Time Travel

I just got back from Sri Lanka, in one piece. Yes, the security situation there is somewhat bad - it is like re-living in a page of the history books of the Malayan Emergency. The place certainly look like the British has just left recently.



This is a picture of a very old steam-roller. Hmmm. I've never seen it before. Wonder if it still works.

In Malaysia, things have moved forward so much. Is Sri Lanka nice? Yes, I would say it is. Malaysia is way too developed now. Hardly any green areas left. The politicians are too busy lining their own pockets, destroying history in the name of progress. Why can't they keep buildings by the British? That's character to the place. But heck no, building code in Malaysia seems to dictate that all old buildings must be replace buy uglier new ones.

Heck no, there was no action at all in Sri Lanka. Only action were that of military. The place is rather miserable. Shops begin to close at about 5pm and by 7pm, Colombo is a deserted town.

I received a rude shock when I arrived. On the way to the hotel from the airport, I noticed the driver was driving in the middle of the road, literally. So, I asked him why. The reply a very sobering "Roadside bombs, sir". As I sank deeper into the seat, I wished I did not ask. As X Files says "You cannot handle the truth".

No longer a common sight are mobile ice-cream vendors. Maybe still one or two more in smaller towns in Malaysia, but certainly not seen in Kuala Lumpur. Reminds me when I was a kid.

The conversation over lunch on Monday nearly had me choking on my tender and juicy piece of meat. I'm not referring to a pretty gal, but to some Australian Angus beef. And the topic during lunch? "How come there were no bombs this morning". The locals were wondering why hasn't the Tamil Tigers bombed a police station or the public transport. Apparently, the bombs are usually on Mondays and Fridays. Looks like the Tamil Tigers have a better SOP than Nible2.

I prefer Indian food to Sinhalese food. Pharmaceutical drugs are cheaper in India than in Sri Lanka. In any case, I bought some Cupid 50 (equivalent of Viagra) for about RM3 per tablet - that's less than USD 1 per tablet. Oh, more on Viagra later.

I did a double-take when I first say the letter boxes there. Yup, that's GR - from the era of King George V. I have never seen those before. No ER II emblems because Sri Lanka gained independence (according to my tour guide) before Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

The Elephant Orphanage was fun. This place is between Colombo and Kandy. I did some touring on Saturday, after being informed that it was safer to be outside Colombo. Believe it or not, it was a business trip and not a holiday. But it sure sounds like a holiday.

Anyway, back to the Elephant Orphanage - there are actually only 3 or 4 orphaned elephants there. The rest of the elephants? Oh well, it could be called a resort. Interesting especially when we get to pat the elephants.

Visited another temple in Kandy - the Tooth Relic. It is said that this temple contains a tooth from Buddha. The tooth is said to be collected from the cremation pyre.

The place was very serene and yes, I did enjoy visiting the temples. Only concern was, this place was bombed by the Tamil Tigers back in 1993, if I remember correctly. Heck, all my office colleagues told me that they only targeted public transport. So much for local input!


I did buy a lot of tea - it was cheap and yes, they are good. Got myself a white sapphire, but it appears I have dropped it in less than 72 hours after buying it. Haiz. Guess precious stones are not the thing for me. Good thing it wasn't a diamond or a gift for a loved one.

Stayed in Hilton JAIC Towers. They are service apartments, but like a hotel in many ways. My suite was USD 105 per nite, and it had three bedrooms. It was a little too big for my liking - especially when I am alone. Can be scary at night. One morning, when I got up, I released that my bedroom door was slightly ajar. I was pretty sure I locked it the night before. Anyway, I rather believe I have a bad memory than the other alternatives - someone came in, or there is ghost after all. I rather live with bad memory. May not be able to handle the truth.

With such a nice hotel, I only wish H was with me ... to enjoy some intimate moments together. Gosh, I do miss travelling with her.

All in all, I did enjoy myself in Sri Lanka. It was dangerous but exciting. It was like a page out of the history book - but hey, that's the "Good Old Days" everyone is talking about. I sure hope to return to Sri Lanka again.