Train Bentota to Mirissa

 Friday, we got the express train from Aluthgama to Mirissa. A two hour journey along the coast with beautiful views all the way. Jess and Otto entertained the passengers in our second class carriage, even when they were fighting over crisps, lollies and various other bits of bribary we'd come prepared with.
Initially the train was standing room only - a bit like the Friday night East Coast train out of London Kings Cross...
But hotter...
Even with the ceiling fans...
And the doors open! 
At Galle, the train cleared out and we all had seats. Although, thanks to Otto spilling half the packet of Mister Potatoes (aka Sri Lankan Pringles), we had to share the seats with an infestation of huge brown cockroaches. I'm fairly unsqueemish with bugs and spiders but I am terrified of cockroaches. Needless to say, I then provided much amusement to the coach as I hopped around screaming and Mikey went on a killing spree!
We survived it and lucky for us the owner of the guest house we'd booked was waiting on the station for a friend so it was a very easy trip in the end.
We are walking distance from the beach - or shoulder ride distance for the kids. The beach is just as beautiful as we remember it from 4 years ago, although there has been a lot of development; there are now about 20 beach side cafe/bars serving frozen cocktails and fresh seafood food. You can get pancakes for breakfast and chips for tea (much to the kids delight). The waves are great for body surfing, not so good for swimming but Jess and Otto have enjoyed being thrashed about, jumping in the waves. Next stop elephants at Uduwalawe.