Saying farewell to that little slice of paradise didn’t come easy. I wished to change course, to never leave. To spend our days fading away under warm rays in salty waters, on a planet that felt all our own – but time is ticking, and there is much to see and explore, so packing our bags was a must. It’s always hard parting ways with far away places, not knowing if you’ll meet again. But I tell myself that if not with my eyes, at least in my dreams. There’s always my dreams…
We headed inland, up winding hills, lost in a sea of blue and green. Ella is a quaint little town nestled high in the countryside, with spectacular views. On a clear day, you can even see the glow from the lighthouses along the Southern coast. The hills surrounding the area are covered with farmland, tea plantations, and rice fields. We spent our time on long walks with mischievous monkeys, just taking in the scenery and enjoying the food.
Ella was on my radar, because I desperately wanted to take the much praised train to Kandy, further North. Upon arrival, we headed straight to the station to secure our tickets, but we were in for a surprise – and no, not the good kind. Apparently, if you wish to secure a seat, you need to make reservations at least TWO WEEKS in advance. Two weeks. And no, they don’t have an online option. I tried to beg, plead, and pay my way aboard, but the station master wouldn’t budge. No means no.
Disappointed was an understatement. Blue, bummed, sad – you name it, I felt it. It is said to be one of the loveliest train journeys in all of Asia, and I didn’t want to miss it. I was determined, and with a little thought, I devised a plan. There’s a difference between long-term travelers and those on holiday (what the rest of the world calls a “vacation”): the need to stretch a buck. My plan was to arrive at the station at 6:00 a.m., 40 minutes prior to departure, and offer $100 dollars to any pair willing to part with their seats. It seemed promising, considering the actual charge is around $13 per seat; if you’re the shoestring type, $74 can buy you a few days.
After our evening meal, we strolled through town and stopped for a drink. One wouldn’t hurt, right? A little nightcap is all. I shake my head in retrospect. We made fast friends with a small group, swapping stories, playing cards, and drinking Arrack (local liquor, similar to whiskey). One drink became two, then three…
Needless to say, we never made the train. And I blame Emily.
