Aaaaaaand we're off!

Chris and I have begun "doing the earth." So far, the experiences have been very polarizing: either they're great, or they suck. For instance:

We finagled our way into the Singapore Airlines Lounge in Bangkok, and thus enjoyed complimentary food and alcohol (Great);

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, we decided to stay in a guesthouse near the bus-station while waiting for the 6AM bus to Unawatuna. However, the room did not come with any air-conditioning or mosquito net, and we were subsequently victims of a Mosquito Massacre, enduring over 50 bites each during a sleepless 5-hour toss-and-turn marathon (Suck);

The bus to Unawatuna was running ahead of schedule and we just got on before it left (Great);

The bus-driver thought he was a character in Mario Kart and disregarded every traffic law known to man: we felt like Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in Speed (Suck);

Unawatuna is beautiful! the food is fantastic, people are incredibly friendly, and our guesthouse has BOTH air-conditioning and a mosquito net! (Great)

In summary, the trip has taken a turbulent start. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Looking forward to tomorrow's journey to Colombo and Kandy, where we will visit the world's largest elephant sanctuary.

We'll keep you posted.

Adios,
Phil