Thursday, April 10, 2014

Day 90 - Columbo, Sri Lanka

Thursday, April 10

Awoke around 6:00 as we were just pulling into the harbor.  Watched from my balcony until we were docked at 6:30 and then went back to bed.

Got up at 8:00 in preparation for my tour, "Leisurely Columbo".  Watched the morning show and went down to the Queens Room at 8:50.  My tour was called at 9:10 and we were on the bus by 9:15.

Gavin, the port presenter, had warned that there were no promises that the buses would have a sound system or air conditioning.  Luckily, our bus had both.  We drove around the city and saw the hustle and bustle (as Gavin frequently says) of Columbo.  We stopped at Independence Square (for photos) and also at a handcraft centre.  The man who sat behind me kept saying the city was "fascinating" and I had to agree.  The driving was really amazing and I was really glad that I did not have to cross any streets!  Cars, trucks, buses, motor scooters and Tuk-tuks all weaving in and out.  There are only a few traffic lights and some intersections have policemen directing traffic but for the most part it is a bunch of vehicles trying to occupy the same spot on the road.

When we returned there were stalls set up on the quay and I bought a few things.  To the Lido for lunch and then sat in the World Voyage section and finished my book.  Checked out another AnnGranger book and one by an author I am not familiar with, Catriona McPherson.

At afternoon trivia I only had 11 out of 22 correct.  (The questions are definitely British oriented, such as "What are the three red properties on a Monopoly - British version - board?" or "From what band did Robbie Williams split to go solo in 1995?" [Who the heck is Robbie Williams?].

Sail-away was a little before 7 pm and it was surprisingly comfortable on deck (after a very hot day).  Then there was another trivia and I only got 11 out of 21 correct.

There were six of us for dinner.  We had a new table-mate, a Roman Catholic priest who is on for Easter Week services.

The show tonight was a group called "The FlyRights".  They did soul, Motown and swing.  They were very good - great vocals and choreography.

A little information about Sri Lanka...
About 20 million people
70% Buddhists
Three official languages - Sinhala, Tamil, and English
All children learn English in school
The major exports are tea, rubber, and coconuts
The day of the full moon is a public holiday each month
There are 80 varieties of snakes

Want to end today by wishing my wonderful daughter a very happy birthday.

a man with his boa


on the back of a Tuk-tuk


street sweeper

road sign in the three official laguages





strange statue in Columbo


Independence Square


homes - note the cat in the window

downtown traffic

the taxis are Tuk-tuks

a fueral pyre being readied in the cemetery



more traffic


street market




dancers on the quay



Smooth sailing until next time!


1 comment:

  1. And you forgot that Duran Duran filmed two videos there! Save a Prayer and Hungry Like the Wolf. Now there is a trivia question for you. :)
    Thank you for the bday wishes! Miss and love you!

    ReplyDelete