Columbo .My Final day in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

So 3weeks in Sri Lanka has rolled round
It's certainly been a roller coaster..delivering challenges and bucket list opportunities
Challenges in terms of group tour travel yet finding a way to do my own thing not just go into group think mode and follow like a sheep..I think i did manage to find a balance...there were some hardened group tourers who had definite views and expectations of fellow travellers. On this trip I saw more temples than I care to remember!
However ,hanging off a moving train seeing tea being picked and processed plus stick fishing opportunities were definitely highlights and bucket list experiences. We covered approx 1200miles which id never have achieved solo....also a bonus..The tour covered my concerns about safety in this country which was a concern as I couldn't quite work out how safe I'd be solo
The turtle project was another challenge in terms of accommodation and some of the expectations but I know I was adapting .The actual experience with the turtles was a highlight and very emotional at times especially releasing the babies into the sea. Each night releasing another batch and wondering how the previous batches were getting on
Today after a lazy start and a buffet breakfast I caught up with my penguins app...until it was time to go on the Complimentary City Tour...and just when I thought I'd finished getting on tour buses for a while
We were taken to 5 key places in the city...the 1st a museum which I wasn't in the right frame of mind for. So I took few pics and came out. 2nd the independence day memorial. 3rd a temple which after all the others I'd seen i swore I couldn't be bothered with but actually it was surprisingly good .4th was parliament building and a specific park opposite it.Finally the area on Galle road with a grass verge Sri lanka flag and cannons .This area is significant for independence day celebrations and other events
On.my return I went for a massage and facial at the spa..it was excellent. I suddenly realised as she started she'd jumped on the bed also to do the treatment....to think ...I'd been offered a male or female to do this 😂...imagine!!
After the massage I had video call with Math and then met two of the volunteers from the project who had come this evening to stay the night.
I enjoyed their company .We ate dinner and said our goodbyes. For them , time to go to the on site "pub" with Dj....but for me packing, penguins and sleeping..but not before I'd arranged room service breakfast for 6.30am.🤪prior to airport transfer at 7.30am....I don't trust sri lanka version of 45mins to the airport so I am overcompensating ..even if it is Sunday...roads here are crazy all the time.
All in all I'm.glad Ive been here and had the experiences I have had. I definitely feel I've done Sri Lanka from my perspective and I I don't see myself returning anytime soon ...unlike others who have been i don't love it here , nevertheless I'm glad to have done it .Read more