Matara

 My address is Jayamaha Viharaya Road 20A, Pamburana, Matara, Sri Lanka. Matara is a town in the southern province of Sri Lanka. I live very close to Matara Central college, which is convenient since I teach there most of the time. The other places where I teach (Kirimetimulla, Mirissa and Galle) are easy to reach by motorbike.

Together with Elise I live in a wonderful host family in Matara. Our host mother, Madam Ruthika, is the vice principal of Matara Central college. Our host father, Mister Ramya, is a doctor. They are really nice and take care of us like we are their own children. On my previous travels I always lived in a guesthouse or apartment, so this is the first time in a host family. Coming here that made me very nervous, but I've been so lucky. Ramya and Ruthika got themselves a big place in my heart. 
Sumudu, the daughter and Pathum, the son also live here, but they both study far away so only come home on holidays. It's very nice to have a surrogate brother and sister to hang out with. 
Since December Ramya's mother and her caretaker also moved in so it's easier for Ramya to look after his mother. 
With eight people living here it's sometimes a bit busy, but always cosy. I will miss all of them very much when I go back to Belgium. 
 
In our free time Elise and I often go out together. We drive around on my motorbike, go shopping, have a stroll on the beach, go surfing or visit some nearby tourist attractions. Sometimes our fellow students come to visit us. There is a lot to do in the area of Matara and we always have a lot of fun. 
 
 From left to right: Sumudu, Pathum, Ruthika, Ramya
 Elise and I, getting ready for the school concert.
 Elise and I with our host parents