After a wonderful meal last night, just around the corner from the hotel we left at about 9.15 this morning in a tuk tuk for Colombo Fort Station. The journey was the usual dice with death for us westerners. Buses, cars, lorries all whizzing past as we clutched our rucksacks with one hand and hung on with the other. The ten minute/ £1 journey was soon over and we joined the assembled masses on the platform to witness first hand a departing train packed to the gills inside with people hanging on to the steps as it pulled out of the station. No, nobody on the roof, but not far short. A little while later we were doing our own packing! We thought we were quick off the mark and were luckier than some. Jammed in the centre of the train, dripping with sweat, trying not to swot people with our rucksacks we were amazed as a procession of sellers of nuts, drinks, pineapple, cut out dolls and just about anything else that could be hawked, pushed past in three minute intervals as we wobbled under the strain of our heavy loads. The onboard entertainment consisted of a guy with a tambourine, another with a drum and a girl with a collection plate. Those happy clappy people get everywhere! A couple in nearby seats let Ruth fit her bag by their feet but for about two hours it seemed like every inch gained was occupied by another body! Amazingly, nobody stank! Eventually, we managed to fight off the locals for a seat and sat with bags on our laps until we got to Talpe. A short tuk tuk ride got us to our hotel on the coast. Ruth's little ooh. Let me know she was happy as we were shown our room with lounge and mezzanine bed with lovely balcony and views over the sea..... A late lunch and of course beer allowed us to browse the menu which has flavours from Mexico, Spain, Thailand and Morocco. If the Fajitas we had are anything to go by we are in for a treat. And on go the pounds, ok kilograms! Have just been to the beer shop, made friends with a tuk tuk driver and am now having another beer while listening to the sea crashing in. For all of you at home the temperature is 31c. Hope the golf course is snow free by the time we return! Pics of the area and hotel to follow. Take care R & D