Home is where the heart is… but I also think home is where there is familiarity.

After 2 weeks on the road, we were all looking forward to having some quite time, unpacking our suitcase and just stopping to absorb the culture.

We were sad to say goodbye to our driver and new friend Supu. He had become a security blanket for us and it was now time for him to set us free to roam by ourselves.

During the 2 weeks we were traveling, I was expected to feel homesick. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been prone to home sickness. It was not unusual for me to beg my mum to stay at a friends house only to have her come pick me up at 11pm. Derek is also now quite used to the weepy phone call home. I have however learned to stay strong, to drink champagne with whoever I am with and get over it . Surprisingly I did not feel homesick during our road trip. The four of us were together having an amazing time and I felt great.

We arrived at our villa (Casa Tangalle) that would be home for the next month. I had done my research on airbnb and it was perfect but… a dark cloud of nervous tension and the familiar home sick feeling was creeping in. If it was a normal holiday after 2 weeks you would be heading home but this was not a normal holidays this was more like maternity leave! The reality of how long we were going to be away was sinking in and I started panicking. I wanted to be in my beautiful house, my lovely bed, favourite pillow, I wanted to snuggle my pooch and there was no Supu to guide us.

We did our first grocery shop (surprisingly easy), a bit of pottering to get to know the villa, a cuddle and some soothing words from my ever calm husband. Then I did what anyone in my position would do, i took myself to bed to watch Netflix. Nothing like the familiar to restore balance.

So began life in Tangalle… the beach we are on is new to tourism having recently been a fishing village devastated by the Tsunami of 2013. Its the off season and our beach almost foreigner free. The lady across the lane “Aunty” does some cooking for us, Sri Lankan style dishes prepared lovingly and delivered in lovely china dishes. Aunty has the loveliest smile and energy, speaks basic English and relies on her fire-cracker of a daughter Meneka to translate.

It’s actually a very special time in Sri Lanka as Sinhalese and Tamils celebrate new year. For days leading up, fireworks sound through the night marking significant times in the festival at 7pm (fast) 2am (cook) and 5:30am (eat). There is a famous word among the locals related to new year celebration called “Avurudu Kema” (Enjoying food). The family brought breakfast of milk rice and fish curry and later on in the morning a traditional Avurudu table full of sweets. They also prepared a traditional hearth and boiled milk replicating the first task of the new year in each household. It was lovely to share this special celebration with our new friends.

At night we were formally invited by Uncle for dinner. I was nervous, I didn’t know how to behave or what to expect. My western sensibility expected the family to join us around a big table with food and have a great old chat. When we arrived Menaka and her mum set a lovely table for 4 in a modest entertaining salon. It seemed that as their guests they honour us by serving and not eating with us. The kids looked unsure but to their credit they politely ate their usual simple selective diet. The food was delicious of course, and I was dying to break the formality and enjoy together because that is how I relate.

After we had finished eating other members of the family trickled in. The kids who were communicating through smiles and giggles started playing soccer. The adults joined in for volleyball, which seems more common than football in this area and tension quickly was relieved as we enjoyed the game together, sport is universal. Since then we regularly enjoy volleyball with the girls at the beach (it turns out they have won volleyball championships) the games are played in ernest but always laughing.

The next night we were invited to Suranga’s (Aunties eldest) house for dinner. This time we knew what to expect and were a lot more comfortable. Suranga has an 8 year old daughter and 6 month old baby. The girls showed each other pictures of themselves, of their friends and in their dancing costumes. It was very sweet to see each of them amazed at the differences in the pictures. I’m so honoured to be invited into their home and for our kids to have the experience.

Thanks to Aunty, Uncle, Menaka, Aisha, Suranga and all the family for helping us find a home while on the road.

2004 Tsunami Areas Affected in Sri Lanka

The grow them big in Sri Lanka- Jumbo prawns from a hut on the beach on our beach.

New year treats from our neighbors

Chillin after a big day surfing!

This made me giggle as it’s so Sri Lankan. Note the undies.

Bliss

These fishing boats line the beaches.

Beach bums

Hoppers for breakfast. A cross between a crepe and a pancake in the shape of a cup. Delicious!!