One thing I'm missing from Singapore is change alley, so I join a line at the currency exchange at the airport. Within minutes I'm told "sorry we have sold out and the lady next to you has taken the last amount. Ooh and no one else has any". What, how can that be?! Thankfully they call around and manage to find some....I'm told to come back in 15 minutes so to duty free I head. It’s been ages since I've seen Prue so decide to buy us a bottle of bubbles. Back to the line I go and bingo I have my money :) Time now for the lounge.
The lounge is the same one I was at with Martin and Mandy a few years ago when we went to Bangkok for Patrick's birthday so it brought back some great memories. I order my standard pre-flight drink - Spritz. No aperol so I go with Campari. This is the life!
At the boarding gate my boarding pass beeps, within milliseconds the lady announces I've been upgraded. Woo hoo what an awesome start to my holiday! Funny how this is the second free upgrade I've received from Cathay but not one from Qantas...
Colombo here I come!
The 5.5 hour flight seems to passes quick enough, although I do keep thinking that in a couple of months I'll be on a flight 3 times this length and wonder how I’ll manage.
Going through immigration is one of the quickest ever - I'd come prepared (no surprises there) with the print-out of my visa acceptance but it's not required as it’s all in their system. Nice and easy. Walking through duty free is quite different to other countries, on top of the normal items at duty free there is also a selection of washing machines, vacuum cleaners, fridges, microwaves etc. Thanks but I'll pass this evening.
On leaving the secure part of the airport I find my name on a sign :) we are now off! Definitely nowhere near as busy as what I thought the airport would be. On leaving the complex the first thing I notice is the well-manicured gardens then the fact it's warm. Aah I've missed you heat! I have a short wait on my own while the driver goes to get the car - unlike India I actually feel very safe and thankfully aren't the only female (local or foreigner) that is hanging around.
As we get to the outskirts of town the tuk tuks start to make an appearance. Brings back memories of being in India.
After about a 45 minute ride we finally arrive at the hotel; its 3.30am HK time so I'm dying to get to bed! The front office staff are trying to explain to me I only booked a room for one person - really now is not the time to start. Thankfully I have the emails on my blackberry to show the room is for two people. One problem sorted. Next one is breakfast isn't included for two people, only one. Seems odd but again I'm tired and need to sleep so don't discuss.
I manage to get a few hours’ sleep before getting up for the day (Saturday 28 March). Very excited I'm in Sri Lanka!!!
Prue and I have breakfast in the hotel and chat chat chat. It's been over 18 months since we saw each other so there is lots to catch up on.
We go out on the road to take a tuk tuk to Colombo Fort train station (to buy our train tickets to Kandy tomorrow), within seconds there are least 3 pulling over for us. The first one wanted to charge 400, I think not (we had been told by the hotel to go with one that has a meter and that it shouldn't be more than 200)!! Finally one with a meter and we are off.....but in the wrong direction. Where on earth he thought we said is beyond us. Back on track and within minutes we arrive; now the fun begins on where we need to go to get our train tickets. Our driver tries to give us directions but we can't understand so he jumps out and goes to the police stand to ask where we need to go. All set now thanks.
Thankfully there is no line and within minutes we have booked our one-way train trip to Kandy for tomorrow at 9am. Today’s missions done!
We decide to walk back to the hotel; it's great to be in the heat again!! A local man decides to walk with us and is in giggles when we say where we are from (NZ and Australia) as the World Cup cricket final is on tomorrow (between our countries).
We have the afternoon at the pool - absolute pure bliss! Add to the relaxation is the waves rolling onto the beach. Life can't get any better than this right now!
We have a drink at the pool bar; unfortunately no sunset as it’s cloudy. A storm is coming so we quickly pay the bill and head indoors to another bar that's part of the hotel. The heavens have opened!!!
After a delicious cocktail it's time to go in search of food - a number of people recommended the Cinnamon Hotel as there are lots of options so off we head. On walking out of the bar I'm pleased to note it's stopped raining, long may that continue. The Cinnamon hotel is no more than 5 minutes from our hotel so an easy walk. As tonight is earth hour the lobby is already starting its preparations with (unlit) candles everywhere. We enjoy a delicious Indian meal before walking back to the hotel.
Sunday, 29 March, I wake before my alarm - never nice to have an alarm on holiday but its needed today as we have a 9am train to Kandy to catch.
As creatures of habit we sit at the same table for breakfast; eating and drinking exactly the same :)
Check-out thankfully is much easier than check-in; time to say goodbye to this amazing hotel. A shame it’s been such a short say.
We manage to get a tuk tuk nice and easy and within a few minutes are at the train station. Helps when you go the right way! Typical with Prue and Sarah we are here well in advance of our train, and within minutes become the look see show (nowhere near as bad as India though).
My time in Colombo has been very, very short - loved the hotel and would like to return one day. Time now to head to Kandy.
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