Traveling on an Empty Stomachs

Keeping one’s guests supplied with liquor is the first law of hospitality. ~ Margaret Way

Yala, Sri Lanka

December 30 – 31, 2014

Whole fish, shrimp, rice and curry made straight from the hearts of our host and hostess

It only occurs to me nearly a year later as I sit and reminisce about our overnight stay in Yala, Sri Lanka that maybe I don’t fully understand the nature of true hospitality. Have I ever taken in a stranger and made them feel at home and cared for as if they are family or dear friends? I haven’t and in many ways, I feel ashamed to say that it seems very awkward to me. I love entertaining and having guests over but I have never simply opened up my home to strangers. I have always been on the receiving end and never given it too much thought; this doesn’t mean that I take any of my experiences for granted as I’ve always felt and expressed my gratitude to those whom have welcomed me.

Is genuine hospitality lacking in our American culture? Or have I just been ignorant of the beautiful opportunities to meet and welcome strangers in my home? Am I too wrapped up in my own life to give up my home and time to welcome someone I don’t know?… After giving this more thought, I hope to challenge myself to grow and to reciprocate the next time an opportunity arises.

Road Trip from Hill Country to the South

After spending four days in the hill country, Jonathan and I headed south. Our goal was to make it to the coast by New Year’s Eve to meet up with our friends. To break up the long drive, our driver, U.P., suggested we stop in Yala for the night and stay at his sister’s guesthouse. This would also allow us to venture out for another safari since Yala National Park is only a short drive from the guesthouse.

A Family Affair

After spending nearly a week with our driver, he quickly learned that the best way to get us excited was finding us a good bite or meal. We often found ourselves pulling off on the side of the road, many little pit stops of sorts, to try local delicacies or to pick up a handful of fruit or coconuts to quench our thirst. Jonathan and I talked about food around the clock and U.P. shared with us his love of cooking as well. As we neared his sister’s guesthouse for the night, he decided to pick up some fresh fish and vegetables so he could cook us a dinner once we arrived.

After showering up and settling in we were invited to a huge dinner prepared by U.P. and his sister in their home. The time they spent working hard in the heat to make sure that we had an incredible dinner was unbelievable. The family made us feel as if we were part of their own clan coming home after being away for a long time. It was special and quite a genuine display of hospitality. After dinner, we enjoyed a bonfire in the yard.

Our evening ended with many rounds of arrack, a Middle Eastern liquor.  U.P. insisted we try it.  I was not a fan as it tasted too sweet for me but I sincerely enjoyed every minute around the fire.  I couldn’t help but to be filled with a warm feeling. It was as if we were part of their family rather than strangers passing through.

Traveling to Sri Lanka?

Hiring a driver while traveling in Sri Lanka was easy. It helped us relax and not worry about directions and also gave us the advantage of having a local’s opinion on everything.  A driver can also suggest excursions and plan them for you if you like.  I highly recommend doing this . We often could not get phone service so getting directions would have been difficult and it was rare to see road signs in the hill country. Interested in hiring our same driver, you can connect with him via his website (www.srilankaturist.com).  I loved his sister’s guesthouse too so if you are interested you can find more information on her Trip Advisor account or her website www.jcguest.com.

Want to read more about our Sri Lankan itinerary? Find more in this post, A Winter Escape. Prior to arriving in Yala we went on a safari in Uda Walawe National Park. Next up, we head to Weligama to meet up with friends and celebrate the New Year. Check back soon for this post!