The Martin's Blog

Tom – Last Morning S.K. Town Beach – We were up at 6am, beach walked, said goodbye to the locals, breakfast on the patio feeding the fish, frog and crabs in the pond and packed the car (did I ever, how are we going to get the pottery, shells, Fibretec dishes, gifts, etc. home?), showered, paid the rent (Kamala brought us curd in a pottery dish and snacks for the car), visited briefly with Kanthi (brought us a Sri Lankan picture book in English),

Nicole (gave her food items we could not take) and Rachel (gave her the turtle shell and some eggs), stopped at the ATM and started the drive to Colombo at 10am. 

View driving into Matara on our way to Colombo

It took us 4.25 hours of tense driving to reach Colombo.  That’s 96 miles averaging 22.6 mph and it feels like you’re going 50-60 mph.  You drive on the left side of the road (remnant of 150 years of British rule).  I have to constantly remind myself of where I should be on the road, especially when turning.  There are very few traffic signals (even in Colombo), probably because most drivers just slow down and proceed through.  Most roads are one lane in each direction with pot holes and other unmarked road hazards.  It is not uncommon to have a bus, truck, motorcycle and bicycle coming directly at you – yes, it’s like a wall coming at you and it might even be as you are going around a curve!  I have had to pull off the road many times, providing there is someplace to go.  Sometimes I stop as far left as possible and hope someone doesn’t hit me.  In traffic, it’s the law of the bumper – if you get your bumper in front of someone else, you can cut them off.  Three times my side view mirrors have hit bicyclists/motorcycles who have moved into me.  There are also parked vehicles, Tuk-Tuks, people and animals on the road and/or on both sides of the road.  Buses are the worst; they just blast their horns, flash their lights and pass into oncoming traffic.   You just have to get out of their way.  To make things worse, Helen is constantly putting her foot through the floor and yelling “Oh my God!”

On a lighter side, I did get a few pictures of the stilt fishermen today.

Kids getting out of school in small town

Helen – I was so glad to get out of that car!!!  I am glad that the morning was rushed because my mind was on something else, rather than leaving.  After the walk, Tom had to walk to the corner store to get milk for our cereal and coffee.  I meanwhile threw the sheets in the washer and began sweeping the floors.  The advantage to having a smaller home with few things in it is that these chores are quickly accomplished.

 I had my last swim in the ocean with Nicole and Rachel yesterday afternoon and Tom had his last swim just before dinner near sunset.  We have gotten into the habit of watching the sunsets from the plank deck sitting on the wall.  They have been beautiful.  Earlier we were haphazard about it and now wish we were more serious about it.  They have been magnificent with the palms silhouetted against the sky.  It was also nice shaking hands with the people on the beach.  Usually we just wave to each other and say morning or “aayu-bowan,” but this morning the handshake was more personal and we told them that this was our last day here.  It has been fun seeing them each morning and when we were away, they always were glad to see us again.  The tides have been getting stronger and will continue to do so until the rainy season comes in another month.  With these stronger tides, the beach has been swept cleaner and it reminded us of our first days on it when everything looked so pristine.  We originally planned to return here with Tom’s brother, Pat, when he visits in April, but we may change our minds and explore the northern beaches which we have not seen.

Returning to Colombo and Ruki was almost like going to a parent’s home.  They were awaiting our return with clean rooms and open arms.  Tom returned the car to have his door repaired (remember that palm tree incident?) and to leave it there while we are in India.  That week rental should pay for the repairs!!

When he returned, we watched an Indian film, Earth, about the bloodshed (over a million people died) and changes that took place when Britain granted India independence in 1947.  The British rule was over and now the internal religious groups were fighting for control.  Sri Lanka won its independence one year later from Britain.

Not wanting to go out for dinner, Ruki and we ordered pizza!!!  It was our first since we came and we couldn’t decide whether to get Pizza Hut (they have Dominos also) or another called Harpo (which her daughter prefers) so we got one of each.  What a treat!!!  I liked the PH Hawaiian pizza with pineapple, but must admit that the other one which was more like a folded pizza (calzone) was really tasty with the spinach and mushrooms. Our tummies were full and satisfied as well as happy!!!

Tom – There was a nice glow this morning as the sun rose on us during our beach walk.

About 8:30 Ghana and her husband brought us a Sri Lankan breakfast.  Like the one that Sarath gave us last week, it was way too much and we gave a large part of it to Luke and Nicole at the hotel.  They also called and came over last night with their son and daughter to bring us going away gifts (e.g. necklace for Helen, small Sri Lankan flag).  The shirt for me and dress for Helen were too small but we dare not mention it for fear that a good chunk of time today would have to be spent on doing an exchange.  As they left, each knelt in front of us, bowed, touched our feet, and gave us the Buddhist peace sign.  We were embarrassed and in awe but they assured us that this was their tradition.  All of the last minute (unplanned) attention that we are getting is nerve wracking as we are trying to pack to leave and also prepare to go to India.  We are truly thankful for the thoughtfulness and attention but cannot understand why they have waited till the last minute to make these connections.  Further, we really do not like them spending their money on us – they do not have enough as it is!  By the same token, we understand that this makes the gifts extra-special.

 Helen – talk about unwanted company!!!!  A tiny kitten, really sweet and good tempered, has found us as well.  The first day I tried to ignore her, but her constant mewing finally got to me and yesterday I sneaked a bowl of milk to her in the outside kitchen.  You know that now means she is not leaving and has caused havoc to our lives.  Last night I fed her milk and bread and forgot the milk outside so it was sour this morning for our coffee!!!  Also, when we woke this morning, she was in our bedroom.  Seems she can jump pretty high and came in our bedroom window which was open with the wooden slates to prevent people entry.  Now she is constantly coming in whenever a door or window is open and she just cries as she rubs against your ankles.  What to do???

 Took a break from packing to go out and look at the pond.  I noticed a strange brown head peeking out of the water and called Tom to bring the camera thinking it was the turtle.  I motioned to him to be quiet and walk softly so as not to scare it off.  As Tom steps outside, the head emerges from the water and it is that huge lizard.  It really caught us by surprise and now I am worried that it has eaten our fish and frog!

I just rechecked the pond, and thank heavens, I saw the frog!!!  I was worried about him!!  He is the brightest green and our favorite pond critter!

Helen – We have heard about the snow in Ohio!  We, meanwhile, have been walking the beach and feeding the critters in our pond.  As you know, we have a big green frog and lots of gold fish (they are multiplying and growing bigger) but now we also have two crabs and a black turtle…the water has been down so they are easier to see.  Tom has also included pictures from our breakfast spot.  You can see the Sri Lankan breakfast that Sarath’s wife prepared for us a few days ago as well as the fish and frog. 

 Looking to the Indian Ocean from our patio, you can see a large ship passing from the East toward the Middle East/West.  In all the time we have been here we have only seen one ship going in the opposite direction!  We figure their shipping lane is further out to sea.  These large ships pass this point around the clock.

I can’t believe we leave paradise in two days…we are really sad.  I began packing yesterday and it makes me feel worse.  I forgot to mention that there was an open house down the beach from us and we were able to go there for a few minutes before our dinner.  They just finished the first phase of their home (he is Sri Lankan and she Scottish but they live in Norway),  Right now the house consists of a kitchen, living area, bedroom with A/C and bathroom, and a covered deck overlooking the beach.  They have a lovely view because they are about 20 feet above the beach.  I was asked to bring chocolate zucchini cake which everyone loved.  We are definitely going to miss our beach adventures and home!!!  I hope that you are keeping warm!

Tom – After spending the morning in my office in the Physics building and Helen in the computer lab, we drove to the PE building so Helen could pass out the recipe for a “no animal products” cake that she had prepared and that everyone raved about!  Many Buddhists are vegetarian, so this cake has been a big hit!  I also signed the participation certificates for the 12 students who had completed the attendance requirements (16 hours of practical sessions) to receive the award.

In the afternoon we drove downtown to give the cake recipe to Sunny’s sister-in-law at the sewing store, try to exchange the Firbretec picture (could not as it was special ordered), look for a shop so Helen could buy curtain material (could not find it due to lousy directions), buy a fish Batik that Helen has been eyeing for a couple of weeks, buy 10 brass pulls that Helen has wanted, go to Cargills Food City and to the bank ATM.  On the way back Helen bought a couple of the spicy/hot fish buns that she has grown to like.  As you can tell, we are “rushing” to complete tasks before we leave. 

Tom – Today was a day to tighten up loose ends at the office and at home.  I had lots of email business related to my next assignment at Peradeniya University, my presentation in India, my presentation in Colombo after Easter, etc.  I also signed certificates of participation for the PE instructors who completed 32 hours of theory and 6 hours of practical sessions.  These certificates will be presented at a “going away” dinner this evening.

Helen – They had a farewell dinner for us at the university this evening.  The Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor (President and Provost) attended along with the PE faculty.  It was very nice and they cooked the food less spicy especially for us.  It was kind of a strange arrangement…we went to the guest house dining room which is a separate building across the street from the university.  This is also where they hold conferences and workshops.  The room was arranged with two long tables set; one with glasses and the other for dinner with plates etc.  So first we sat at the table set with glasses and were served lime juice drinks as we sat and talked and waited for the Vice Chancellor to arrive.  When he came, they brought out the beer and hard coconut liquor along with spicy noodle snacks.  We sat there for another hour before moving to the other table for dinner. 

Dinner was excellent with a variety of foods, curries and fruit for dessert.  When dinner was finished, they had gift presentations and speeches for us.  Tom received a Fibretec picture specially designed with an ocean sunset and the silhouettes of stick fishermen.  Superimposed on the picture were palm trees and grasses that were covered in fiberglass.  All the elements were enclosed in a 3-D frame.  Not exactly our style but the sentiment was much appreciated.  Pali also presented us with a Perahera wood carving picture, a brass dish the shape of Sri Lanka and a little leather case for me.  Both Tom and I received beautiful cards with heart felt thanks written by members of the faculty.  We have really enjoyed the friendships we have made with the faculty here and will miss them.

 Helen – Today I am trying to get some of my cake recipes ready for the wives.  They do not have our measuring cups so I will have to weigh the ingredients on the metric scale.  I also have not seen a mixer here, but have used the blender to cream the butter and sugar (which somehow never seems to lose the granular state).  When Tom came home from school we went to pick up the dress I had shortened (it was Sunny’s sister-in-law) and she wouldn’t take any money for it. They usually charge about $1 to do it and she said it was nothing.  Then once again to Food City, we go about 3 times a week because our refrigerator is small and things don’t last too long in it.  We had taco night and pretended we were at El Toro’s (our favorite Mexican restaurant back home) and even had limes in our beer!!!  To bed early, since Tom planned a SCUBA dive tomorrow for me and he is going to snorkel.

Tom – New beach sights today included a small shark caught by a local net fisherman and little shrimp that the children collect to be used for bate by their fathers/older brothers. 

This was followed, as usual, by our favorite time of day – eating breakfast on our patio by the pond while watching the waves roll in.

I had my last class with the instructors today.  They requested a lecture on nutrition which went well.  I spent an extra hour with them – giving and describing my gifts.  The first was a CD that included my two PowerPoint presentations, class syllabus, class reading, Exercise Chart designed for their weight room, the full copy of my book “Your Body: Your Health and Fitness” (11 chapters) which I never completed, and a number of physical activity survey articles for HR’s research.  I also gave the department two Physical Fitness and Wellness books, the brochure I wrote on the need for Quality Daily Physical Education and several small individual gifts (e.g. small stress basketball from Springfield College – the birthplace of basketball, small pocket knives, lanyards, Starburst candy, small double head screwdrivers, mini carabineers, OAHPERD pin, Jump Rope for Heart water bottle, AAHPERD name tag wallet, and their pick of one of my class T-shirts.

Maha Sivrrathri Day (Hindu holiday honoring the god Shiva)  Tom – We did walk the beach this morning and, as usual, found some new opportunities for pictures (e.g. locals catching fish and lobsters). 

Earlier in the week Helen had offered to teach a two hour theory class explaining how she teaches her Fitness Walking class.  Even though it was a holiday, HR and Pali said they wanted to participate.  So Helen did her thing from 9-11am.  Even Sunny came and attended for the last hour.  HR brought her/us a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a small brass oil lantern, a small painted elephant and a Sri Lankan key chain – all from Laksala a government handicrafts emporium.

Helen- We tried the beach again this morning with bug spray and it seemed to work a little better.  After breakfast we went to school, Tom to work on his presentations and I to do a two hour lecture on the walking class to Pali and HR, two of the male students who could not attend the class because they were with Tom in the weight training class.  As Tom wrote, it went well and I was truly surprised with HR’s gifts.  He is a very talented person and does flower arrangements for weddings and proms as a side job.  I don’t know how he does everything he does, he is very energetic for this island.

In the evening we went to Sarath’s home for dinner.  His wife and daughter (just finished medical school and is awaiting her intern assignment) prepared a lovely dinner for us. However, once again we ate alone with everyone watching us to see if we liked the food and kept encouraging us to eat more!!  This time we had rice, a chicken curry, white tuna curry, calamari curry, a wonderful vegetable assortment, hoppers (sort of a cup shaped bread, thin on the side and thicker on the bottom), and a potato curry.  It really was very good and we had several helpings of everything.  Dessert again was curd with honey (quite tasty), custard pudding with caramel sauce, jello, and fresh fruit. Stuffed again, we waddled home with tummy aches.  They gave us a lovely herbal soap assortment made here in Sri Lanka.