March 2, 2024
March 2nd - Galle to Negombo (via van)
I contacted the hotel I'm staying at (again) in Negombo and they arranged a van to pick Claire and I up and transport us to Colombo. It was hard getting straight answers from them, but it appeared everything was set for a reasonable price of $60 US. Then shenanigans started this morning. Can I send them a picture of our bikes and gear? Weird. I sent them a picture of my finishing photo and say we have two of those bikes. Anyways, long story short, they sent a guy in a car whose seats fold down. Once I realized this, I tell them we requested and need a van. Then the scramble is on to find a van. Eventually, he gets one, but we have to pay $75. Fine. No time to argue now, but I'm pissed. Instead of taking a morning walk around the Fort, I'm stuck on my phone trying to sort everything out. Not relaxing at all nor how I want to spend my morning and just a tad bit stressful as both Claire and I have flights tomorrow. Claire's on her way back to Thailand where she will bike south to Singapore.
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Thankfully, are van driver was not crazy and Claire and I chatted. He stopped for us at a rest area and yep, I managed to lose my reading glasses during that stop. I noticed it but was hoping they were in the van. They weren't and must have fallen out while we were walking. I swear, this really is the record for the amount of things I've lost this trip!
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We weave our way through Colombo traffic and drop of Claire. Just another 45 minutes to my hotel near the airport. I get dropped off and checked into my room. The owners aren't there yet, but I have things to do and I get busy packing up my bike and gear.
Eventually, the owners return and they explain the van guy had ignored them for days. Hmm, you didn't think that might be a problem? They tell me it's going into high season so it's hard to find drivers. They were upset with the guy and apologetic with me, so I let it go. It all worked out. They really are a lovely couple and I paid for my room and a bit extra to thank them for holding my bike box.
And guess where I'm going? Nepal!!! I can't even believe it myself. As is the theme of my bike tours lately, I am totally unprepared, but in reality, I have thought I might just take some time off my bike anyways and relax. I can't wait to see what adventures lie ahead for me!
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