Exchange rate nightmares

What a lot of positive messages. I feel like packing my bags tonight. I had a long chat yesterday with my friend from Kandy who is currently on a 5 day guiding trip round the ancient cities and we were planning some things for when I arrive. I think a visit to Chris is a priority, to see how many more dogs he has acquired and to check under the furniture for cobras and to discuss Bruce Springsteen.

A possible trip to Trinco came up, a place I have never got to. Anyone know how safe it is at the moment? I get the idea the fighting has moved north and south and maybe Trinco is quite accessible. I am aware it may be wet though as I think it is the end of the monsoon. Any thoughts from people out there at present? I'd have to check that the UK government is not warning against going to Trinco as that invalidates any travel insurance.

Knuckles Range looks a favourite too - so beautiful. Even better than the area round Ella in my opinion. We may even go to meet the Veddhas - he has an arrangement with them to bring visitors for an overnight stay. Whatever, I can't wait to get Christmas over and be on my way.

HI Steve,
Good to see you getting on the site regularly again. You've been missed as you havn't been your usual prolific self as of late.
I havn't been to Trinco lately, in fact, not for a couple of years but to me, the main attraction there was the beaches at Upaveli and Nilaveli, just outside Trinco to the north.

The best beaches I've seen in Lanka.
At one place, there's an island about 1 mile off shore, called Pigeon Island . When I was there, there were plenty of boats waiting to take visitors out , leave you for the day and collect you at a pre arranged time. Reason for staying there was the snorkelling.
Fantastic coral in shallow water and an amazing array of really colouful fish.

As you said, the area seems to be clear and I reckon if there was any trouble it would be in Trinco town, not out on the beaches. The north east monsoon doesn't usually bring as much rain as the south west one does so you may be lucky.

I agree with you about the Knuckles. I've seen a little and plan another excursion up there in February. Amazing scenery and all the time I was up there, I didn't see a single plastic bag fluttering in the bushes.

I don't know if I'm gonna be able to get around to see Chris next trip. I'd like to ( I owe him a packet of ginger nut biscuits ) ( or two ) but as we'll have my brother and his wife along , It could be a bit much, 4 of us marching in there.

Like you, I can't wait.Should be a good party down south near Tangalle. One of the kids we've been helping with extra curricular tuition fees has just passed all her exams and attained the qualifications to go to uni. Her Dad is building an extension on the side of their tsunami house, which he insists is for us to live in when ever we're in Lanka and I believe thats just about finished. Should be some celebrating done.

Roll on Feb.
Rod.

That sounds fantastic. I could take Chris the biscuits and maybe you can settle up with me next time you are in Leicester or I am in the wilds of Wales.

I found myself really busy with work and I was coming home too tired to spend time online. Thing are better now so here I am. I also find I have more to offer here if I have been in SL recently and it will be almost 2 years when I go in December.

Saminda (my Kandy "son") was in Minneriya today and saw lots of elephants. His clients were over the to see so many.

oops

Further to post 12, insert the word "moon" where it seems appropriate.

didn't even notice it was missing. Anyway, duly inserted.