Sri Lanka

Second (and probably last) scooter day, we decided to head up north, for a couple of cultural fixes and the prospect of seeing fishermen bring in their catch in the late afternoon, highly recommended in Lonely Planet. Needless to say, when we got there in the late afternoon there were no signs of fishermen on […]

Which is to say, we’ve hired a scooter. To zip around and see some stuff in the old locale. Just for the change, like. And a very nice morning we’ve had.  First off, it’s the freedom. It’s very hot, and just the sheer joy of swooping along in the open air is well worth the

Yes, I know I did…but aren’t they just tooooo cute! Excellent news this morning – we have a flight. Woop and for that matter woop. Spoke to BA’s Sri Lankan customer support, who I have to say were very helpful, and efficient, and altogether top hole – which given the strain they must be under is

Well, got that wrong too. Turned out to be upwards of eight hours by the time we arrived, an hour and change post-schedule, after one of the more uncomfortable nights either of us can remember. First class proved not quite as first class as we’d anticipated – and were counting on, after our day’s bus

“D’you want the bad news or the bad news?” Not the ideal start to a day, at a groggy seven in the morning. Oh yes, he’s only gorn and done it. And that’s our homecoming shafted, at least for now. Could be worse. Another 24 hours and we’d have been stuck at Colombo Airport, instead

That’s all, folks! As the Loony Tunes used to say when I were a nipper. A reference that will mean nothing to anyone but me, no doubt. Anyway, barring a couple of buses and a tuk tuk ride on the morrer, we’re done. *sob*. Having said which, I’m tapping this out in a blur, because

After our lazy day yesterday we decided it was time to make an effort, get some exercise in, what? Also we needed to get some cash – our dolphin jaunt had left us shy of the funds needed to settle our account here. Our host was kind enough to suggest we accompany him on a

We’d tried to go dolphin watching up in Kalpitiya but couldn’t find enough co-enthusiasts to make the numbers work, but our host for dinner last night managed to hook us up with a French couple, so there we were at seven this morning, ready to help shove the boat out and climb aboard. There can

Well, not quite the end. We still have to get back to the airport. But it feels like the end, as we arrive in Dolphinchilling for our last four days before doomsday. Right from the off it feels right: right on the beach, very simple room, good vibes. Hippyish artefacts all over the shop –

Stuck here in Shangri-la *sigh*. It’s hell, but someone has to do it. Has its compensations I guess. https://geriackpackers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/VID_20260224_143302_081.mp4 That looks like fun! Not for us though, just lazing around on this otherwise completely deserted beach. The wind has dropped in recent days, so the sea is clearer, and even less choppy, and with the