Opening and blessing

Today we had our monk blessing ceremony at six in the morning. It was a very special moment for everyone involved and we hope that Buddha will make us smile from now on.

We are proud to announce that Hangtime Hostel opened its doors! We hope to see many happy people at the big opening event 19th of December 2015!!! 

How about some beers on the beach while watching a sunset like that? Sri Lanka has breathtaking sunsets...come and check them out!!

Toys Toys Toys

Found a paradise for kids the other day... all wooden and handmade. We are getting our sign made here so everyone can find us easily!

Opening soon...

Not even a month until opening..There is still a lot to do but a lot has been done as well in the last weeks. Hangtime Hostel is looking more and more like a place to be every day..

Water feature is set up, passion fruit plants are growing, foot baths are in front of every room, outside shower is  ready to use, and first beds are up, equipped with very comfy pillows, waiting for their first guests.

We are positive that our doors can be open by first of December!!

Went fishing with the locals at 4 am in the morning ...came home six hours later with zero fish...

Awesome experience though.

Hats off to all fishermen!

Trip To Galle

It is only a 30 min drive from Weligama to Galle and it's definitely worth a day trip...In Galle a tropical setting melds with classic architecture. Have look at old dutch-colonial buildings, walk the Fort walls at dusk, and enjoy all the little shops and Cafés around. If you need some little gifts to bring home you will definitely find something here (check barefoot and salt)!

If you want a little bit of craziness watch the cliff jumpers near the lighthouse!

Just listen to the bus drivers jelling out Gaaaar-lee Gaaaar-lee Gaaar-lee and you will make your way there!

Roofing

Its progressing...at least one side of Hangtime Hostel stays dry now

Not long until opening but we can do it!

It's autumn (at least in the Nordic Hemisphere) cold, windy and rainy...I don't know about you but I would love to pack my bags and disappear to this little piece of paradise for a bit. Feel the sun on my skin and set those endorphins free..

nice and sunny today.....

I need to share this...the sunset at this beach is just incredible!!

You won't have to deal with that... No need to carry your board as we are going to be right on the beach!!

The local Artist Vish just finished our first two rooms.....check it out, it looks amazing!!!

Wish I had this in my room!!

Udawalawe National Park

Just 100 kms far away from Weligama is the Udawalawe National Park....You maybe won't see something like this but you definitely will see heaps of elephants!! You should go early in the morning!

Rainy Rainforest

Only two hours far away from Weligama you can visit a UNESCO - World Heritage , the Sinharaja Rainforest. You can visit tea plantations, swim in waterfalls and just enjoy the breathtaking nature. It is so relaxing and the perfect place if you need a break and to clear your mind.

Dogs Dogs Dogs

You will make many dog friends wherever you go....just keep in mind that it is sometimes better to not get too close...

Tiki Lunch

How about having lunch while looking out to this?

We just went to this awesome little place, no less than five minutes Tuk Tuk drive away from the future hostel. If you look closely, you can even see our rooftop (note; it is just a little bit left of the ugly Massive Marriot Mess). Tiki Bar is o local run Bar and Restaurant, serving up delicious local delicacies cooked by the mum of the owner. You definitely need to try it out, the food is great...the view is breathtaking.

Work in Progress

So much going on at the moment!!! This is how the the future hostel is looking at the moment. A lot to to do but also a lot has been done already. We are pretty confident that we can be open by the start of December. Today we are going to get quotes for the roof and then we can start with the highlight of our hostel - the rooftop bar and chill out area. Check out the awesome view you will have!

Stilt Fishing

Our friends took us Stilt Fishing today...If you are coming to Sri Lanka you definitely have to try it out! It is an awesome experience....specially if you go while sunset. As it is not quite the best season at the moment we only caught tiny fishes but at least we caught something and had a barbecue with fresh fish later on... and even if you don't catch something you will have beautiful pictures at least....

Hello Paradise!

Today we went to one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast. It is a little bit like a secret garden. You drive down a little road towards the beach and this beach is already quite nice. But you keep driving around a corner and another corner and it will be very bumpy in your Tuk Tuk because the road is not really made for wheels but then you hit a stunning little bay and the roller coaster ride was definitely worth it...Little fisherman boats are sitting in the sand, the water is super clear and turquoise...the place just takes your breath away for a little bit...

This stunning place is only 45 min drive away from where we are located and it is an awesome day trip once in a while. It's perfect for a relaxed day on the beach and also for a little bit of surfing. As we love this place so much we definitely will arrange trips to this little beauty. 

Olalala

Just to give you a little impression of the beaches on the South Coast...

...not too bad!

Sri Lanka - Resplendent Country

Sri Lanka - Resplendent Country

In "Sanskrit" Sri Lanka means the resplendent country. The name definitely suits. When we first came to Sri Lanka we totally fell in love. The nature is amazing... you won't believe the beaches and the colour of the water. 

You do not have to be a fan of beaches though to fall in love with Sri Lanka. The country is full of awesome national parks, tea plantations, temples, history and of course excellent food...So many reasons why it is worth a journey..It's not called "The wonder of Asia" for no reason.

Also the locals are beautiful. They always walk around with a big smile. Often a smile with no teeth but it does what a smile does.It makes you feel totally welcome!

This picture of the amazing photographer Martin Sojka shows perfectly how welcoming and friendly the people in general are.

found on :https://www.flickr.com/photos/msojka/3315762387/in/album-72157612573583708/

This all sounds like paradise and for sure there is a dark side also: Many people lost everything through the Tsunami 2004, the Civil War just ended 2009 and the north of the country is only open since 2013 for traveling again. But in the end this just makes the country even more interesting to travel to. It's admirable how people who have been through so much are still so happy and smiley.