Tuesday 2nd January 2024

Having arrived at Colombo Airport around 13:00, I got through the airport pretty quickly - no missing luggage like last time - and, after getting some cash, and sorting out a local SIM card for my phone, I picked up a transfer to The Cave by Blue Bird, a very reasonable 'budget' hotel, where I was spending the night, so that I could go back to the airport tomorrow morning to meet Stephanie, a volunteer who was flying in from Bangkok.

I didn't really need to unpack as such - just sort a few things out - and, although I was tired, I decided to go into Negombo, as I had never been here before. I was excited to take my first tuk-tuk of this trip (I do love tuk-tuks!), and we drove into Colombo, where I bought a cheap pair of shorts, as it was just so hot out here, and my shorts are with the rest of my clothes where I am staying in Blackpool. I didn't stay out for long, as I really needed a rest then.

I managed to rest for most of the afternoon, although, with hindsight, I wish I had taken a stroll along the sea shore, as by the time I got there later in the evening it was dark. I had arranged to see a good friend Ragu, the brother of another very good friend, Daya, who used to work for Tea Leaf Trust, and many of you will have seen from my previous blogs. He works in Colombo, so he came over on his bike after work to spend the evening with me.

I had a lovely evening with Ragu, who is very good company. We had a stroll by the sea, which was lovely, even if we couldn't see a great deal. Just experiencing the warm sand beneath your feet is a very pleasant experience. We found a good place to eat, and had a good catch-up, and the evening seemed to fly by all too quickly, but I must say by that time I was delighted to be able to have a good night's sleep in a proper bed, at last!

Today's photos are quite simple really - my first tuk-tuk of this trip, a picture of me and Ragu during a lovely warm evening, and an amusing reminder that, even when big conglomerates like TESCO infiltrate economies in Asian countries, they don't always quite get the marketing right, as you will see from this store sign in Negombo (quite unbelievable really)!








Comments

  1. CharlesJanuary 3, 2024 at 12:15 AM

    Good to see you alongside one of your beloved tuk-tuks, Keith, and to learn you have already linked up with someone you know. As for the Tesco sign, I am wondering cynically if this is an example of a local business 'passing off' as Tesco when it isn't Tesco, but hopes to attract customers who are familiar with the brand? Either way, it is rather surprising!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sheila ChristinaJanuary 3, 2024 at 2:24 AM

    Love reading your blog & seeing your photos Keith happy travels 🥰

    ReplyDelete
  3. TimJanuary 3, 2024 at 5:24 AM

    Hi Keith. Good to start reading your blogs again. Reminds me that I must start looking at our bookings for a visit in April/May. I think Charles is probably right in his assessment of the 'Tecso' sign. Liz and I once stayed in the 'Hylton' hotel in Arugambay. A long way off the real thing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2024 at 8:20 AM

    Glad you arrived safely and settling in. Having home comforts such as Tesco will help although that’s a bit of a downgrade from Waitrose for you. Stay safe xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2024 at 8:45 AM

    I too had an amazing evening on the other day. Your gift was very thoughtful. I really enjoyed the dinner especially the walk. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete

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