Sri Lanka - First Impressions

Flight from Singapore to here was on time and seemingly quick (3 1/4 hours. It seemed to take ages through immigration and once again I stood in anticipation of my bag but no sign. Having asked for help we walked round to the other side of the belt only to find that someone had already taken it off (panic over!)

Was met and taken on the hour drive to the hotel. Well what an experience - Dave you'd love driving here - dodgems but no fairground. Traffic was nose to tail but not stopped - always moving - cars, motor bikes buses, 3 wheeler cars called tuk tuks - all weaving in and out at what I thought was high speed - horns tooting but apparently very few accidents. SOunds like Cairo Yas.

It's been raining heavily here and the river was high. Most of the buildings looked run down but amongst this 'poverty' stood the buddha statues in all their glory - immaculately clean and ornate.
Arrived in tact at the hotel which is in a tiny street next to the British High commission.
My room is small but clean and tidy with a dodgy lock which I couldn't open on first attempt - thought I was locked in for the night. I'm only here overnight and will leave for Polonnarawu at 6.30 tomorrow morning.

Haven't ventured out yet - the manager of the hotel has kindly let me use his pc. It's very humid here and I think I'll need to but some light clothing.

That's all for now as I don't want to take advantage

Hope you get on all right at the hospital Mam. Jeanette - have a great cruise

Love Sue.xx