Galle Fort

Galle fort, the lighthouse and what must be the biggest budhist flag. The fort is still lived in and has narrow streets with both shops and private houses. spectacular views and a great place at sunset, all the locals go there.
Just back from beach, great time, got there Fri. lunch, dumped stuff went for a swim in beautiful bay (check blog), sat on the beach for lunch, then disaster…I turned red and blotchy, allergic reaction? Photosensitive, effect of malaria pills? Stung by jellyfish? Anyway lasted four hours so no more swimming Friday, just being stared at and asked how I feel.

Took a walk along beach and up to temple, watched sunset and full moon rise either side of the same peninsula then dinner on beach. Saturday, Vesak day, birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha, also full moon.

I went for swim before breakfast and walk along beach, no red blotches, had long slow b’fast. Then swims all day, Jacky, Ange, B and I all at surf city in Unawatuna, other vso’s at beach too, met up to chat. Spent relaxed day, stopped taking malaria pills and avoided same foods, no repeat of rash.

Four of us went into Galle and walked around the fort then ate on the 5th floor of a shop overlooking the fort and all the Vesak celebrations, lots of lights and the pandol, a big tribute, lots of bright flashing lights depicting the life of Buddha. Once dark the whole centre had lanterns lit, big, small, simple and complex (see blog). Like Blackpool, the whole town was out. Got back to beach half way through second half of cup final, saw extra time, group of us in a bar, they managed to get Arrak, a local spirit. Aussie guy said I had been stung by a jellyfish but decided to stop taking pills anyway.
On way to and from Galle saw tsunami damage, the train was near Galle also the bus station at Galle was another of the big images from the tsunami. Very sobering to see at first hand and easier to imagine what it was like.