Sri Lanka

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

Virle mentioned that the strap on her helmet was a bit dodgy – had a habit of suddenly coming loose. Insisted it was fine, but it wasn’t fine with me. Long story short, it was noon before we set off down the west coast road. Our place takes a day off food on Mondays, which

…on a lazy, lovely day. Got up, had a yummy if massively overpriced breakfast, then asked our host about bikes. 3,000 for a day; 2,500 per diem for more. Done! We’ll take three days please. Even though the forecast was for pretty much incessant rain, with thunderstorms in the afternoon, our supply of jam is

Really nothing to report, apart from a totally jammy day. For once, nothing went wrong, all connections were made, everything worked out. First off, (and this wasn’t luck), Virle had spotted a booking number for a proper express coach company – air con ‘n everyfink – and it worked! I rang, found myself talking to