Living Positive: Amsterdam/Sri Lanka Adventure Day 6-7

Wonderful Reunion

This morning we said goodbye to The Netherlands to catch flights to Frankfurt then India and finally Sri Lanka. Our last few flights had been on Lufthansa Airlines and we had been quite pleased with the customer service we have received, but this was especially true on this trip. We were worried in Frankfurt when we found out that our flight to Bengaluru, India had been delayed. The Lufthansa staff assured us that we could make our connection. To make this happen, the purser on the flight had us come up to first class right before we landed so that we and two others could be first off the flight, escorted us through customs and to the gate where our Sri Lankan Airlines plane awaited. We felt special! However, our white glove treatment ended there as this plane was packed! It was 2am but I guess it was a popular flight for Sri Lankans, many of whom must have been on a shopping spree and had many shopping bags to stuff in the overhead compartments!

We landed in Colombo, Sri Lanka at 5am and told Don’s brother David, who lives there, that we would take the hotel shuttle because no one should be expected to pick anyone up at that hour! Our niece, Salani had been double checking with the hotel to make sure hotel transport would be there and they were!

We are staying at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo because that is where Salani and fiancÃ© Aminda’s wedding reception will be on Friday. It is very beautiful. After a much needed nap (now it is Day 7) we met David, Salani, Aminda, and Thilini, our other niece for breakfast in the hotel. It was so nice to see them! The last time we had seen them in person was when the entire Ostwald clan came here in 2017.

If you know me, you will know how pleased I was that there is an impressive Mall connected to the hotel. Salani and Thilini thought that I needed a sparkly dress for the wedding so Thilini took me shopping. Don was dragged along as David, Salani, and Aminda had to prepare for that night’s wedding rehearsal. We explored the sprawling Mall for awhile.Not satisfied with our choices, Thilini coordinated Ubers and PickMes to shuttle us around to other stores she liked. The clothing prices are very cheap compared to the USA, unless you buy designer brands. Then you are paying a lot more because designer goods have to be imported and many times they are fake. We found a dress, were whisked away to another shop for costume jewelry, and then back to the Mall for shoes. You can imagine how Don enjoyed the afternoon!

Driving in Sri Lanka is akin to a day at Six Flags. More often than not it is a terrifying experience and you are so relieved when it's over. To add stress, most of the seat belts in the back seats do not work! Cars drive on the left side of the streets and lanes are only suggestions and it is a constant state of playing chicken while changing lanes. Also added to the chaos are many motorcycles and Tuk Tuks. The funny thing is that the majority of Sri Lankan people are very nice, polite and pleasant to be aroundâ€¦but not when they’re driving!

That night we were invited to the rehearsal dinner which was hosted by Arjuna, Aminda’s father, at his home. His home is in a highrise very close to the hotel and has a magnificent view. The restaurant that he owns catered the affair and it was fun to meet the bridal party and some of Aminda’s relatives, many of which are from Australia.

A delightful way to end our first day in Sri Lanka!