We got to Colombo one week ago today after waiting and waiting and waiting for our visas to arrive at the Sri Lankan Consulate office in Sydney. What a hassle. So I was the lucky one who got to spend two extra weeks staying with the in-laws twiddling my thumbs because we couldn't really do anything as we expected to leave any day. As soon as we got the final approval, we zoomed over to Dubai for a 16 hour stop-over. Got some shopping in and I got my Christmas/Birthday present! I love my new MacBook, but I am still learning how to use it. Nice and shiny and white.
Colombo is bustling, hot, sticky, polluted. Everyone stares at you because you obviously stand out as a foreigner. So much for wanting to be inconspicuous. There is good food for cheap, everything from lunch packets that you can get on the side of the road to fancy decadent dinners. For our engagement anniversary we went to Richard's favorite restaurant, The Gallery Cafe, and stuffed ourselves with a three course meal. The coconut souffle was particularly yummy - but I don't think it was really a souffle, more of a pudding. Hmm. I guiltily went shopping yesterday, but everything is a bargain compared to back home, especially in Australia - so I didn't feel too bad for too long.
Its raining in Kandy. The mist creeped in over the hills creating a romantic tropical scenery and the rain started pouring down in buckets. While there is a water shortage in Australia, there is plenty of water in Sri Lanka. I love the rain.
I arrived in Kandy this morning after the most rocking train ride I have ever been on. While the scenery was gorgeous from the "observation deck" - another name for the caboose on this trip - it was most uncomfortable. I was lucky to get a seat next to the only other white person who happened to be one of those unfriendly Europeans. I keep running into them here. Three hours later I arrive in Kandy, my new home for the next three months. Don't ask me what I will be doing yet - I haven't found out yet. I just need something to keep me busy while Richard is away in the north, in a town called Killinochchi, in a region called the Wanni (pronounced Vanni (I think)), where the LTTE reign. There is lots to explore...
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