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A few days in the capital

We begin our adventure

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is often skipped but it was worth a look even to settle after such a long journey getting here.

Along the seaboard and green space known as Galle Face Green
Boardwalk
Anyone for some ‘Short Eats’ (so well named) …or fresh ginger?

Touring the Old Fort area:

Old Dutch hospital (1681) looking rather humble ; Khan Clock Bell tower

The former hospital has several wings and two courtyards and constructed with massive teak beams and teak windows floor and doors.

Cargills and Millers Building

Turn of the century these two department stores in same building were the place to shop.

Stunning Jami-UI- Alfar Mosque; about 9.7 percent of Sri-Lankans are muslim
Details: SammangoduSri Katirvelauta Swamy Hindu Temple; about 12 % of Sri Lankans are Hindus.
Two Chinese projects: raised Highway along the port(in progress) and (behind Hindu temple), the Lotus Flower.

The Lotus Flower,  “Pearl of South Asia”, at 350 meters tall, was built in 2019 by the brother of former ousted president, Mahinda Rajapaksa. Cost: $113 M on a $88M  loan from Bank of China the reminder of course coming from the Sri Lankan people.

Dutch Reformed Church 1642 built by Dutch East India CO.; finished in 1757. Christians consiste of about 7.5% of the population (most are Catholic)
Under the banyon tree; live plants fill walls of building; and, Faculty of Visual Arts
Gangarama Laha Vihara Temple; 70% of the  population is Buddhists
Top: Plantation House 1860. Headquarter of Lankem Rubber and Tea company; Bottom: colonial building over-run by nature
Strolling the neighbourhood: blatant messaging.
New and old Colonial style
Elephant symbol of current ruling party: United National Pary (central right). Commerce.
A cuppa’ at Galle Face Hotel; pigeon shooter in action (slingle shot) and piping down the flag
Good night Sri Lanka
First and last meal (with our host) in Colombo at Cafe on the Fifth.
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kerry

Love slow travel, following paths less trodden where possible. Meeting locals. Sharing.

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