Negombo completes the Sri Lankan experience

The cobalt blue of the sea in the travel magazine I held matched exactly with that of the one below us as our flight edged over the vast Indian Ocean past a meandering coastline stretching like a long white ribbon, towards the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka. After bobbing in and out of large puffs of clouds we finally touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport, eager to begin our 'honeymoon', eager to get an eyeful of the sea. Sri Lanka, it was decided a month prior to our wedding for its idyllic beaches and bias for good food, and my bias for the sun and sand. As we made our way to the exit gate post a swift customs clearance, I made another attempt to gather my thoughts on the impending holiday and my new husband, who looked more at ease now than I was scanning the placards every visitor held. Mr Razi our chauffeur-cum-guide was quick to spot us and apologised for not getting the placard ready on time, blaming our flight's over-punctuality. Soon we were making good time down palm-lined lanes away from the bustling streets towards the seaside fishermen town of Negombo (approx. 7 kilometers from the airport), lowly preferred by the touristy type. Your guidebook will tell you that it was the erstwhile trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch with an old Dutch fort gate and prison dating back to the 17th century, but for its status as the 'Rome of Sri Lanka' with a beautiful church tossed around every bend, and inside every cranny. With the sea not yet in sight, it was still wonderful driving around Nogombo's old world by-lanes dotted with quaint tiled houses painted pristine white complete with their little porches, driveways and gardens overflowing with pink bougainvillea creepers. Breaking through my train of thoughts was my partner's voice surveying property prices in Sri Lanka with Mr Razi, who came across as extremely-knowing in the brief time we spent together. Driving over a wooden bridge straddling an emerald lagoon and past bake and gem shops, we arrived at our hotel of stay for the next two days, Club Dolphin.