took 10ppl each time to push those boats up. Hannes and I figured it would be best to help them, as it would be rude to say no. The fishermen put stingrays they have caught under the boats to help slide them across the sand. The funny thing is, the stingrays are probably the "fish" that we are eating too. Since it is impossible to tell what kind of fish the restaurants are putting into the fish curries.

Over dinner last night, Hannes and I talked to our driver about Sri Lankan culture, history, Buddhism, and the war that ravaged the north of Sri Lanka. It was one of the most valuable conversations I have ever had. I learned more about Buddhism and Sri Lanka in that talk then I could have ever learned anywhere else.

I have to go now though, I am typing this at an internet cafe and my bill is through the roof. Sorry if this post is a little rushed, I have so much to say in so little time!

P.s. these two Muslim men are looking at porn on the computer right next to me.... Isn't that against the rules?
ahaha apparently the two guys can read english... Im in trouble....