Volunteer House

On arriving to the volunteer house in Ambalogoda we were welcomed by Nalaka, who gave the three of us  a flower garland round our necks. (the three of us being Hana. Georgina and I, the other two girls from the airport were part of a collage group who were staying in a hotel all together) We got a wee tour of the house which exceeded expectations. The downstairs is big and spacious with a large dining table and a second smaller one. There is also a 3 seater, 2 seater and single couch around a small television and a wall full of dvd's. There is also a downstairs bedroom, where Nalaka sleeps, and a downstairs bathroom. The kitchen is also downstairs and I was surprised to see no oven/cooker but instead a tabletop stove that reminded me of camping stoves. 

Upstairs there is a large spacious landing with which overlooks downstairs (not really sure how to describe it, balcony seems the wrong word, so here is a photo to illustrate!) Upstairs is a bedroom with tow bunkbeds and small shelfing unit, and doors to a small outside balcony. In this room were two girls from Hong Kong called Tammy and Gigi, who had arrived late the previous night. Hana and I took the other two beds in that room.

There is a bathroom upstairs and a large bedroom with 4 bunkbeds and one double bed. Then there is another smaller room with a bunkbed and a double bed. Georgina took a bed in this room alongside Jenn, from Canada, who had arrived earlier that day. I had also spoken to Jenn via Facebook before coming out. Her trip duration is 12 weeks so she will be here the entire time that I am. There is also an outside balcony (larger than the one on my room) which has clothes horses two small washing lines. 

Up another flight of stairs is the roof, which has nothing on it but can be used for sunbathing etc

When we arrived the power was out so none of the fans (the house has no AC) were working so we were really feeling the heat! I had been apprehensive about the cold-water showers but in the heat I barely even noticed! Tammy, Gigi, Jenn, Hana, Georgina, Nalaka and I all played some card games to fill time. Other girls who were already living in the house were away on weekend trips but two were due back later that day. Claire and Kitty, who both returned sunburnt from spending the day on the beach! 

Overall it was a good journey, the house seems decent and I don't mind the prospect of staying here for 10 weeks, and everyone has been realy friendly and interesting so far. Its great talking to other volunteers because everyone has come from somewhere different and are doing different things with their lives. 

The upstairs landing and (?) balcony-like bannister looking downstairs

My bed!! Spot the ''Scotland'' sticker on my laptop!