Ayobowan Sri Lanka. More pics!!

Remember.... you asked! And yes, I got carried away. I'm waiting for my husband to arrive from Bangkok. And I am packed and ready to leave for Delhi!! Ha ha!! It's pretty rare that our travel schedules run this close, but what the hell. A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do ( ditto for the gal !).

I think these images provide a reasonably good insight into my enchantment for this beautiful destination. My current grouse is that I have yet to travel up north to Trincamolee or even to Anuradhapuram. But I am determined to get there soon. I also want to go see the leopards in their natural habitat..... visit the elephant orphanage.... come back during the whaling season. Oh.... so many new discoveries!

Meanwhile, let me give you the dope on these pics: The top shot of me was taken by Arundhati at Kadju House, an eco- friendly boutique hotel run by Vikram Mathur ( an Oxford don, no less, plus a keen environmentalist). Set amidst cashew plantations, it's a tiny piece of heaven with real cinnamon stick window grills and a herbal spa.I enjoyed the most delicious orange coconut water here - of course, the coconut came from his estate.

Aren't my local gal pals something else? Our hostess, Rashmi, the lady in white, is scarily effervescent - like the bubbly she was serving. The lady to my far left, dressed stylishly in Etro, is Samantha. She works for the World Bank and has recently relocated from Washington to Kabul ( I plan to visit!). Shyamalee to my left, is popularly known as 'Highness' in Colombo. She pretty much runs the social scene there. Arundhati is dressed in purple satin and perched precariously on the arm of the setee. This picture was taken just before we left to have dinner at 'Lemon' - Colombo's newest and smartest rooftop restaurant, run by the divine Koluu with devilish aplomb.

The saree pic was clicked at the literary evening at which I was 'in conversation' with Geoffrey Dobbs, the main brain behind the Galle Literary Festival. The shot of my book display is from the bookshop at 'Barefoot', where I interacted with readers and met Naazreen, the stunning looking owner of the store ( people come there in droves just to stare at her!).

The White House, as it is known by residents of Colombo Seven ( the upmarket district of Colombo), is the Municipal building and located at the centre of town. The multiple Buddhas photographed by Arundhati are a part of the temple complex. As also is the enormous, brightly painted Buddha within the main building.

Hate to keep hinting.... but..... there are a few more to go. You are warned!