Hope everyone is having a brilliant Christmas, it was great to get several text messages yesterday. I spent Xmas eve with the barmy army remains in the Unawatuna Beach Resort, then as that was at least five paces from the sand obviously we had to find a bar closer to the beach so we moved just a few steps from the sea and enjoyed a few beers. I woke up Xmas day and it really didnt feel like it - so I got my xmas play list going ipod and opened my one card! Then...

It was good to leave Colombo, its an OK place but not much to see and I would certainly suggest anyone who goes stays at a top hotel as the budget places did look very grim. The train to Galle was fine and one kind local took pity on me with my heavy backpack and gave up his seat for me, it took about 3h as they arent exactly express trains but for 60p whose complaining! I arrived in the dark at the Shangri-La, only 4 rooms and 4 cabanas set in a large area with...