Colombo, Sri Lanka

The shuttle snakes through industrial port roads, winding and curving back in like pretzels. It drops us at the gate where we are nearly trampled by workers flooding into a bus for their lunch. We penetrate the crowds of drivers offering Tuk Tuks to various sites, vigilant and determined to walk to our lunch destination. I’m soaking wet already, but we press on looking forward to the air conditioning. Our plan is derailed by a local who convinces us to go somewhere more authentic.

We end up being whisked away in a Tuk Tuk after all, though they weren’t intended to fit three guys. Our skilled driver delivers us to a local spot, which is also where Uber Eats apparently drives a lot of business. The food choices explained, we end up with curated plates filled with excellent and quite spicy cuisine. After lunch, we enjoy local iced Celon tea and coffee. We never found meaningful AC. Our energy reserves sapped, we decide to make our way back to the ship for a refresh.Read more