Early start this morning as I had leave at 0530 to ensure I could get a taxi in Nanjing. All worked out with the pre-booking which is a new concept to the Chinese. For the first time I was able to get a taxi to come to my door and not have to bail one up in the middle of the street…a good start to the holiday.

Through some stroke of luck I managed to book myself Business Class all the way for much the same cost as economy so started the day checking out the rather average Business Class lounge in Nanjing. Lots of Chinese snacks to eat and soft drinks on offer but nothing substantial to eat let alone a decent cup of tea!!!.

I find the routes that airlines take to be fascinating at best and downright ridiculous at other times. Today I have to travel from Nanjing to Hong Kong – 5 hour layover in HK – Hong Kong to Singapore – 1 ½ hour layover - then Singapore to Colombo. Geographically it seems like a round about way to get from China to Sri Lanka but there is not much one can do about it. With my aversion to flying I am going to be tested to the limit today.

Have to say that Cathay Pacific Business Class is nothing to write home about. Yes you get a glass of champagne to start your trip but other than that is was all very ordinary. No toiletries or comfort packs provided, poor quality headphones, drinks not refilled without having to grab an attendant– perhaps I have been spoilt by other airlines but seriously Cathay Pacific needs to lift its game.

Better service at the Business Lounge at Hong Kong airport where I have to say I managed to fill in the time quite easily. Food and drink choices were excellent and even included an AUSTRALIAN Sav Blanc…..yes for me it was like a little bit of heaven!!! My only complaint was the slow WiFi connection – took me over an hour to download books into my Kindle – though I was not doing something right despite Matt's wonderful instructions but eventually they downloaded very, very, slowly. Am happy as I have a whole raft of books to read again J

Finally arrived in Colombo after having been travelling for about 19 hours and admit I felt brain dead by that time. Not looking forward to trying to get a Visa on Arrival, doing currency exchange and finding my driver all in unfamiliar surroundings. WELL I have to say the Immigration guys must be some of the nicest ones in the world – friendly, smiling, helpful…..what a change from so many previous encounters!!!

Could not see much as we headed for the hotel as they are few, if any, street lights. My initial impression is that it was much like Bali with roadside shrines outside homes and businesses, lots of little shanties that seem to double as shops and/or restaurants. Do know we had to give way to some cows and pigs on the road…not quite what one expects to see in a capital city!!!

Arrived at the hotel, checked in, and after nearly 24 hours travelling time fell into bed……