Final destination around the teardrop

Sunday, March 04, 2018
Galle, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
OK, we are now in our final stop on what's been a magical tour of the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. We are still on the southern coast in Galle. And what a gem it is. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and we can see why. Just a remote fishing harbour before the Portuguese settled in the late 16th century and built a fort to protect the harbour. The Dutch defeated the Portuguese in the 17th century and greatly expanded the fortress plus the buildings and churches inside it. The British then overran the Dutch but didn't really add much to it. Galle then lost its importance and slipped into decline during the late 19th and 20th centuries. This decline actually saved it from the ravages of poor reconstruction during the 20th century
The old town within the fortress is a warren of narrow streets with many of the magnificent old, moorish buildings converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and smart shops. Many look as though they are still residential. It's good to see so many places being so tastefully restored
Just outside the fortress walls is an international cricket ground with a match actually being played. There were also loads of other informal matches being played.
In Galle we are staying in a lovely hotel called Lady Hill. It's on the highest point in Galle and has 360 views all around. It's an old Duch house, used by the British as the residence of the vicar, now again tastefully converted into a hotel. Spent the afternoon wandering around Galle old town. The heavens opened at 5.00 just as we picked up our tuk tuk taking us back to hotel - streets awash
A 8.00am pick up tomorrow (Monday) morning to take us to the airport in Colombo for a 1.00 afternoon flight
So it's over and out from Sri Lanka. Oh we are pleased that the 'beast of the east' has released its grip. Maybe we can arrive back in shorts, teeshirts and flip flops after all!!!
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Comments

Andrew Smith
2018-03-05

What an amazing trip. Anne and I have enjoyed hearing about what has been a very varied journey. Some great pictures. Save journey back.

Sue O
2018-03-06

Glad you got to Galle. Sounds great. We never made it that far- but good reason to go back!

2025-02-10

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