Tuesday, February 17, 2009

I'll make this quick...

In a few hours from now, I'll be heading to the airport to catch my flight to Colombo. I love the Emerald Isle, especially at dawn, when the plane circles the airport and begins its descent. Surprises start on landing at this unexpectedly spiffy airport, where everything runs smoothly and the staff is ever smiling - yes, even at that hour! It's only when one hits down town that reality kicks in - all those boy soldiers with toy guns!! Well... Mumbai is fast catching up with its menacing bunkers and armed cops.
My good friend Anthony Spaeth, the editor of 'Power' magazine in Hong Kong, has recommended a place called Palmyrah in Renukha Hotel on Galle Road. I shall check it out for sure. But not before I revisit old favourites like Paradise Road, and the magnificently restored Colonial mansion, Tintangel, which was the former residence of the Bandaranaike family. Shaanth, the undisputed God of Sri Lankan aesthetic sensibilities, is a monarch of all he surveys, with his impeccable taste and fine eye for beauty. He is the man behind both these stunning properties.
As always, this too shall be a frenzied trip, with press conferences and other promotional gigs that make up the circus. I am not complaining. I'd fly many miles for those stringhoppers. Plus, I have been promised a blue whale watching expedition off the coast of Galle. Wish me luck. I am in competent hands with Shyamalee Tudawe, the fetching editor of Sri Lanka's top end society magazine.
Till then adieu. I'll be back in this space next week. Why?? The lap top stays home!!

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are so lucky, to always tbe travellin :), have fun!

Another Kiran In NYC said...

Bon Voyage.

Come back and tell us all about your observations on imperfect lives lived on a perfect piece of geography!

Sri Lanka has both.

Piper .. said...

Have a fun trip!

A.prem said...

Post in some photographs of the beautiful place that you're visiting. I second Kiran. Amazing geography! :-)

Have a great trip!!..
Safe Journey
Peace \/

Anonymous said...

All d best. Pics please.

Sidhusaaheb said...

Best of luck with the whale-spotting!

:)

Shrutzz said...

wow, Sri Lanka must be ovely. Am asking my husband to take me there for long now;)
Have a lovely trip!!!

amolsledge said...

Hi,
All the best for your trip.. My parents had come via Colombo some 7 -8 years back while visiting me in Singapore.. they had enjoyed the hospitality of Sri Lankan airways..
Look forward to read about your adventures in Sri Lanka - specially watching the whale.. pls do try to post some pics..

Anonymous said...

Happy Jouney!!

sathish vasudevan said...

all the best and happpy journey

RK said...

Enjoy your trip. Have fun :) and take care too.
Yes. Photos for your blogdosts, please...

Anonymous said...

Goodluck !
:)

kk said...

Good Luck

Nandini Rao said...

Wish you a safe trip.

Anonymous said...

hello shobhaji,

I read in today's paper that an old senior citizen was knocked down near Babulnath temple by a maruti swift driver.His wife accompanied him. NO CAR FOR TWO HOURS STOPPED TO TAKE HIM TO A hospital. WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF OURSELVES.your blog & articles are read by all. kindly urge readers to be human and help accident victims. What a shame.

Thankyou.

Unknown said...

u didint comment on billu barber. i m still waiting for ur review

Mahadev Kapuskari said...

Hello Shobhaaji,
Wish you a very happy & joyfull journey.Enjoy in "SONYACHI LANKA"

Anonymous said...

Happy journey!!
hope 2 hv u back in action soon!

Harish said...

De, u well? Pls email/post whn u reach bmbay. Me worried as colombo is attackd.

ek-ladki-anjaani-si said...

I just saw the news about LTTE attacks on Columbo! Aiyooo... is everything ok with you De'? Post some thing here... Hurry! Else I am coming down there!

Anonymous said...

Shobhaaji,

Hope, tumhi Thik asaal. Me aattach aaikale ki Colombo madhe attacks zhale mhanun. Tumhi aalaat ki lagech blog var kaLava, mhanaje bare vatel. :)