Middle-aged flash packers

Negombo- Anuradhapura

Very loud music last night until 12.30am. I mean loud – window shakingly loud. Anyway, plus points I read lots of my book.
Today we hired a taxi to get to Anuradhapura. There is an ancient city which you can cycle around and also a game park nearby.
The journey took about 3.5 hours. Interesting. Sri Lanka is definitely on the up. Lots of building, mainly individual housing. People have made a bit of money and are building themselves nice houses next to their original, more modest ones. Tuktuks and even buses are in the gardens, a nod to how the money was, and is still being, earnt.
Lots of schools, education seems very important. Warning to Sri Lankans – don’t turn your kids into spoiled brats. There’s nothing wrong with getting your hands dirty and working hard. Education is fine but it’s just the beginning. Lecture over.
We also noted the different makes of tuktuk. The creme de la creme is the piaggio ape, the original tuktuk from Italy – basically a scooter with a back on it.
I want one. I shall drive it in and out of Marlow, perhaps to High Wycombe or Maidenhead. People can flag me down and I’ll charge them a quid or so for a lift. I’ll probably not drive it barefoot like the locals here do, but flip flops will be fine.
It’s possible we may have to take a tuktuk for our next journey – 2 hours down a main highway – but I’m trying not to think about that right now.
Our hotel is a dream. Coincidentally designed and owned by Italians. Pool, tea lights in lanterns, everything is beautiful. Only £33 a night! Bella!
Walked into Anuradhapura this afternoon along the lake. The lake is huge and beautiful. Was a bit wary of the water buffalo that were about to cross our path so we diverted into the army training camp. (Oops!) The soldiers were playing cricket and were so lovely in “telling us off” for walking on mod property, it felt like a compliment rather than a scolding.
Too tired to walk back so got a tuktuk. Problem was, the driver had no idea where our hotel was. Soon at least 5 Sri Lankan men were surrounding the Tuktuk with advice. I have to say, Sri Lanka gets the prize for the nicest people. It’s exhausting having to say hello and chat to everyone!
Tomorrow it’s the cycle ride around the old town. 20 kilometres approximately. Slightly apprehensive after my last cycling adventure in the Mosel Valley. Steve has bought me a gel seat cover after my complaints from last time.
I’m such a princess!