To get to this idyllic place, we took another bus (this one had a man with very hairy ears) and got off in the centre of New Town Galle. A hubbub of people, noise and pushing. I had a fleeting 'oh sh** a mini India' thought but it quickly vanished with the appearance of a friendly tuk-tuk driver who whisked us away behind the Fort walls.
Behind the Fort walls was like entering another city, country, even continent. Originally built by the Dutch, the Sri Lankans have kept many of their features, from the brick used for the houses to the old style buildings and small alleyways. It was delightful and very much like a little area of Amsterdam.
We had not booked anywhere as this leg of the trip was not planned and by sheer luck we found the BEST place to stay in Galle. It was a small boutique hotel with views overlooking the sea and a stunning balcony which we could sit out on. Fort de 19 was a haven.
Family run, we met the owner and his parents - I took a particular shine to his father as he was always sitting near the entrance ready to greet you upon arrival and welcomed you back after a very hard day strolling around the cobbled streets. He also called me 'laughing girl' which I adored and made me laugh more. Who says flattery gets your nowhere?!
They made us feel extremely welcome, and after the disaster of the hostel in Mirissa both Lew and I were sick, so Theekshana's (the owner) mum made us a Sri Lankan flu remedy to make us feel better, which I think actually worked.
Galle was stunning and peaceful and was the perfect end to our fleeting visit to Sri Lanka. I managed to even buy a little piece of jewellery as a souvenir... one can't go to a place with a place named 'Gem City' and not buy a gem.
Everyone we came across was extremely welcoming and kind. Even random 'accosters' I previously mentioned didn't accost, they merely wanted to know where in Sri Lanka we were travelling, where we were from and to wish us a great holiday.
Love is barely the word to describe such a vibrant, varying island. It has everything and more.
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