AT THE BEACH

We Aussies love our beaches. I often miss the beautiful white shores and blue waters of home but that's not to say that Sri Lankan beaches don't have a charm of their own. There are crowded beaches, quiet beaches, tourist beaches, local hotspots, fishermen's beaches - something for almost anyone.

Local hotspots are quite an experience on weekends and public holidays, particularly in the hours leading up to sunset. These beaches rapidly become crowded with people enjoying the beachfront. Unlike Aussies, who tend to like a sunbake or a quiet dip, Sri Lankans really play at the beach. It's not a place for individuals, it's a place for families and groups. They will pull friends, usually fully-dressed, into the waters - the 'victim' usually protesting profusely but grinning widely. They don't usually venture too far into the water but splash and play along the shoreline. Men seem more likely to get into the water than women. Maybe this is because it is rare to see a woman with a swimsuit and, really, who likes going in the ocean fully-clothed?! People walk along the shore, collect shells or fly kites. Groups of young men may come down with a drum or a guitar to play, sing and dance. The beach is also a popular place for young couples. It is common to see the beach dotted with umbrellas, with courting sweethearts sitting cuddled beneath, shaded from the sun. And, like the Aussies, Sri Lankans are partial to a good old game of beach cricket.

Drying fish

Trying to catch the eye of the tourists.

Fishing boats.

Training maneuvers.