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 went to the beach to meet the Barmy Army crowd led by Katie who did a fantastic job arranging a great lunch at the impressive Lighthouse Hotel in Galle. After drinks on the Veranda overlooking the bay and massive rocks I fell asleep on a sunlounger after a little beer and wine. We then ventured up to a bar with a pool table (obviously I won all games I played!) and had a few more drinks before heading back to a couple of beach bars. By midnight I was knackered and can barely remember getting to my Guest House but it had been a good day with a nice crowd.

Have spent Boxing Day on the beach peacefully listening to music and reading the excellent 23 Sweet FA's about lads carrying a football table around the world. I'm just going back for a shower then will watch the West Ham match on the beach and have an early night - I need to be up at 4.45 for my taxi to Columbo, I then have an early flight on the 28th to Singapore.

I'm sure all that sounds like a great Christmas, and it was - but you do miss seeing people and having the usual fun. Didnt miss the cold or the commercialism though!