Colombo, Sri Lanka

This trip was memorable because it actually felt like a relaxing holiday. No schedules, no tours, no culture-seeking expeditions or tourist spots. Colombo reminds me of suburbian Singapore - colonial remnants in a modern city. The huge paved sidewalks, ocean but no beach, relatively clean and friendly people. I even picked up some great bargains at the only deparmental store. Good enough to make me want to go back.

There were three highlights over the course of four days. The first, of course, was the Galle Face Hotel - on the ocean front. The ocean - it never tires. I have decided that the sound of waves is among my top five favourite sounds. I could see the water out of my hotel room.

The second - meeting my old friend, Sanjiv, his fiancee and fantastic group of friends - especially Saturday night dinner at Rehan's place, his dad is the famous cricket commentator, Ranjit Fernandes. I walked into his fabulous house and said hello to a TV personality in his PJs. The third - finding the perfect pair of Kenneth Cole boots for a whopping bargain!

These pictures are all au naturale - unedited and untouched (I say that for the sake of a couple of the pictures, where the colourful beauty of the evening sky was captured by a certain talented photographer ;)









I've discovered a penchant for Chilean wines. Black Cat.










Security was tight around the city. We were right next to the US Embassy, the soldier on the parapet was keeping a tight watch on me... taking a picture of him, just for kicks.