Sri Lanka 2 – Busy, busy, busy

9th to 15th January, 2026

Now I appreciate that our definition of ‘busy’ might differ from other people’s, but it is all in the eye of the beholder. Anyway, an account follows, so you can be the judge….

Our day starts at breakfast, like most people’s. Actually, our day starts with Val having a couple of rice crackers or a small banana (really sweet – why do we only get one variety in the UK?) around 6.30am, followed by her first set of meds (6 pills) at around 7.00am. Much depends on how our night has been as to whether we sleep on for a bit or, as is more often the case, get dressed and head for breakfast.

Buffet breakfast is a dangerous place, indeed any buffet is. It has taken some considerable willpower to restrict ourselves, but we do try to be good. At least there is no dessert counter. Being a creature of habit (or a bit unadventurous – but then who wants to adventurous so early in the morning?), I tend to stick to my small bowl of cereal topped off with fruit salad, followed by an omelette (with chillis!) and bacon. It is amazing how little bread we have eaten here. Val, not surprisingly, enjoys the good range of Asian dishes and is decidedly in her element.

Our first ‘appointment’ is usually some table tennis, followed by pétanque. As I think I mentioned in my previous blog, there is a largish contingent of French holidaymakers, about 40, I am informed, who have their own Animation Team, who are 6 young lads and lasses who cajole them into various activities, one of which is, of course, pétanque. My British readers will be delighted to read that we ros-beefs (is that correct?) have been up to the required standard and not disgraced ourselves.

We invited a couple of the players to join us for ping pong (as the French call it – or even just ‘ping’, apparently) where we have had Trafalgar-like victories!

I feel I had better add some photos here or I am going to lose you…

Knowing how much you love my wildlife pics…

All these were a result either of looking from our balcony or walking around the grounds of the hotel, which are situated on the banks of a very tranquil lagoon.

I was walking along minding my own business when there was an almighty splosh and the chap below started to scurry off into the mangrove. I am not sure who got the greater shock!

Of course, after all this activity it is time for lunch, followed by a bit of a rest, maybe a game of Yahtzee, Scrabble, Backgammon or cards, by the pool. I have been doing well with my swimming, though as I get fitter and stronger because of it, I am finding it harder to drag my ever-growing, buffet-indulged self through the water. The 5:2 diet has had to be (fairly) rigorously enforced.

We have had a number of spa treatments, with a strong Ayurvedic bent to them (ie a LOT of oil!). Val is seeing a lady down the road about 5 minutes of pushing in the wheelchair, which seems to be doing some good (and I get some good exercise pushing). As ever, they are very nice and take their time to try to get to the heart of the matter. It is a bit pricier than Thailand, but you do feel there is a bit more science to it,

I continue with my daily swim, the Scrabble is still in its first game (perfection takes time), the Yahtzee is flowing and we have met some nice people, from the French contingent – Christian and Jean-Michel as an example and a nice German couple from Munich who have promised to play a card game with us this evening – can’t remember its name.

We did have a trip to go shopping in Negombo, the large suburb/city/town, just north of Colombo. The very nice Ranil drove us expertly to the shops and both Val and I had a good look at the clothes.

OK, I will stop there, although there is surprisingly more to write about. It is nearly time for my swim!!

Love to you all!!!