The city

Started at Fort Station and was immediately reminded how pleased I was I caught the train from Mt Lavinia. This station is a heaving mass of (seemingly) confusion. I hunted out the Pettah Floating Market having read about it. If it ever was a goer - it isn't now. I then ventured into the Pettah Market proper and, my word - absolute chaos - but it worked. Hard work to navigate but a clear insight into this place. I bought some chillies to try but they won't be boarding the plane! Some smaller green and some that I would not normally expect to see in Asia - more your grim reaper type. A number of stalls had them so I should try. I nibbled on a green and while it started like a capsicum it just kept coming.... The green market was wonderful. I then fought the masses to hunt out the red mosque. It is magnificent. This and the Lotus Tower are wonderful features. I then had to beat off a self appointed guide and then a tuk tuk driver who was determined to fleece me. What he was asking was 10 times the amount I paid to get to town. My fault for not checking he had a meter. After a shouting match on the street corner I managed to get away with double the trip. Very disappointing given the terrific other drivers I have had but - again, I need to take a fair bit of the blame. Anyway - a quick coffee and change in the room and then I found my regular driver outside and back to yesterday's beach place. I won't have to be tempted by the Jacquart as it isn't in stock. What a surprise after they clearly recognized the typo! However, I have several international lounges to enjoy champagne when I leave tomorrow. Hopefully the flights allow me the indulgence.Read more