Today started well, good sleep, got up about 8am, went for a really nice breakfast and then the rot set in. I don't know what occurred, but straight after breakfast it was like someone cast a sleep spell on me. I cam back to the room and immediately crashed out on the bed and pretty much slept all day. It is 7pm now and I still feel sleepy. I have had no lunch, will probably skip dinner. I don't know what is going on. I hope I didn't pick up a bug on that crowded train yesterday. Will have to ride it out, needless to say, I did not make it explore Galle today. Maybe tomorrow.
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Galle - Unawatuna (One Tuna)
Greetings all,
I have had an interesting day, mostly travelling, but interesting nonetheless.
Last night, I took my friend Cresside's advice (a Sri Lankan/Aussie) and visited the Galle Face Hotel in Galle Rd Colombo, no pics unfortunately as I did not take the camera. The Galle Face Hotel is a colonial landmark hotel, that sits on the Ocean Beachfront on one side, and the city at its front entrance. It is a very salubrious, to quote my advisor in these matters. I splashed out and had several gin and tonics, at the bar overlooking the sea, plus some food. Food was OK, expensive, but the spray from the ocean in the white floodlights was special. A good call advisor. It was also a partly cloudy night, but bright stars were visible as was a waning moon.
Today, I stayed at the Hotel until 12 noon, which was check out time, as I was catching a 2.25pm Express train to Galle. I left the hotel in a Tuk Tuk where he took me somewhere very ordinary for lunch, a "burger joint", even though I asked to be taken somewhere nice along the beach. Apparently Colomboites don't get "nice" often. And the Tuk Tuk drivers must get their licenses from weetie packets, most, in my experience had no idea where places were or how to get there. Anyway, after a quick lunch, I headed to Colombo Fort railway station where I was told I could by a train ticket 20 min before departure. It turns out I was early and could by my ticket 1hr early, which was good, I was thinking this would be a mad dash, push and shove queue job, but not so and my ticket (2nd class) cost me a whopping $1.80, 3rd class was cheaper and there was no 1st class on this train.
I was looking forward to this train as I know it travels right along the beach for some, if not most of the 120km way. I had also noted some trains going past when I was on the beach road that were packed and people were hanging out the doors, a bit concerning.
Anyway, I found the platform and duly waited. The platform became very crowded at times and I thought oh oh, I am going to have use my size to snow plough through this lot if I want a seat. Relief would come when most would get on another train and leave. I also noticed on the other platform, as the train would approach, lots would jump down onto the tracks and climb on the train from the non platform side. Things were looking ominous.
Anyway, my train finally arrived and I had hopefully positioned myself on the platform where the 2nd class carriages would be (less riff raff) and I jockeyed into position to jump on and grab my seat (which I had paid good rupees for). But alas, all the seats were taken when the train arrived at the platform. It was standing room only and shoulder to shoulder. I thought bugger, this is an express so I have to stand here hanging on to the hoops for the next two hours. Luckily, "express" doesn't mean express, like yes means maybe or "I understand" means NFI. I should have thought to find out where the train started from and gone there to catch it, I may have got a seat.
The downside of the train stopping was that instead of people getting off, more got on. I among convinced that even though I shelled out big time for a 2nd class ticket, most of not all in my carriage had only 3rd class tickets or non at all. I was so hoping a ticket inspector would appear and banish all those space thieves. But alas it was not to be. And whilst the train did follow along the beach for a lot of the way, I could only catch glimpses through the end of carriage doors as I was plonked in the middle, standing upright and all the windows had louvres on the top blocking any view I may have wanted. I stood all the way except for the last 15 mins. Even though there were many stops, all the seated people were in for the long haul.
Some Pics.
The upside to this is, that after my taste of the good life at the Galle Face hotel last night, I decided I would book something nice in these parts, I could splash out for a couple of days, I was getting tired of cheap hotels with dodgy wifi and no pool. The bathroom in the place I stayed in Colombo you could not swing a cat and I could not even close the shower door. Tonight would be different.
I have had an interesting day, mostly travelling, but interesting nonetheless.
Last night, I took my friend Cresside's advice (a Sri Lankan/Aussie) and visited the Galle Face Hotel in Galle Rd Colombo, no pics unfortunately as I did not take the camera. The Galle Face Hotel is a colonial landmark hotel, that sits on the Ocean Beachfront on one side, and the city at its front entrance. It is a very salubrious, to quote my advisor in these matters. I splashed out and had several gin and tonics, at the bar overlooking the sea, plus some food. Food was OK, expensive, but the spray from the ocean in the white floodlights was special. A good call advisor. It was also a partly cloudy night, but bright stars were visible as was a waning moon.
Today, I stayed at the Hotel until 12 noon, which was check out time, as I was catching a 2.25pm Express train to Galle. I left the hotel in a Tuk Tuk where he took me somewhere very ordinary for lunch, a "burger joint", even though I asked to be taken somewhere nice along the beach. Apparently Colomboites don't get "nice" often. And the Tuk Tuk drivers must get their licenses from weetie packets, most, in my experience had no idea where places were or how to get there. Anyway, after a quick lunch, I headed to Colombo Fort railway station where I was told I could by a train ticket 20 min before departure. It turns out I was early and could by my ticket 1hr early, which was good, I was thinking this would be a mad dash, push and shove queue job, but not so and my ticket (2nd class) cost me a whopping $1.80, 3rd class was cheaper and there was no 1st class on this train.
I was looking forward to this train as I know it travels right along the beach for some, if not most of the 120km way. I had also noted some trains going past when I was on the beach road that were packed and people were hanging out the doors, a bit concerning.
Anyway, I found the platform and duly waited. The platform became very crowded at times and I thought oh oh, I am going to have use my size to snow plough through this lot if I want a seat. Relief would come when most would get on another train and leave. I also noticed on the other platform, as the train would approach, lots would jump down onto the tracks and climb on the train from the non platform side. Things were looking ominous.
Anyway, my train finally arrived and I had hopefully positioned myself on the platform where the 2nd class carriages would be (less riff raff) and I jockeyed into position to jump on and grab my seat (which I had paid good rupees for). But alas, all the seats were taken when the train arrived at the platform. It was standing room only and shoulder to shoulder. I thought bugger, this is an express so I have to stand here hanging on to the hoops for the next two hours. Luckily, "express" doesn't mean express, like yes means maybe or "I understand" means NFI. I should have thought to find out where the train started from and gone there to catch it, I may have got a seat.
The downside of the train stopping was that instead of people getting off, more got on. I among convinced that even though I shelled out big time for a 2nd class ticket, most of not all in my carriage had only 3rd class tickets or non at all. I was so hoping a ticket inspector would appear and banish all those space thieves. But alas it was not to be. And whilst the train did follow along the beach for a lot of the way, I could only catch glimpses through the end of carriage doors as I was plonked in the middle, standing upright and all the windows had louvres on the top blocking any view I may have wanted. I stood all the way except for the last 15 mins. Even though there were many stops, all the seated people were in for the long haul.
Some Pics.
Colombo Railway Station
People jumping on the train from the non platform side, what for, I cannot imaging as it will be just as packed inside, no matter what side you enter from.
My bathroom
The room
The nice cup of coffee
The View
The pool, which I used about 20 min later
The hotel
The sunset somewhere over Mecca's way.
After my swim, I went for dinner in the restaurant, I was the only customer, it is off season now and there is only 2 other rooms take at the hotel. My dinner was delicious, I had duck in little crepe rolls, cold beetroot and orange soup, very nice, followed by fried chicken with mashed sweet potato and roasted peppers, washed down with some (50ml Gins and Tonic) and finished with coffee. Cost about $50 for dinner but it was nice. The only downside I can see to this place is it is a bit isolated, it is up on a hill and a good 15-20 Tuk Tuk ride to anywhere. I will cope somehow.
Tomorrow, I will explore Galle. Pronounced (Gawl or Gall as in Gall bladder)
LB
Friday, 22 May 2015
Colombo Continued
Hi,
My first order of the day was to get some laundry done, this was going to prove more of a challenge than I anticipated. The hotel seemed expensive for Laundry, charging by the clothing item rather than per kg per bag. So I got in a Tuk Tuk to find a laundry, well the first place also charged per item, wanted $20 and would not have ready until Sunday, 2 days later. I went to three more laundries and got the same story, eventually I came back to hotel and said just do it. To which they happily told me I had missed todays run and would not get my laundry back until Sunday, a day after I leave Colombo. I guess my laundry will have to wait another day until I get to Galle.
Galle is where I will be heading tomorrow, catching the train, which runs alongside the beach here in Colombo. I am not sure if the train line follows the beach the way (100+ km) but I am sure it will be a scenic train trip. Cheap as well, the ticket will only cost about $2.
I took the Tuk Tuk into town, despite being called the city here, it was a good 10 min to get to the city proper. We went along the beach and then past the Prime Ministers house and then to the Old Dutch Hospital (where I had a nice coffee). From there I walked to the main Railway station to enquire about tickets and timetables etc (very smelly around there) and then I came back to hotel in the heat of the day.
I thought I would watch some Television to catch up on the world, so I switched it and flicked through the channels, none of which seem to match the channel list given on the nice card in the room, particularly BBC and HBO. Maybe I was doing something wrong, so I took my channel list card and went to reception, met by three smartly suited gents, who assured me that the card is correct and that they are the listed channels available at this fine hotel. One of these gents, a very tall person, accompanied me back to my room, seeing doubt in my otherwise expressionless demeanour. He then turned on the TV and flicked through all the channels, advising me that THESE are the channels this hotel has available, conveniently ignoring his previous assurances that the printed card channel list was correct. No BBC, No HBO, etc.
Pics
My first order of the day was to get some laundry done, this was going to prove more of a challenge than I anticipated. The hotel seemed expensive for Laundry, charging by the clothing item rather than per kg per bag. So I got in a Tuk Tuk to find a laundry, well the first place also charged per item, wanted $20 and would not have ready until Sunday, 2 days later. I went to three more laundries and got the same story, eventually I came back to hotel and said just do it. To which they happily told me I had missed todays run and would not get my laundry back until Sunday, a day after I leave Colombo. I guess my laundry will have to wait another day until I get to Galle.
Galle is where I will be heading tomorrow, catching the train, which runs alongside the beach here in Colombo. I am not sure if the train line follows the beach the way (100+ km) but I am sure it will be a scenic train trip. Cheap as well, the ticket will only cost about $2.
I took the Tuk Tuk into town, despite being called the city here, it was a good 10 min to get to the city proper. We went along the beach and then past the Prime Ministers house and then to the Old Dutch Hospital (where I had a nice coffee). From there I walked to the main Railway station to enquire about tickets and timetables etc (very smelly around there) and then I came back to hotel in the heat of the day.
I thought I would watch some Television to catch up on the world, so I switched it and flicked through the channels, none of which seem to match the channel list given on the nice card in the room, particularly BBC and HBO. Maybe I was doing something wrong, so I took my channel list card and went to reception, met by three smartly suited gents, who assured me that the card is correct and that they are the listed channels available at this fine hotel. One of these gents, a very tall person, accompanied me back to my room, seeing doubt in my otherwise expressionless demeanour. He then turned on the TV and flicked through all the channels, advising me that THESE are the channels this hotel has available, conveniently ignoring his previous assurances that the printed card channel list was correct. No BBC, No HBO, etc.
Pics
Beach at Colombo, sorry did not seem to focus properly, maybe tuk tuk was going too fast!
Old Dutch Colonial Hospital
Smelly
Railway Station
Colombo - Sri Lanka
Hi Folks,
A bit late today but I have been in Transit through Bangkok getting here, meaning I spent longer than I wanted to get here. Yesterday, I went into town at Bangkok to kill some time, took only one pic in Bangkok, place has changed a lot from when I was last there.
Got in very late to Colombo, about 2.30 am Bangkok time at Hotel. Short sleep and then up early for breakfast and a view over the beach. It seems I am only perhaps 250 metres from the beach, will check this out later when I go exploring.
LB
A bit late today but I have been in Transit through Bangkok getting here, meaning I spent longer than I wanted to get here. Yesterday, I went into town at Bangkok to kill some time, took only one pic in Bangkok, place has changed a lot from when I was last there.
Got in very late to Colombo, about 2.30 am Bangkok time at Hotel. Short sleep and then up early for breakfast and a view over the beach. It seems I am only perhaps 250 metres from the beach, will check this out later when I go exploring.
LB
Bangkok
View of Colombo Beach from Hotel Breakast room
lookin
Colombo
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
The Shwedagon Pagoda- Rangoon
Hi all, arrived in Bangkok this afternoon (34c) after leaving a cool and cloudy Rangoon this morning. One thing I really wanted to do before leaving Rangoon was visit the big golden pagoda, the Shwedagon. Although very overcast and gloomy grey skies, it was worth the visit. A truly amazing set of buildings and probably the best temple/pagoda I have seen anywhere and I have seen a few by now.
I have found a cheap dump pretty close to the airport as I fly to Colombo Sri Lanka tomorrow, however I goofed with the flight times. It indicated 9.05 and I thought that was in the morning, so I would only have to sleep here and be off first thing. It is 9.05 pm, so tomorrow I have to kill time all day out here in the Boonies under the flight path. Must pay attention to details.
Here are the pics from this morning in Rangoon.
I have found a cheap dump pretty close to the airport as I fly to Colombo Sri Lanka tomorrow, however I goofed with the flight times. It indicated 9.05 and I thought that was in the morning, so I would only have to sleep here and be off first thing. It is 9.05 pm, so tomorrow I have to kill time all day out here in the Boonies under the flight path. Must pay attention to details.
Here are the pics from this morning in Rangoon.
These pictures don't really covey the size of this thing, and all that gold.
Burmese women often have their cheeks painted with a gold like paint, here is an example.
LB
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
Over Rangoon
No pics today, it has rained solid all day and the hotel internet has been a real pain. I thought about getting the train to Mandalay but have read that despite its evocative name, it is traffic congested dump. So I am giving Burma a fleeting call and have decided to head elsewhere. I fly to Bangkok tomorrow afternoon, spend a night in cheap hotel near airport and fly to Colombo Sri Lanka on Thursday. Although I have not given Burma a fair go, it does seem like a dump and in need of a bit of help. Nothing seems to work consistently here, elevators in hotel, internet, staff.
I can see the big golden pagoda from my hotel window, but have not been yet (on account of rain) but might see if I can get the taxi to go past on the way to airport tomorrow, if it is not raining.
LB
I can see the big golden pagoda from my hotel window, but have not been yet (on account of rain) but might see if I can get the taxi to go past on the way to airport tomorrow, if it is not raining.
LB
Monday, 18 May 2015
Rangoon Aromas
Afternoon update.
I went for a walk in search of a pagoda, and anything else that Rangoon had to offer. Well I was not disappointed.
Ah, the aromas of asia, this place smells like Asia used to, it has everything from burning food to more biological smells, all pungent.
Food, Food, Food
State of the art building
Rangoon cat
Yes, they are bugs, I think they are cockroaches.
Fresh Flowers
Name in the middle says it all
Colonial building
Sula Pagoda
Nots sure what this is
Pagola
More state of the art buildings in tip top repair.
P.s They Drive on the Right side of the road here, but most of the cars are right hand drive, go figure that one.
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