History, culture, beautiful beaches, UNESCO Heritage sites and tea. Sounds like to perfect place to take my family. Having a work from home business allows me the freedom to take a vacation when I want. My motto, Work hard, PLAY HARDER!

The boys are likely to leave home in a few years, so our family trips are going to be more challenging as they soon start their careers.

Everything I had read about Sri Lanka indicated that driving was not suggested, however if you know me at all, you know I hate people telling me what to do. I love to drive, I love adventure, and I am confident in my skills of being an independent woman.

I had seen Sri Lanka featured on the tv show, “Amazing Race”. When planning my trip, there were 6 bucket list items I was on a mission to see. The biggest one being the stilt fishermen.

Let’s see how I did in my pursuit. Follow my footsteps on this island located south of India, - the Teardrop of India

This little island formerly called Ceylon has about 22 million people. Over the years, influence has come from being colonized by Portugal, the Dutch and then than Britain. Sri Lanka has struggled with much civil violence between the majority Sinhalese and minority Tamils groups. As I travel, the state of unrest is somewhat calm. This is my opportunity window.

Travelling here requires a visa and a few health shots. Make sure you investigate this well in advance.

When this country gained full independence in 1948, the name was changed to Sri Lanka

My flight from Canada included a stop in Singapore for a few hours. Knowing how exhausting we would be, I booked a room at the Crowne Plaza airport, so we could catch a few hours on a nice bed. This hotel is 5 stars. It is about a 10-minute walk from our gate to the hotel lobby. We had a flight leaving very early so it all makes sense. Loved the bed. I think the moment my head hit the pillow I was out. Sweet dreams.

The following day we hit the tarmac in Columbo, my rental car company had a driver meet us at terminal to transport us to their office and complete rental forms. TIP: Make sure you have rupees (cash) as they do NOT take credit cards. The airport has bank machines so get your money before you leave.

swollen riverbanks. I think they have had lots of rain. we hope we have some sunshine

The vehicle I chose to rent was HUGE in comparison to the small tuk-tuks and bikes. I figured size matters (LOL), the bigger the better right? Well, that would soon be a challenge as we travel through the city. Cows randomly saunter in the streets, bikes with their load stacked 10 ft high, cars, 3 wheeled transportation (tuk-tuks), motorcycles, interesting buses, transport vehicles, and people everywhere. OMG, what have I done. The city is chaos!!! YES, Chaos.

Upon assessment I do believe that survival of the fittest has been won by the tuk-tuks. These 3 wheel vehicles are everywhere and can maneuver quite well. This is not to say they are not involved in incidents, as I see many with crushed corners.

easy to change a tire. jacks are pieces of wood

If there were lines on the road, the government really wasted their money. A 3-lane road could be 6 or 7 vehicles wide. NOW, I get why they had mentioned in travel books, HIRE A DRIVER!!!!!!! Seriously, I still wish I had as I write this and recall our trip.

The fellow who picked us up, must have seen the blood leave my face as I watch him maneuver through the streets.

He kindly offered to drive us to the outskirts of the city. THANK GOD! Did I say thank God? Thanks GOD! Whew, skirted that challenge. 1 down, how many more to go? remember I am also driving on the opposite side of vehicle.

Just so you know, I did find a great book on tips for driving in Sri Lanka. Here is the #1 tip. DON"T

Once we left the city, and the chaos, my confidence built. The express highway south to Galle is the road less travelled, it is miles before a catch up to another vehicle.

I felt I had the road to myself for almost 130 KM. Maybe driving wasn’t that bad of an idea after all.

Along the route we see many temples, I am so excited to start to explore the area.

As I am unable to understand the signs I soon found myself lost as I turned a few roads to soon. This was an interesting short trip as I wandered down a bit before I realized. Here is what we encountered. It had started to rain and we were very amused with bikes using umbrellas as they drove. This included motorcycles. Try to get away with that in Canada.

Our first destination is Galle, home of the iconic fort,earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Our plan will be to tour this area in the morning before we leave. Today we would take it easy.

We traveled through the city and park to view fishermen selling their catch right from the shore. The-ir shops are constructed with wood and tarps stretched above. They have got creative with tieing bottles of water to keep the makeshift roofs stay in place.

Nets are strewn over the shoreline, and the blackbirds are enjoying the leftovers. The fishing boats indicate great wear and some I believe had paint 1/4 inch thick. Likely they have been in the families for decades.

We arrive to our hotel, Jetwing Lighthouse, an upscale 5-star hotel, located right by the sea and close to the fortress we plan to visit.

Parking is a challenge, but I managed. We had to climb a curved staircase lined with iron warriors to reach the second floor lobby. The artistic stairway depicts Lourenço de Almeida, the Portuguese Explorer who conquered the city in 1505.

Galle is the 4th largest city in Sri Lanka

Note to self, get a back pack and pack light. It appears elevators are not common here.

We were greeted with smiles, the service was over the top. A traditionally dressed young fellow walked over to us with a silver platter with moist hot towels to wash our hands. Nice touch. Within seconds, fresh cups of tea were in our hands. I sat at a desk, as they confirmed my reservation. NOW THAT IS SERVICE!

What a great start to our first day in Sri Lanka, especially with the short side trip.

The grounds at our hotel are relaxing and beautiful. Adrenaline has kicked in and neither of us were tired. Instead, we decide to jump right into the time change and push ourselves as best we could to stay up till a respectible time in the evening.

Our room had an ocean view with wood timbers and teal shutters. It is well equipped with a very nice modern bathroom and the decor with it rich wood is a nice touch of old and new. There is a full service spa on location, if that is to your liking.

The infinity pool is a stunner, it overlooks the Indian Ocean. The view to the ocean or to the garden is stunning and although the weather looks cold it is not. My guess is we are about 30 degrees but with humidity I would say it feels like 33. We had an opportunity to watch a newly married couple have photos taken. I do not know the customs here, but I do not see a bridal party. Perhaps this is just a quiet marriage. Her dress is beautiful and she is adorned with flowers. They are so young.

The sunlight casts its last few rays.

The ambience in the garden is created with lit oil pots. I am a world away from Calgary, and LOVING IT!

Tomorrow the big adventure starts.

A Step into Sri Lanka - UNESCO Galore