Ahangama to Aragum Bay

So we are cramed in the bus, at least we have a seat. Bad mistake though, the front seat; we thought we had more leg room, however, this is where everyone gathers( obviously!) so we are pushed, leant on and used as baggage racks. The music is cranked up so loud it's hard to talk ....but, hey, it's all part of the experience. Wish they'd turn the music down though. We are starting to traverse the dry side of the island, making our way to Aragum Bay. A short stop has provided us with sustenance, two egg roti and a bread roll stuffed with spicey veggies. Two bottles of drink...450 rupees. About $3.00.

Can they really squeeze more people in... Boxes bags people. It is a struggle for commuters to get in and out, Reece cops all the digs( physically), he's on the outside seat.

It was a long journey. We left Ahangama at 9.30 am. We caught a local bus to Mataram, then from Mataram we found a bus to Potovil. Usually you have to change busses at Monaragalla onto Potovil but we were lucky, today there was a direct bus. From Potovil it's a short tuk tuk ride to Aragum Bay. We arrived at about 7.30 pm...it was a long day.

The locals are fisher people. The beach is lined with boats. Many of these boats were donated after the tsunami by Rotary Clubs from around the world . Typically, the lack of coordination between agencies, means that, apparently, there is a proliferation of these boats. Many people talk of the inequity of the fund distribution and I am sadly reminded of the same stories from Indonesia in our last travels. Angelaandreece@bogger.com. Travels through Asia

There are still traditional looking boats around. It's fascinating to watch the local men repair the seam between the fibreglass and timber top using the fronds of coconuts and stitching. The work is functional and attractive at the same time.

 

 

The proliferation of crows astound me. They are everywhere. Where are the seagulls? Crows don't belong on the beach! Yet here they do...a land where anything is possible. Srilanka used to be called Serendib. The word serendipity originated here...anything is possible and expect amazing things around the next corner things just fall in place.

 

In Aragum Bay we find plenty of friendly people. It's a chilled kind of place, the locals are incredibly friendly and the tourists are surfers ( but we won't hold that against them; this crew are great). I am sitting writing this out at the point. The sound of the waves surround me with the quiet chatter of a few in the background. As soon as the sun comes up, it's hot. To stand in the sun is almost impossible. This little shack serves a great fruit salad and tea; so it's where I come every morning. The louder sound of waves signal the sets and this morning they are rolling in.

 

 

It's also an area where the national parks are close by. We take an afternoon trip into a local park and spot elephants, monkeys peacocks, exquisite kingfishers and more.

 

 

 

Monkeys gather in the afternoon, we see them often, either gathering for a play or eating blossoms in the trees. The joy of monkeys, I challenge anyone to watch them and not smile!

 

 

 

There's more to do than surf. I love the way all the local day trippers come here . They sit and wallow in the still part of the bay, lots of laughter and chatter.

 

The beach is always busy, fishermen sort their catch, small taxi boats head out to get fish off the larger boats to bring them ashore. The man with the buffalo cart picks up fish and brings them back to the co-op.

Our time in Aragum bay is like a time spent somewhere where you feel like you are at home. We stay at a place called Aragum Bay Surf Resort. In the past it was and still is, known as The Hillton....but they can no longer use that name, a large Hotel chain has made sure of that. The family here are incredibly friendly and can organise all sort of safaris/transport etc.

 

Posted with Blogsy