Arrival into Sri Lanka

Saturday, July 18, 2015
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Well, the flight to Colombo was about 3.5 hours and it was 6am Australian time before we made it to our hotel. Needless to say we were exhausted!

Colombo airport was a little unusual . Between immigration and baggage were the usual suspects of duty free including makeup and alcohol but these were dominated heavily by white goods stores that would put the average industrial area in Australia to shame. It must be relatively common for travelers to arrive (often after midnight) and purchase fridges, freezers, washing machines etc before heading to the carousel to get their bags.

Thankfully our driver, Manoj, was there to pick us up and take us to our hotel. Whilst Tim slept, I observed the scenery. Whilst late at night, there was definitely a feel of Thailand (not Phuket). There were many tuk tuks but of the Bangkok variety. But instead of the many tributes to the king, and to Buddha - instead there is predominantly a catholic feel in Negombo with grottoes with Jesus and/or Mary often lit up with fairy lights! There were many Catholic Churches, and I even noticed "Fatima Road".

Negombo apparently has a mainly Roman Catholic population and is called "Little Rome" with over 20 Catholic Churches. The Portuguese influences are very obvious here!

We managed to get a few hours sleep in our hotel and woke to a nice view from our room. Breakfast was on the beach and whilst the weather is warm - it isn't too hot (yet anyway!).

As you do in Sri Lanka, we enjoyed curries and egg hoppers for breakfast. We head off mid morning for some Sri Lankan adventures!
Other Entries

Comments

2025-02-09

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank