Tag Archives: colombo

Bentota – Colombo

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We arrived in Bentota but the guesthouse we have choosen in advance was booked up. We had a look around where to stay for one night and found the palm beach inn. Cheap (as it can be here…) but not well maintained, as seen often. Because the beach is again without any shade (but some cows or buffalos were there…) we decided just in a second to take the bus to Colombo. Ride was ok. Colombo itself is crowded and noisy. Can’t compare to any other asian capitals I’ve been before. Changed last TCs and some US $ for next days. After the shopping mall Majestic Complex we tried to catch a bus back to Bentota. What the hell…. had to go back to central bus station but no bus to Bentota. A guy told us we can buy a ticket to Galle (which is 60 km behind Bentota) and jump out in Bentota. We did. But because it was teh day before the election day all busses were overbooked as well as the streets were crowded. The ride back took more than 3 hours , on the way to Colombo we need approximately 75 minutes. The bus stopped and we jumped out but too soon. We were in Alugama, one small city before Bentota. Only advantage was to buy 2 bottles of cold Lion beer at a liqour store. Back in the guesthouse nearly 9 pm we had a late dinner with food we bought at bus station in Colombo. After the breakfast we leaved to the next place without a shower glad that we survived that place…..

Negombo – Anuhradhapura

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Sorry guys for delay but no internet conncetion availabe during last days.
Last night we went out for dinner, restaurant is recommended by our travelbook. And it was great. Fishermans platter for 2 persons, salad and for sure our new favourite drink “Lion Lager” beer. A lot of food and we paid 20 bucks but it was more than ok, service was excellent and the dishes taste great. Next morning early check-out before 7 a.m. We got a breakfast box each of us, cheese-sandwich, hard-boiled eggs and fruits. And as you may know, life is a challenge we took the morning train from Negombo to Colombo…. yeah. Rush hour, from Negombo go to work in Colombo by… make an educated guess… right, by train. We stood among the people, no space to fall. One hour skin-to-skin contact…. I couldn’t get my camera to take a picture because I was unable to move my arms. After that the central railway station Colombo. You still have in mind that this is the capital…. We went out for smoking but a friendly guy told us smoking is not allowed we have to go inside to the (so-called) cafeteria where upstairs smoking is allowed. But we can breathe there so we returned outside. Than we asked the counter officer for tickets to Anuhradhapura, price was 290 Rupies each and the next train leaves 40 mins ahead. Ok. Only 2nd class tickets available and as we entered the train… it was like going back in ages….. 3rd class in Thailand looks better. So we opend the window, occupied 4 seats for us and our lagguage and were looking forward to a 6 hours ride. But after a while it seems we missed the express train. The train we were in was a slow train with a stopover at each small station….. and there’re a lot of between Colombo and Anuhradhapura. Finally the ride takes 8.5 hours. Plus 1 hour from Negombo to Colombo. A trip worse than hell. A driver dropped us off at the Shanili Hotel ( I gave them a call in advance for a room) but 3.500 rupies for a small room was too much. So we went on the drivers advise (sure he got a commission..) to another guest house. Room was small too but only 2.000 rupies. Excluding breakfast. The highlight was a woman from Ottawa we met. She works as a urban planner and is travelling since last October by herself to Asia and Southeastasia. Great. We had dinner together and a nice chat. I’ll keep you informed how the story continous……

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Last hours. Online check-in done with some trouble but at least worked. We´ll start tomorrow from Munich to Doha first and after a short stopover we´ll reach Colombo on Sunday morning…. keep u informed :)