Wednesday 4th March 2026

I have reached the final day, so there are a mixture of emotions; a deep sense of satisfaction for a job that even I think has been very well done this year; a lingering sadness that I am leaving behind a country that I have grown to love so much; a mighty sense of relief that I have a direct flight from Colombo to London Heathrow; and much happiness to be returning to Val and the family after such a long time away, with great anticipation of a relaxed time together in beautiful Croatia.

I was up early and had my final breakfast at the Colombo Swimming Club, which has been a delightful place to spend my final days in Sri Lanka for a number of years now, so there is a relaxed familiarity about the place from spending so much time here. I booked a transfer to the airport, then set about packing up my things, which didn't take long, as I had already spent a long time sorting out my luggage before I came to stay in Colombo.

I was picked up at 10:00 to go to the airport and everything went very smoothly from there. I got through security and check-in very quickly, and the flight took off on time at 12:50 (07:20 UK time). The flight was 11 hours and 50 minutes, arriving at London Heathrow bang on 19:10, where I quickly got through the passport check, before collecting my luggage and meeting Ahmad and his brother, Hassan, who were driving me back to Bath, arriving at almost bang on 22:00.

From leaving the Colombo Swimming Club at 10:00 Sri Lankan time to arriving back in Bath at 22:00 UK time, allowing for the 5.5 hours' time difference, was a journey totally 17.5 hours, but I had been able to sleep for much of the flight, so I wasn't as exhausted as I might have been, and I chatted to Val for a long time when I got home, delighted with all the amazing experiences of the past 2 months, but also extremely grateful to be back at home at last.

As I complete this final entry to my blog, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to follow me over these past 2 months, and for all the comments that I have received, particularly from my very good friend Charles Hayward, who has again been a stalwart in his continuous words of encouragement for me. I have felt very well supported from everyone back at home in the UK, and also from other friends from all around the world.

Today there is a photo of me having my final breakfast at Colombo Swimming Club, plus one of a last view of the place as a train passes by. The other photos are a few of my favourites from throughout this latest amazing visit to Sri Lanka.













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