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Our 'Taxi' arrived promptly just before 11am and we said goodbye to Galle and began our 3 ½ hour journey to Tissamaharama. It was an 'interesting' ride (why would it be anything else!). Our 'Taxi' was an old van in which our seats appeared to have been attached to the van floor with minimal stability. We 'rocked and rolled' our way along the streets, our seats literally moving with each corner/bend. The seatbelts were impressive - as they did do up...however didn't appear to 'lock' when suddenly stopping, which was a frequent necessary occurrence in order to avoid crashing into people, vehicles, dogs, cows and monitor lizards! Now, one would think the journey was hazardous enough...but add in to the mix a driver who had been up since 0600 and driven the 3 ½ hours to pick us up. At the point where I noticed he had shut his eyes (!!!) I loudly suggested we pull over so that I could stretch my legs. Rich and I got out of the van, walked around, drank some water, and took plenty of time 'stretching those legs' in the hope that the fresh air would wake our driver up somewhat! We then made a point of engaging him in frequent 'conversation' for the rest of the trip, to ensure we arrived in Tissa alive!!
Check-in to our Hotel was no less 'interesting', We were welcomed into an office and 'told' to sit by what appeared to be Sri Lanka's answer to the Godfather. The Godfather sat behind a large desk and was flanked by 3 other young men who were introduced as his two sons and a nephew (anyone else think this sounds like 'The Sopranos'?). We were treated to big smiles, a lot of uncomfortable silence, interrupted at times by some very direct questioning statements such as "You are taking a Safari tomorrow?" and "You will pay now?". Of course we answered 'Yes' to both ….and eventually we were 'told' we could go to our room. Whew.
We had dinner at the Hotel and a fairly early night as we had an early start the next morning.
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Glenda Ha ha! Every taxi ride seems eventful! Look forward to seeing some pics when you get back