Letter from Arugam Bay – Haunter of wistful memories

Arugam Bay.

Of the sun, sand, and sweaty surfers.

The land of chic flip-flops and quirky restaurants.

The posh place to visit.

But we tarried, hemmed and hawed…

Shying away from the seven-hour car ride,

Until 2024.

Seven long hours —

but unexpectedly, strangely — magical.

The stop at Barawakumbuka —

shade, birdsong, trees, and a swing.

Colourful butterflies leading the way

along Lunugamvehera National Park.

We halt, breath-stopped,

at the sheer size and majesty

of a road-crossing elephant.

Arugam Bay Beach —

sparkling clean.

Finally,

Kudakalliya Beach House.

and our very own space —

the Ganga Addara River House-

opening out to the river,

giving us beautiful moments.

The porch where we relaxed,

watching the gentle ripples of the water.

The tiny, large-eyed frogs

we shared our space with.

Sandy and Mandy —

our sandy-pawed canine guardians.

A sudden glimpse of a tranquil tusker

bathing peacefully.

The exquisite coolness at dusk

after the fierce heat of the day.

Arugam Bay

Of the sun, sand, and sweaty surfers.

The land of dry, arid landscapes.

Oh, but also —

Stealer of hearts.

Soother of souls.

Lingering Haunter-

of wistful memories.

(If you enjoyed this, you may like my  Letter from Galle)

From the Island's heat and hush, until the next letter,

-N