After lazing by the pool for a couple of hours reading “Sapiens” I got a bit restless so we went off to explore Negombo. Almost as soon as we got to the main road a tuk tuk driver approached us and offered a tour of the town. I thought I ought to barter, and knocked him down about 20%, which made me feel better an I’m sure he did well out of the deal.
Our first stop was the fish market on the beach. Outside the gutted fish was drying on mats. Inside fresh fish was sold by stall holders, sometimes only a few fish on each stall. The fish was caught by the substantial local fleet, which ventures out as far as the Maldives for its catch.
Our driver took us to the old Dutch fort, only the gate exists with as stone engraved 1688. On the other side of the gate was the waiting room for the prison, which holds 1,600 prisoners (according to the driver).
The town is predominately Catholic, but the locals are also Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu, so quite like London in that respect.
We are now sat by the pool as the sun goes down, but 6pm it will be dark. The local birds make all sorts of interesting noises. Fortunately the cawing crows has now gone elsewhere, they sound just like crows at home.
timharnesstravels 