Well. I’m not sure why I’m still allowed to plan our family holidays given the insane amount of stuff I cram into them… but here we are (Luckily there’s a holiday from the holiday coming up in the Maldives!)

Quick recap of the last couple of days:

We did a village tour, which left me with this strange feeling - like we literally paid to see what life was like for people just a generation up from us. And I could see M’s brain ticking. That night she told us she was thankful we have a kitchen and an oven. (We hardly even use the oven, but the fact that she noticed and felt grateful hit me in the feels)

It made me think of the stove in Sigatoka from my own childhood. Convenience is great, but there’s something beautiful about the simplicity and joy in that way of living. The physicality of it all- seeing your effort turn into something tangible. Anyway, before I start drifting off into a philosophical spiral…

I’ve fallen in love with the corn and coconut here. I don’t know what’s happening with the sweet corn back home but something feels off. M, on the other hand, is very unimpressed with the lack of sugary sweetness.

We caught a distant view of Sigiriya Rock - skipped the climb this time. We were leaning into full TLC mode instead, with an Ayurvedic massage and shirodhara. M joined us too, and lying next to her while we both got massaged was one of those deep, wordless mum moments. She slept so well after.

We also visited a spice garden, where M got really into learning how chocolate and rubber are made. We were shown all kinds of spices, balms and creams... I'm low-key regretting not picking up some of the sandalwood and turmeric cream. But I was in full “tourist price alert” mode and did the classic walk-away... and yeah, they actually let me go. Oops.

Next day we tried to visit the Temple of the Tooth, but we couldn’t get in. Ended up at a Hanuman temple though and to our delight, they had a vegetarian buffet going with the most beautiful of views. Tummies and souls so very content and happy.

Then we visited Ramboda waterfall and a tea plantation. Met some lovely parents from the UK travelling with their 4-year-old daughter, and M (clearly missing kid company!) immediately connected. They had a sweet little hang while we bought some fancy tea that was probably overpriced but felt worth it.

And that’s a wrap for now!Read more