Hair glossy, in a perfectly smooth ponytail with a coconut shell clip and a sprig of fresh jasmine, just a hint of fragrance lingers, gold earings and necklace, a pink sari with golden brocade trim impeccably wrapped and draped like an elaborate Christmas gift, midriff exposed, strappy sandals, looking fresh as a daisy….and then there is me on the step behind her, sweat already beading on my brow, my hair twisted in messy bun, in my comfortable cargo pants, faded oversized kurta that is pulled tight across my boobs because of my backpack and my feet clad in hiking boots, looking more like a sturdy cactus than a daisy. I am being extra careful not to step on the back of her sari, as we slowly make our way down the steep narrow stairs. It is crowded and I’m fully aware I am the odd one out. The boat is for locals and very few foreigners spend nights on Neduntheevu (Delft Island)
Settling into an unyielding window seat at the back, I quickly scan for life jackets, clearly not enough, then look for a way out in case of an emergency, all windows have a wooden rail in to middle, except for a small one 5 rows in front of me. Oh well looks like i would be going down with the boat. I sit back, enjoying ocean breeze and watch the feet dangling just outside my window intrigued…How to they keep their thongs on?? and How do they manage to stay sitting where they do when the Palk Straight gets choppy and the boat gets thrown about.(I have read nightmarish stories) Luckily today the ocean isn’t to bad and I will be back in Jaffna for a late breakfast .