Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka.  Due to the racial tension between the Sinhala and Tamil communities it wasn't safe when we were here in 1991 to visit the north of the island. The war came to an end in May 2009.

Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was previously known,  became a crown colony in 1802.

Sirimavo Bandaranaike become the first woman prime minister in the world in 1960.

We first visited Colombo on our way home from a lovely holiday in the Maldives. We did a tour by taxi and weren't too impressed but a lot could have changed since then. We're unlikely to do anything today apart from just getting off and having a walk around. I've had some kind of flu bug for a few days so happy not to be sitting on a tour bus. We did get off and walk up to the stalls on the dock side. It's 32c but a lot hotter in sun. There was no shade to stand in while waiting for the shuttle bus and there were a lot of complaints.

We are docked in a large container port and the views aren't too terrific so no good photos.

Captain's Anecdote : Khaki
Back in the 18c when soldiers at war wanted to blend in with their surroundings they would cover their uniform with coffee, tea, mud and curry powder. Although the enemy couldn't see them it was quite likely that they could smell them!