Mali Homestay, Ella, Sri Lanka (1100 Rupees)
Strangest bargaining experience at Nature Inn. Owner showed me the room and asked for 1500. I said, “Can you do 1400.” He said, “I can do 1000, but don’t tell the other guests.” Done deal for $7.60/night. Feeling an absolute sense of freedom. Bus to Nuwara Eliya/Adam’s Peak only departs once daily in the morning so I changed plans on the spot, no need to concur with travel mate.
Travel is the moment before you jump under a cold shower and the motivational words it takes, “Now or never. What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” Smile… It confuses people. Feeling in decent fitness. Interested as to what my 5km time would be about now. I hope under 17:30. Maybe a race is in order. Ran down and back up the hill in Ella and didn’t feel much fatigue. All this walking and dragging my heavy pack around is paying dividends in the form of more muscle definition and cardio fitness. No to mention, I’ve been rationing myself to just 1-2 meals a day. Sri Lanka may be the cheapest country I’ve visited and buses are ultra convenient. Bus from Matara to Wellawaya wrecked into back of dump truck. No one injured, but certainly a scary moment. No apology or acknowledgment to riders nor did they ask if everyone was OK.
Very scenic ride from Wellawaya-Ella. Coheda lada hotel – Where is cheap hotel? India visa feels like a homework assignment and I’m procrastinating. British couple told me to visit Kerala. Golden Temple in Amritsar, Goa, Kochi. I also want to see Bodh Gaya. Ella Rock involved a long hike. Felt slightly guilty for not paying for guide, but I never asked for a guide in the first place, he simply just started showing me the way.
