16 The luxurious Lighthouse

Helen writes,

We arrived at Galle in the late morning after another long trek along narrow dusty roads.

Neil took us around the old town and we walked on the ramparts of the old Fort.

Along the route we’d seen evidence of the damage done in the Tsunami, buildings destroyed and homes washed away.

The government has prevented some shoreline rebuilding so there are areas along the beach where you can see right out to sea where previously there were trees, homes, shops and hotels.

The sea was really rough and beaches all along the coast had red flags to warn of the strong currents. 

Nevertheless we saw some people bathing. We decided to stick to the pool.

We had a drink at a lovely old hotel called the Ramparts. It reminded me of Portugal in its design. This area has been colonised by first, the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British and all have left evidence of their time in power. The fort’s walls are so thick that they withstood the Tsunami so people here were safe.

We loved seeing Chuli again when she visited us at the Lighthouse hotel. 

She brought May and Roshan lovely gifts to remind them of Sri Lanka. She was able to stay for a few hours chatting and reminiscing about times now long gone, before returning to her mother’s house in Galle for the birthday celebrations. We are hoping to see her a final time in Colombo at the weekend before she heads off for her new life in Dacca, Bangladesh.

The Lighthouse hotel was fantastic. 

It was lovely to be by the sea again after all our travels inland. It is in a beautiful setting just outside Galle. Our rooms were great and we had a sea view balcony. The pools were large and one was an infinity pool so you feel like you are swimming over the edge and into the sea! Food was great too!

May and I had a cocktail on the terrace as the sun went down after a stroll on the beach - Fantastic!

The hotel staff were helpful when Malcolm was unwell and called a doctor straight away. He has had medicine, which has sorted out his illness although he felt pretty rough for a few days.