My husband Alan and myself will be joining you on 12 Feb trip. We are actually going out a couple of days before and will be staying in Negombo. Post tsunami, like many other people, we had misgivings about going on the trip but now things have settled down a bit we are really looking forward to the trip.
We'll look forward to meeting up with you.
Sheila
prawnster
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
We are really excited too - see you in a few weeks.
NBliss
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
[quote]Originally posted by Lorna and Soph: [b] Anyone on the forum joining us? [/b][/quote]Ill be there too, I get there on the evening of the 11th. Looking forward to meeting you all
Tash x
prawnster
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
We arrive at 8.30 Saturday morning - flying out on the 11th. Where are all of you from? I'm down in London and Sophie is coming from Nottingham.
NBliss
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
I'm originally from Norwich but moved to Bristol a couple of years ago. No farming / in bred jokes please!
I'm travelling on my own so it's good to chat to people first
x
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Alan and I are originally from Leicester but have lived in Southport, Merseyside, for the last 26 nearly 27 years. We think of Southport as home as our children all grew up there. We arrive in Negombo on the afternoon of the 10th. it will be nice to have a look round before we set off on the trip. See you all soon.
Sheila
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Hey - I grew up in Gloucester so those farming jokes would come right back at me. Last year we made some really good friends so we are looking forward to meeting you guys.
Shaara
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Dear All
Though you might like to hear that Tony and I have just returned from our trip to Sri Lanka which left Jan 22nd. Unfortunately our original group of 15 had dwindled to 6 by the time we arrived. However, we all got on really well and have had an absolutely fantastic holiday out there. All members of the group had expressed the same concerns as everyone here but had decided to continue and we were given an extremely warm welcome by everybody we met. All the hotel owners, taxi drivers, beach sellers and touts at tourists sites were so pleased to see us after having had a very hard few weeks since Dec 26th. Everyone wanted to see the return of tourists. None of the places we went presented any danger to us. We have visited some truly beautiful, interesting places and wouldn't have missed this for anything. All the shops were filled with plenty of food, water, etc and life was going on pretty much as normal for people not directly in the south/east.Many people had sad stories to tell about affected friends/relatives but all said they were pleased that we had come and that we should tell everyone at home that they were welcome and their tourist money was badly needed! Many people who have not lost their houses or material possessions will not get government aid to compensate for the sudden exodus of tourists and they desperately need us tourists to start going back to buy their t-shirts, postcards, eat in their restaurants, etc. to feed their children and keep them in jobs. We feel that we made the right decision in supporting them in a very positive way. Obviously those who chose not to go had their reasons as well but anyone else booked on the trips should definitely go and they'll have a wonderful time. Think twice about two hours canoeing though - it's very hard work!
If anyone wants to know anymore please don't hesitate to ask.
All the best for your travels
Shaara and Tony Preedy
sheilasides
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Shaara and Tony I'm really pleased to hear that you had a great trip. Thanks for the feedback. It's very reassuring to know that things have gone well and that tourists really are wanted. We are going to be essential for so many people's livelihoods. How did you find the coastal bit at the end of the trip? Were you still able to get out and about along the coast? It's been confirmed that out group will be staying at the original guesthouse which has now been repaired and is looking forward to receiving guests. We were thinking of giving the canoeing a try - hope we are fit enough! Sounds as though it was quite strenuous! We travel out on Wed 9 and will be spending a couple of extra days in Negombo until we join the tour on 12 Feb. We fancy hiring bikes in Negombo and if possible getting a guide to take us around Colombo. Thanks again for the feedback. We are more than ever looking forward to the trip. As far as I know the trip was full (15) - will be interesting to see how many of us actually still go! Your comments should certainly encourage other clients to definitely go!
Sheila and Alan Sides
prawnster
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks Shaara - that is great news. Glad you had a great time.
NBliss
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks for the feedback on the trip. So many people have told me not to go. I'm glad I've made the right choice.
Our trip was full (I was number 15!) and I have been wondering if it still is............
NBliss
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks for the feedback on the trip. So many people have told me not to go. I'm glad I've made the right choice.
Our trip was full (I was number 15!) and I have been wondering if it still is.....
Shaara
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Posts: 12
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Hi again
Glad my comments have helped to reassure. In response to questions about the coast, it is really easy to get around near Negombo. Loads of tuktuk drivers very eager for work to take you into Negombo. I'm sure if you ask at reception you could get a bike or there are a couple of tour agents on the street outside - Rani travels opposite or Jetwing further down that I'm sure could oblige. They could also probably help with a guide for Colomobo which we didn't go to but others said there's not much to see historically but good for cheap designer shopping! There are also boats on the beach which will take you up the Dutch canal or wherever you want really. One of our group walked down to Negombo along the beach and then got a tuktuk back. So there are plenty of options.
At the other end of the trip we stayed at Wadduwa as they were still repairing at Bentota but one girl from our group had an extra week out there and was going down to the hotel at Bentota. One of the group also did a dive down there and said the hotel looked really nice so hope it lives up to expectations. The hotel at Wadduwa was very plush looking but trying a bit too hard to cater for Western tastes with its karaoke bar and very western menu! It was lovely to relax there for two days while it was quiet but could be awful when full! I think the Bentota place will be much more the IT scene. All the other hotels you stay in are good too - a very nice one at Giritale and Kandy but watch out for the monkeys!
The canoeing is hard if you're small and weak like me. Make sure you get a decent man in the boat at the back to steer! Don't wear anything decent or take your camera as you get soaked - take easily accessible dry clothes on the bus for the camp which is very civilised with toilet, shower etc. The afternoon walk is long but through lovely countryside and you meet lots of locals who are very friendly. The mile or so at the end is up a killer climb. Worth it (I think!!) for beautiful location of the lodge at the end.
We're extremely glad we went and wish you all a great time too.
Cheers Shaara
sheilasides
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks very much for all the info. It will be really useful. It really does sound a great trip. Packing is done and we are raring to go!!! Will let you know how we get on.
Thanks again Sheila
sheilasides
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Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Shaara Well, we are back from a super trip to Sri Lanka. It was as good as you said it would be. Please see my post in "Day trips from Bentota" for general comments. On a specific note we enjoyed the canoeing. It was quite hard but i was fortunate as I sat in the middle of a 3 man canoe and the two fellas said it was easier if I didn't paddle!! Sounded fair enough to me!! The walks were great - thoroughly enjoyed them and the cycling was brilliant. With all the cultural stuff, the activities and the beach at the end it was a great trip. We even got used to the early mornings!!! The important message to get across is to tell everyone to go to SL as soon as they can. Us tourists and travellers are desperatley needed.
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
My husband Alan and myself will be joining you on 12 Feb trip. We are actually going out a couple of days before and will be staying in Negombo. Post tsunami, like many other people, we had misgivings about going on the trip but now things have settled down a bit we are really looking forward to the trip.
We'll look forward to meeting up with you.
Sheila
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
We are really excited too - see you in a few weeks.
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
[quote]Originally posted by Lorna and Soph:
[b] Anyone on the forum joining us? [/b][/quote]Ill be there too, I get there on the evening of the 11th. Looking forward to meeting you all
Tash x
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
We arrive at 8.30 Saturday morning - flying out on the 11th.
Where are all of you from? I'm down in London and Sophie is coming from Nottingham.
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
I'm originally from Norwich but moved to Bristol a couple of years ago. No farming / in bred jokes please!
I'm travelling on my own so it's good to chat to people first
x
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Alan and I are originally from Leicester but have lived in Southport, Merseyside, for the last 26 nearly 27 years. We think of Southport as home as our children all grew up there.
We arrive in Negombo on the afternoon of the 10th. it will be nice to have a look round before we set off on the trip.
See you all soon.
Sheila
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Hey - I grew up in Gloucester so those farming jokes would come right back at me.
Last year we made some really good friends so we are looking forward to meeting you guys.
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Dear All
Though you might like to hear that Tony and I have just returned from our trip to Sri Lanka which left Jan 22nd. Unfortunately our original group of 15 had dwindled to 6 by the time we arrived. However, we all got on really well and have had an absolutely fantastic holiday out there. All members of the group had expressed the same concerns as everyone here but had decided to continue and we were given an extremely warm welcome by everybody we met. All the hotel owners, taxi drivers, beach sellers and touts at tourists sites were so pleased to see us after having had a very hard few weeks since Dec 26th. Everyone wanted to see the return of tourists. None of the places we went presented any danger to us. We have visited some truly beautiful, interesting places and wouldn't have missed this for anything. All the shops were filled with plenty of food, water, etc and life was going on pretty much as normal for people not directly in the south/east.Many people had sad stories to tell about affected friends/relatives but all said they were pleased that we had come and that we should tell everyone at home that they were welcome and their tourist money was badly needed! Many people who have not lost their houses or material possessions will not get government aid to compensate for the sudden exodus of tourists and they desperately need us tourists to start going back to buy their t-shirts, postcards, eat in their restaurants, etc. to feed their children and keep them in jobs. We feel that we made the right decision in supporting them in a very positive way. Obviously those who chose not to go had their reasons as well but anyone else booked on the trips should definitely go and they'll have a wonderful time. Think twice about two hours canoeing though - it's very hard work!
If anyone wants to know anymore please don't hesitate to ask.
All the best for your travels
Shaara and Tony Preedy
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Shaara and Tony
I'm really pleased to hear that you had a great trip. Thanks for the feedback. It's very reassuring to know that things have gone well and that tourists really are wanted. We are going to be essential for so many people's livelihoods.
How did you find the coastal bit at the end of the trip? Were you still able to get out and about along the coast? It's been confirmed that out group will be staying at the original guesthouse which has now been repaired and is looking forward to receiving guests.
We were thinking of giving the canoeing a try - hope we are fit enough! Sounds as though it was quite strenuous!
We travel out on Wed 9 and will be spending a couple of extra days in Negombo until we join the tour on 12 Feb. We fancy hiring bikes in Negombo and if possible getting a guide to take us around Colombo.
Thanks again for the feedback. We are more than ever looking forward to the trip. As far as I know the trip was full (15) - will be interesting to see how many of us actually still go! Your comments should certainly encourage other clients to definitely go!
Sheila and Alan Sides
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks Shaara - that is great news. Glad you had a great time.
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks for the feedback on the trip. So many people have told me not to go. I'm glad I've made the right choice.
Our trip was full (I was number 15!) and I have been wondering if it still is............
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks for the feedback on the trip. So many people have told me not to go. I'm glad I've made the right choice.
Our trip was full (I was number 15!) and I have been wondering if it still is.....
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Hi again
Glad my comments have helped to reassure.
In response to questions about the coast, it is really easy to get around near Negombo. Loads of tuktuk drivers very eager for work to take you into Negombo. I'm sure if you ask at reception you could get a bike or there are a couple of tour agents on the street outside - Rani travels opposite or Jetwing further down that I'm sure could oblige. They could also probably help with a guide for Colomobo which we didn't go to but others said there's not much to see historically but good for cheap designer shopping! There are also boats on the beach which will take you up the Dutch canal or wherever you want really. One of our group walked down to Negombo along the beach and then got a tuktuk back. So there are plenty of options.
At the other end of the trip we stayed at Wadduwa as they were still repairing at Bentota but one girl from our group had an extra week out there and was going down to the hotel at Bentota. One of the group also did a dive down there and said the hotel looked really nice so hope it lives up to expectations. The hotel at Wadduwa was very plush looking but trying a bit too hard to cater for Western tastes with its karaoke bar and very western menu! It was lovely to relax there for two days while it was quiet but could be awful when full! I think the Bentota place will be much more the IT scene.
All the other hotels you stay in are good too - a very nice one at Giritale and Kandy but watch out for the monkeys!
The canoeing is hard if you're small and weak like me. Make sure you get a decent man in the boat at the back to steer! Don't wear anything decent or take your camera as you get soaked - take easily accessible dry clothes on the bus for the camp which is very civilised with toilet, shower etc. The afternoon walk is long but through lovely countryside and you meet lots of locals who are very friendly. The mile or so at the end is up a killer climb. Worth it (I think!!) for beautiful location of the lodge at the end.
We're extremely glad we went and wish you all a great time too.
Cheers
Shaara
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Thanks very much for all the info. It will be really useful. It really does sound a great trip. Packing is done and we are raring to go!!! Will let you know how we get on.
Thanks again
Sheila
Re: Sri Lanka - 12th Feb
Shaara
Well, we are back from a super trip to Sri Lanka. It was as good as you said it would be. Please see my post in "Day trips from Bentota" for general comments. On a specific note we enjoyed the canoeing. It was quite hard but i was fortunate as I sat in the middle of a 3 man canoe and the two fellas said it was easier if I didn't paddle!! Sounded fair enough to me!! The walks were great - thoroughly enjoyed them and the cycling was brilliant. With all the cultural stuff, the activities and the beach at the end it was a great trip. We even got used to the early mornings!!!
The important message to get across is to tell everyone to go to SL as soon as they can. Us tourists and travellers are desperatley needed.
Sheila Sides