Colombo and Poya Day

Since hubby started a printing press in Colombo with a Sri Lankan business partner & friend over a year ago, it has become a frequent destination for us.  Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka with the busiest port in South Asia; a port that was known to ancient traders some 2000 years ago due to its strategic location along the East-West sea trade route.

Curries and rice are a staple of the Sri Lankan diet, so Indian and Chinese cuisine are quite popular.  The old colonial home above houses a Chinese restaurant we have eaten at before.  For lunch on the second day, my friend, Rizwana, took me to The Mango Tree for Indian food; aptly named because it actually sits directly under a mango tree.

Dinners are usually large family gatherings.  While walking to our friends' home, we encountered this Buddhist procession marking the full moon day, known as Poya Day, which is a national holiday each and every month in Sri Lanka.  In July it is known as Esala Full Moon Day.  Buddhists believe that many significant events in the life of Buddha took place on full moon days, thus the desire to celebrate.

Walking

and the trishaw (a/k/a tuk tuk) are the easiest modes of transportation while in the city.

This backyard garden at the home of our friend's brother is where the kids played a friendly game of soccer after dinner one night.  In this family of 7 brothers and sisters, there are 18 children, so when I say large family gatherings, we are talking at least 30 people (or more).

We always feel welcomed and well taken care of during our visits.

Next up was our first trip to an ecofriendly resort in Kandalama.

For now, it's back to laundry and cleaning.

Have a terrific Tuesday!