The New House

I woke up this morning at five-dark-thirty, surfed for two hours, then came back to our newly rented house. This morning routine seems to be rapidly becoming a permanent pattern while we are here in Arugam Bay (anyone who knows me knows how much I abhor anything in the early morning, especially a routine), but I can’t say I mind this one.

But, more importantly, we rented a cute little house here. We will probably stay here for a month or two before heading to the South end of the island for more surf. Arugam Bay is a cute little tourist town on Sri Lanka’s East Coast, and it would be so much cuter if it weren’t inundated with a million tourists all the time. We had to come here during the peak season because it is the best surf season, but my god it is a lot of tourists.

So that is the reason we rented this cute little oasis away from the madness. It is a fifteen minute walk to the main (super crowded) surf point, and to town, so it is quiet and away from all the partying and madness in town.

The front yard, coming though the gate. Its a nice, private little place.

This is the outside shower garden. It is going to get used every day after surf sessions. It is so nice to have a shower outside! Such a creative shower head: a coconut shell with holes drilled in it.

This is the front: a dining area, a kitchen, and a chilling sofa in the front yard. Right outside our front door. The wind blows through here so nicely all day and evening, and it keeps everything pleasantly cool during the hot part of the day. It is strange, but it is always so comfortable to me to have these outdoor spaces, and to do the majority of “life” outside. This is especially true when you consider the weather here is about ninety degrees every day, with a low of seventy-eight, and the water is a chilly eighty-two to eighty-three degrees.

And, the piece de resistance: My favorite thing in the whole world is an outdoor bathroom. Tam and I have always tried to figure out how to have one in Bend, but you know, snow and freezing pipes and all.

This one is great! A semi roof over the toilet so you don’t get wet while pooping (though it has only rained once in the three and a half months we have been in Sri Lanka), with the rest of the roof open. It allows for a beautiful breeze and really nice filtered sunshine. The wall is over head high for privacy with trees all around the outside. There is even a pomegranate tree directly over the toilet, and some vines have climbed over and hang out on the shower head.

From the bedroom, looking out. I am beginning to think this might be the perfect place for a nap. Or, maybe out there on the outdoor day bed. Hmmm. So many tough decisions.