Read this blog: The one where we watch a cobra capture Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th March 2026 Once again there were very few other guests staying at our hotel but we enjoyed greeting the pond life on our way down to breakfast [see also Video of the day]. Galle lies on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka and is justifiably famous for Galle Fort, the 16th century fortified city founded by Portuguese colonists. We decided we would first walk the ramparts as this would take us past many of the historic sights. The old town of Galle and its fortifications are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. It was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1649 onwards before being taken over by the British. The entrance up to the fortifications [see Selfie of the day] was close to the Old Cricket Ground which is officially known as the Galle International Stadium and is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket pitches in the world with views back towards the fort. This is clearly a relic from the British era. As we strolled along the ramparts, we first came across the […]
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Read this blog: The one where we avoid man-eating crocodiles, aggressive monkeys and small snakes Wednesday 12th March 2025 Robert would probably have chosen to spend less than four days in a dry country if he had had the option but the length of time we spent in Brunei was dictated by the timing of our onward connecting flight to Kuching. With a few days to fill, and to pander to Matilda’s love of luxury, he decided to book two nights at The Empire Brunei in Jerudong which is variously described as a five, six or seven star hotel depending on which web-site you look at. When we checked in we were advised to beware of monkeys who might be scavenging for food and this was reinforced by the sign on the door out to our balcony. The hotel has lush lawns and a private beach but we were effectively advised against using the beach or swimming in the sea because of the risk of crocodile attack. We had previously believed that crocodiles were fresh water reptiles and were sceptical about the threat they might pose. However, Robert’s research revealed that saltwater crocodiles are indeed found in the backwaters along […]
Read this blog: The one where Matilda gives up luxury for monks Wednesday 3rd April 2024 The day started with a visit to the self service laundry. We may have tried to do too large a load as we had to run the drier twice which delayed our departure. Theoretically we now both have enough clean clothing to last the next fortnight until we return home. However, Matilda feels that going sleeveless is unwise in this climate and she should have packed more tops with short sleeves so may need to hand wash a few items to get her through. With clean laundry folded and packed we set off on the journey to Kanchanaburi. First we took the Skytrain. Then we had to walk a short distance to Thonburi Station where we bought tickets to Kanchanaburi. There are only a few trains each day and the majority of the journey is single track so sometimes the trains have to wait to pass each other at a station. Both Matilda and Robert tried to get on the carriage at the front of the train: it looked marginally more comfortable as the seats had slightly better upholstery. Unfortunately it was all reserved: […]
Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May 2022 Robert had not realised when he was planning this trip that we would be in Washington for the Memorial Day weekend. In fact, this proved to be a mixed blessing. The city was busy with visiting families but there were also activities and celebrations afoot along the National Mall and a stage had been set up in front of the US Capitol. The many food and ice cream trucks ruined the views slightly. Setting off to walk along the Mall to see some of the sights we first encountered the Eisenhower Monument which opened in 2020 and so has had relatively few visitors. A helpful gentleman started telling us how neglected it was and where the best place was to take photos. We were a little reluctant to engage with him in case he was trying to sell us something but when we realised he was one of the Memorial Day weekend volunteers, we relaxed. At one end of the Mall, the US Capitol has a distinctive yet familiar outline. Part way along, the 555 foot Washington Monument towers over the city. It was some time in the planning. The idea to erect […]
Sunday 31st March 2019 It is easy to forget that, following Viceroy of India John Lawrence’s decision to move the capital of the British Raj from New Delhi to the hill station of Shimla in 1863, for six months of the year this was the headquarters of the government of India. In our guide book, the address of the Viceregal Lodge is given as The Mall and although this road spans four miles, as this has been a more sedentary holiday than we usually have we thought we would try walking. A more accurate address, which is given elsewhere, would be near Observatory Hill. There are no tuk-tuks or cows on the streets of Shimla and the traffic is therefore calmer than in other towns and cities. There are many hairpin bends on the roads to cope with the steep gradients but there are plenty of traffic police wearing curious shiny white hats shaped like those worn by Canadian Mounties, to direct and control the flow of vehicles. Our route took us back past the Post Office [below right] and the Railway Board Building [below left], which was built between 1896 and 1897 using cast iron and steel to ensire it […]
Tuesday, 28th August 2018 Bratislava is quite compact and approaching by river is dominated by the castle on the hill. The walk from our mooring took in the local transport. . . . . . the landmark statues. . . . . . which it is obligatory to pose with and photograph . . . . . . and the main square. We also found the very picturesque post office which Robert and Matilda remembered from their last visit so were able to buy stamps and post two final postcards. Matilda recalled a very good ice cream shop which had been based in small premises, situated through an archway between two vacant properties, leading into a courtyard. Three years ago the queue had snaked out of the shop, through the archway and into the main street. Clearly it has been a very successful venture as the old premises now house a cake shop [without a queue] and Arthur has relocated to a larger, more central location. The ice cream is still as good. Fortified by the ice cream, Matilda, Ruth and Jaime walked up to the castle to take in the views and admire the historical baroque gardens which have […]