Da wir im nächsten halben Jahr relativ viel in Englisch kommunizieren werden, haben wir uns dazu entschieden, unsere Beiträge in Englisch zu verfassen (Bei Rückfragen stehen wir euch gerne auch in Deutsch zur Verfügung) ;)

The early bird catches the worm,...or the public bus.
After we started our journey at 7AM in Stuttgart, we had our transfer in Abu Dhabi (which is a pretty big airport with loads of expensive luxury duty free shops) and then got on board with many Asian families with way to big hand luggage!
We had a really nice seat neighbor, who comes from Tel Aviv and made our flight to Colombo/Sri Lanka very entertaining.
Our flight was in time so we landed at Bandaranaike International Airport at 3.30AM. As we are well prepared for any administration staff, we had no problems getting our visa.
Afterwards we headed to the baggage claim to find our bag packs in perfect condition and right in time. However we realized that there where still some hours to kill and the airport seemed to be empty. Then a friendly women told us that there was a waiting area right around the corner, and this area was surprisingly full with passionate sellers for taxis, hotel rooms, SIM cards, microwaves and refrigerators (yes, you are presented a whole portfolio of new kitchen equipment, and YES there were people buying a refrigerator at 3:30AM!!!)

We waited in the arrival hall with many other people in chair rows, placed in front of three big tv screens, showing some traditional ceremonies and of course the football matches of Bayern München, VFB Stuttgart and all other Bundesliga-Clubs!
At sunrise, we went to information desk of the Sri Lankan Tourist Organization. The guy was really friendly and tried to help us find the best route for our stay. Even though we seemed to be better informed than him! (Thanks to Molin's mother who bought a Reise-KnowHow Travel Guide for Sri Lanka).
As early birds and with lots of hints from our tourist information man, Sam, we started our way to the bus station, where one bus should bring us to Negombo, a smaller city in the North of Colombo.
We couldn't find the station next to the airport and we asked many people and got even more different explanations. (100m/500m/1km/10km, this guess was from a Tuk-Tuk driver)
Finally, sweating in our jeans and hoodies, we found our bus which took us straight to Negombo.
During the time at the airport we picked two possible hostels for our first night. The first one, which we reach by feet was closed or it seemed that the owners did some sort of siesta (it was 8.15AM).
Luckily, there were some friendly Tuk-Tuk drivers who brought us for 300 Rs (2€) to our alternative hostel, which was about to be knocked down.
Our friendly driver found a good alternative in the same street next to the beach of Negombo. Finally we could check in and put down our bagpacks and get rid of our winter clothes!
We started to explore the surrounding and took a nap at the beach. Our hotel manager helped us to find a room for the next days in Kandy, where we will be heading tomorrow morning by train.
Right now we are pretty tired, stoked by the 35°C and ready for our bed!
We are looking forward to seeing the great highlands of Sri Lanka and their unique tea plantages.

Ayubowan and shtuti for reading!
Greetings from Negombo,

Lisa and Singhalese Maleeeeeeen