Looking for the Passport Office

Arrived in Colombo from Kandy Monday evening and spent most of yesterday morning trying to find the passort office so that Dhanushka could apply for a passport. According to the website the office was close to where we were staying, but when we got to there it turned out that the office had moved to the other side of the city. Two bus rides and a 3-wheeler ride later we eventually found the office - getting the passport turned out to be much easier than finding the office itself!!! Dhanushka went for same-day service so although that meant that we had to go back to the office, given that we knew where it was by 4pm he had a brand new passport.

Can't say the Colombo is one of my favourite cities, but now that I've been here a few days I'm starting to know how to get around and there are a few redeeming features. Yesterday evening we headed for Galle Face Green - a large open space right by the sea where everyone goes to stroll and paddle in the water in the evening. The sunset wasn't as spectacular as we anticipated because of the clouds, but it was good place to be given the heat and humidity of the rest of the city.

Dhanushka has gone back to his village today as there are local elections tomorrow and since his father is active in one of the political parties he basically has to vote. It's a 6-hour bus journey from Colombo, but it'll make his father happy and he should be back tomorrow afternoon, which means we can begin our journey along the south coast on Friday.

The guesthouse we're staying in here in an old 1920s building and depsite being slightly run-down has lots of character. It's close to the sea as well on a quiet side street, which is perfect. The first place we went to when we arrived was terrible - overpriced and no character at all. Finding somewhere to stay is often the hardest part of travelling. There are lots of places serving south Indian food in this area as well - idli and vadai for breakfast and a banana leaf meal for lunch - perfect.

Downloaded my pictures today to CD, so now have some pictures I can post. Today's is Dhanushka and a British couple - Alan and Beryl - we met while travelling in the hill country. More to come!