Today we took the train from Colombo to Unawatuna. For me, this was probably the most intense day of travel we have experienced yet. You conjure up certain pre-conceived notions of the costal line train ride and then you get to the train station and you realize just how totally and completely naive you are as you watch the 10:30am train pull out of the station at 10:55am – just moments out of your grasp – your early arrival plans having been foiled by Colombo traffic congestion.
We stashed our bags (and consider stashing your kids) in the antique cloak room and spend the next 4 hours trying to stay hydrated but not too hydrated cause it’s a long train ride. But it’s also 30C in the shade and we sweat just by standing still.
The train shows up on time and all the people we were jostling with for elbow room on the platform now have to fit inside the train – which already looks kinda full.
People are getting on the train before it stops. To say it was standing room only is a considerable understatement. The open windows provide relief while the train is moving. When the train stops, each breath is as thick as split pea soup.
Take note that Hil’s shirt is two different colours in this picture. Light blue = dry… Arden is clutching on to Hil and Charlotte has her head in the luggage compartment to try and block out the crazy noise that the wheels were making.
After an hour the congestion in the train car starts to thin out – and it’s time to do some exploring.
Add this to the list of today’s highlights:
And add this to the list of beautiful things I saw today:
Today left me thinking about the value of boredom. We are dedicated iPad users on this trip. They have provided hours of entertainment, reading and frivolous distraction in times of inbetween. But it just wasn’t at all appropriate to have them out on the train ride. They could have emerged around the 90min mark – When things in the rail car really started to open up and probably also when the five of us would have been jonesing for them the most. But we didn’t get them out. And No one asked for them either. And I’m grateful for that. Because if we had gotten the iPads out then we just wouldn’t have had the same motivation to get up and take a look around. Wouldn’t have asked as many questions. Wouldnt have sung so many songs. Wouldn’t have seen as much of the tough living conditions that we witnessed along the tracks that gave us plenty to think about. Wouldn’t have had the conversations about inertia and railway sidings and deep breaths and patience. Wouldn’t have talked to any of the local people making the commute home from Colombo. For me, on a personal level, it was a great reminder of how much I enjoy looking out the window.
3 Ginger Snaps 
The video of Ruby leaning out of the train is scary! Although it looks like open windows or doors provide the best breeze. Keep looking out the window….just not too far.
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Mike and I loved Unawatuna! Plus it’s just so fun to say 🙂 I hope it’s still as magical as I remember. Beware the monkeys who come into the rooms via windows to relieve you of your goods!!
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A very full day with many contrasts.
Train travel is my favourite way to get somewhere. I’ve taken a lot of trains in Europe. Do you remember the Bud Car train to Biscotasing for the start of the Spanish River canoe trip? That was one of the highlights of the whole trip for me and years later Ryan and I did that route even farther to Missinaibie.
Glad you still have Ruby!
Enjoy this new place!!
Love to all of you.
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Oh my … I whole thing overwhelming to me ‼️ The masses the noise I’m sure some smells but OMG the heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥 HOT And with Arden cuddled on top of you must have cooled you off nicely ! How long was this torrented ride ?? Did you ever get to sit down ?? The patience and love of the 2 of you is to be greatly admired … but it’s about Ruby hanging off that moving train jigglely all over ” drew ” very calm take one step back HOLY ❌⭕️❌⭕️
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Drew with hair. Almost did not recognize him.
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Love your posts. Love the photos. The two of you deserve kudos for your patience and sense of calm and the girls are superstars!! Having rode in jam packed trains in gross heat, the whole personal space tests you like no other! Snuck this in before may 1st. 4 months already!! Wow! Loving the hair Drew!
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Great post Drew. Here’s to looking out the window and watching life go by!
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Brother pablo- having a bit of a hard time tracking down a proper cricket match. Lots of park cricket going on. And parking lot cricket. And just about any open space goes cricket. There are Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists living in Sri Lanka but there is definitely a national religion: cricket.
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