First impressions

I finally arrived in Colombo and my very first impression is that people are fearless. I mean I’ve seen crazy driving before but this was something else. There honestly might as well have been no road markings or signs. It was carnage. Tuk tuks everywhere and mopeds weaving in and out. Even people walking though the traffic selling things. Nala, my driver, tells me they are drug addicts. I don’t disbelieve him!

We arrived at the hotel which was cones off. Nala let them know we were checking in and a security guard went around the car with a big mirror on a stick looking underneath for bombs. Maybe not so fearless after all. Which is completely understandable since the terrorist attacks earlier on in the year. I also had to go through airport style security and my bags all x-rayed. Actually on the way I did notice a lot of armed guards outside schools and government buildings too.

The view here is pretty great. I’m on the 12th floor with an ocean view. It’s a shame this area is a bit of a shit hole. If you go up to the roof there is a pool and restaurant with views across the city.

I think my favourite thing I’ve seen so far is the train. In fact several of them. All at least 50 years old with people hanging out of the doors and one had black smoke coming from the top of it. I’ll get up early tomorrow before we leave to get a decent picture.

Unfortunately that’s all I’ve done today. The driver told me to get some rest and I took it so literally that I’ve been asleep all day. It’s midnight now and I’ve just woken up to speak to Adam and my family to get some info about my gran. It’s not looking positive but there is nothing I can do being half way across the world. Even if I came home now it wouldn’t change the situation and I still could be too late. My only solace is that she basically told me she was ready to go weeks ago and my family are there to look after her. At least I know she’s not on her own.

Want the full Sri Lanka trip in one place? Read my complete Sri Lanka roundup here.