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I found it. I found it again.

:) :) :)

I found a perfect place with an endless sandy beach, hammocks, breeze, friendly people and most of all – a place where you can do absolutely nothing but to kick back in a hammock and enjoy your life.

Well, if your plan is to see as much Sri Lanka as possible…then I would suggest you to make a stop at Sandy's place at the end of your trip, because otherwise you will get stuck here :) :) Trust me.
An endless stretch of sand with not a single person, lush vegetation, beautiful palm trees, original decorated cabanas (bungalows) just few steps from the ocean…what more would you want?!

The friendly owner Chammy/Chaminda run this place along with his family and with a help of his very sociable friends that might teach you an interesting card game :) :) :)

Once again I discovered that I am still very good at doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. I was just »existing« on the beach. Well, occasionally I had a book in one hand and a beer in the other one… but most of the time I was just swinging in the hammock ;) Good old days…

But there is more to do on the beach :)
You can rent canoe and try to find (as locals were saying) friendly crocodiles in a close by mangrove lagoon OR maybe you will be lucky enough to see turtles lumber ashore to lay eggs. Snorkeling is an option, longer stroll along the beach as well or maybe a short visit to the local market :)

Chammy, the owner, bought this place just 3 months (!!!) before the devastating tsunami hit the coast in 2004. Tangalla suffered grievously from the tsunami. Thousands and thousands died in the area and hundreds of homes were destroyed. Everybody has their own tale of loss.
Tangalla beach was the worst hit place in Sri Lanka and the tsunami that in places swept inland four or five kilometres destroyed/washed away everything. Chammy was swept inland 2 kilometres (!) and miraculously survived. Rebuilding has been very slow but with his determination and an additional help of international organizations (NGO) he build up everything and put his soul in the renovation of his place. He did a great job!

If you are planning to go there I kindly suggest you to stay at Sandy'y place and support local people: www.sandycabanas.com/

Have to mention that the currents are strong and anyone who is not 100% confident in their swimming ability should't swim to far from the shore. BUT you can soak in the natural pool just in front of your cabana any time you want :)

It was hard to leave behind Sandy's place, but eventually we had to move on. Our next stop was Mirissa beach which didn't impress me at all - too many tourists. Instead of laying on the beach we decided to visit Turtle hatchery close to Habaraduwa. Five species of sea turtles lay eggs along the coasts of Sri Lanka. Most of the tiny turtles are quickly gobbled up by the predators and many never hatch at all. They collect eggs, take care for them until they hatch and then release them again.

Our next stop was at Dalawale beach – another great spot with beautiful little bay and the biggest frog ever ;) in front of Ratna guest house. Highly recommended!!!!!!

So, it was short, but sweet. A perfect place for a short escape. Exactly what I needed.

Sri Lanka has a lot to offer and I can't wait to go back, explore a bit more and say hello to my new friends.

Sri Lanka is definitely a country where not only the sea is warm, but people are warm as well.


Since it's December time I would like to send nice wishes to all of my friends around the globe :)
...and don't forget that every minute of joy makes you gain ten more days of life...

Happy 2011!

Hugs&Kisses from cold Slovenia

J A N A

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