A Reality Break

Mother and teenage daughter escape for a stress-buster break to Sri Lanka and discover time to talk, relax and put life into perspective.

Our toes sink into fine white sand and tiny fish tickle our ankles in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.  We hold hands and giggle in anticipation of the vigorous approaching wave.  Gazing out towards the reef, we see silhouettes of local surfers practising their skills on the swells of rolling breakers.

I look across to the simple delight spread across Lydia’s face.  It’s hard to imagine how worried she was a few days ago about leaving behind schoolwork with AS levels looming.  But after her first spa treatment at the Taj Exotica, she agrees that a break from the accumulated stress of her own exam fears and that of her friends feels good.  It allows time to talk without the interruption of phone or family; and to reassess priorities.  

Despite political strife to the north, south-western Sri Lanka has risen like the legendary phoenix from the 2004 Tsunami disaster.  Lydia and I have been cosseted but never harassed during our journey between the bustle of modern Colombo to the serenity of ancient Galle. Whether shopping for batik sarongs, visiting a temple, spice garden or turtle sanctuary, the level of service remains faultless.  The enthusiasm of our gentle hosts is infectious and it’s impossible to ignore the desire to please; they know how important tourism is to their country’s future.

Lydia will return to school well rested and re-energised.  But we have both been reminded that her exams are mere ripples that ruffle the surface of our cosy lives.

© Judith Cameron