....And still loving every minute of it :)
I think Colombo is the kind of place that grows on you. This is by no means the most beautiful city I've vistited, but for some reason it seems to take hold on me even with all the dust, noise, check points, and everything that falls in between. I didn't take the picture myself (still waiting to see if my camera is fixable!) Anyway, I don't think, I would be brave enough to take a picture of these guys. I mean, even though someone told me that a lot of them don't have bullets in their guns, they still seem some what intimidating to me !
Had a funny experience on Sunday though. I was walking through the city from the outskirts, where I spent the day at the beach (talk about the perfect Sunday outing!). I decided to walk back on the main road, so I did - with my Ipod and Jay Kay keeping me company. Walked and walked, passing a few check points as I got closer to the city center. When I was almost home, I passed another check point, where 2 police officers were sitting by a desk doing what ever it is they do. The one stopped me, pointing to my ears, and on reflex I gave him my ear thing'ies so he could hear, what I were listening to. He came across as pretty stern to me; listening for a few seconds, asking me where I was going, and I expected him wanting to see my passport (which is the normal procedure) Instead he asked me, where I was from, and when I answered, he beamed at me and I swear, it was like looking at a totally different man! Turns out that the man has a sister in Dk, he gets so excited that he tries to call her, so I can say "Hi" to a fellow countryman! To my luck, she didn't answer :)
From there, I got a loooooooong chit chat, and 15 minutes later, I ended up leaving there with his sister Dk number: "if you ever need anything Sri Lankan when you get back, just call Renuka and she will take care of it" - his personal cell number: "When you go to the highlands, call me before booking a hotel, and I'll get you a better rate", and not to forget, the number for the policestation where he's an inspektor (which is nice to have, I admit, but hopefully it wont ever come in handy!). What I would really like to know though, is the number of people working for the military and the police here. I would think the number is enormous! You simply see them all over the place!
So what to make of that....Well, only that it is a good example of the genuine interest and hospitality you meet here, and I guess just a peculiar incident, I won't forget any day soon!
Anyways, my weekend included going to an area called Pettah, which I thought was a restricted market area. Getting there though, it proves to be this HUGE area of streets cris-crossing. Every street sells something different. I only made it through a few: street with shoes and bags, the one with dried fish (had a very "nice" odor!), fabric and jewelry. MAN was it ever hectic. Next time I go, I'll take some pictures, and see, if I can catch the feeling. I think. you would be able to do some really nice bargains, but it will take some time getting acquainted with the place.
I went out both Friday and Saterday night. Seems like the Sri Lankans are a very fun loving people! Went to my first night club on Friday, jam packed with people partying, dancing and going nuts! (Dj played Abba and 70+80'ies music in general - and the crowd LOVED it - and no; I left the poor guy alone, controlled my self, and tried to get in touch with my inner Abba lover!) Saterday we went to a surprice birthday party on the beach (same one where I spent my Sunday). Such a nice set-up: a palm-roofed area at the end of the beach, torches, a bondfire, nice bar and a heap of waiters and chefs preparing dinner. When I say dinner, I instinctly think: 7 o'clock'ish - not how it works here: we arrived just after 8 pm. Had a drink or two (someone even broke in the dancefloor), and then we ate: at 10.30 pm! That's the way it works here apparently.
Well, I guess this was a little of everything. Still feel that there's so much to tell, though - seems like the smallest things can leave a lasting impression on me.
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