Polonnaruwa

Between the 11th and 13th century Polonnaruwa was the island's medieval capital. There are well preserved ruins of Palaces, Bathing Pools and Stupas.

Kannimaduwa

Buddhists, young and old, show their devotion at Temples.

In other words, take off your shoes before entering the Temple

Anuradhapura

The first capital of Sri Lanka dating to 377BC, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its gleaming white Dagobas ( large bell-like Temple structures) which house Buddhist relics.

Our accommodation in Sigiriya

Elephant orphanage in Sabaragamuwa

Negombo Fish Market

Local guide explaining the drying process

Back breaking work of turning the fish over

Blue Marlin and the ever present wild dogs

Crab, glorious crab

Actually I'm not an expert on Crab and wasn't looking forward to having to dismantle one for its meat but Mb had been told of a Colombo restaurant, Ministry of Crab, which is highly ranked in a survey Asian restaurants and which is booked out daily. Mb made our reservations two months ago and when we arrived there last night we encountered a more casual venue than I was expecting but one with loads of atmosphere.

I enjoyed the quality of the dishes we ordered if not the work needed to get at the meat in the main courses. I suppose I'm averse to getting my fingers sticky and messy.

The open kitchen

Crab and avocado salad

Crab pate, the glass jar contains treacle which you pour over the pate

Chilli Crab

Crab Curry

Unexpected rest day

We arrived in Colombo on schedule just before midnight last night and were safely at our hotel around 1am. We arranged to arrive 24 hours ahead of the others on our tour partly to get over the travel but also to meet a prearranged dinner reservation at the highly recommended (by friends) Ministry of Crab Restaurant.

Our plan was to use the extra daytime for personal investigation of Colombo but in the event we discover that our hotel is about 35kms from the centre of Colombo and our naive visions of doing the universal 'Red Bus' city tour dissipated. Never mind, our hotel is a mini resort of sorts and a pleasant way to spend a lazy day.

Glimpses of the inviting pool from my room.

The net covering the balconies apparently is to prevent crows and other wildlife entering guest rooms

The hotel is located on the beach front. I guess the body of water is the Indian Ocean.

My room is on the top floor just to the right of the staircase.

Mb and I will dine tonight at the aforementioned restaurant. Our tour begins in earnest tomorrow.

I'm on holidays

Flying out today with Mb on a holiday. From Sydney to Singapore and on to Colombo tonight.