Well we're here at last and after a mix up with Mikes visa managed to clear customs and escape the airport.
We were met by our guide, Abey, who will be with us for the whole trip I think . We were soon whisked away to our overnight stay, the Jetwing Hotel in Negombo. The journey was uneventful but interesting. It appears that using the vehicle horn is an important part of driving so that everyone knows where you are or that you are coming through. Overtaking also seems to be a national sport!
Continuing the theme of Christmas, a number of churches, shops, houses and hotels had rather elaborately staged nativity scenes outside with real straw and wooden buildings as well as perfectly proportioned figures. They were quite spectacular.
The hotel is really lovely, right on the beach with great sea views. It's rather a shame we are only here over night. Sad.
A walk along the beach and a paddle were just what we needed after being inside planes, airports and a car for so long. It's quite breezy so that was even better.
We worked up enough of an appetite for a rather splendid meal.