Just returned from a Valentines Day party of sorts. While there we were entertained by a couple that performed several tango dances for the party goers with an explanation of the history of the dances.
The irony? We lived two years in Montevideo, Uruguay. Maybe not exactly home to the tango, but pretty much it's twin sister to its birthplace of Buenos Aires. Never once saw a tango show and never once went "across the river" to Buenos Aires!
We come halfway across the world and we see a tango dance performed by a diplomatic couple that was stationed in Buenos Aires.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Matara the Train Ride
Talk about catching up! Lest I forget I meant to blog a little about the train ride back. We see (And hear) the trains on a daily basis, not hard to miss right under our window. The train track below us is the North-South route, the only one.
When we left Matara we had the driver take us to the train station. We never rode the train so this was going to be a new experience. To make it easier on us Matara was the end of the line.
The driver pointed out the ticket counter and things already started off easy, one ticket window for 3rd class tickets, one for 2nd class. There was a handwritten sign with the departure times.
I purchased two 2nd class tickets for 230 Rupees apiece, about $2USD.
We went to the passenger platform and was directed to a bridge that went over the tracks to the other side. I'm not sure what, if any accommodations there are for handicapped people. It was fun carrying our bags up the stairs.
It was easy enough to figure out where to sit as the doors of the train are painted with a 3 or a 2. Being that it was very early in the morning there was practically nobody on the train.
We grabbed our seats, initially sitting in seats that faced backwards, but before the train departed we found another car with seats facing towards the front.
After a blast of the horn the train left the station.
The best that I can describe the trip would be a very low tech, noisy, dirtier version of the Washington Metro. The train stopped at many stations heading towards Colombo and it became more and more filled up.
Vendors walked throughout the passenger cars selling different snacks which was a nice treat.
It was interesting to see the flora of the countryside, but sad to see all of the tsunami damage and the slums.
A little over two hours later we were passing our apartment building on the left hand side, we could see our cats waving hello (Just checking to see if your still reading, LOL).
The train arrived at Colombo Fort station. I had lost my ticket stub somehow and they checked for them as you left the station, Chris explained the situation and there wasn't any problem.
As we exited the station there was a small army of trishaw drivers vying for our business. We negotiated a price with one of them, don't give us the tourist price we live here!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Recent comments - Accidentally Rejected
I have done it twice this week. Whats that? Accidentally rejected friendly comments sent to my blog!
I almost mechanically press the "Reject" link when I get a comment sent to my blog as I usually only get spam.
Well I rejected a comment yesterday, and kicked myself, then a minute ago, did it again!
My apologies to the nice folks who have sent me comments that I have rejected. Nothing wrong with your comments, something wrong with my knee jerk reaction to them : )
I almost mechanically press the "Reject" link when I get a comment sent to my blog as I usually only get spam.
Well I rejected a comment yesterday, and kicked myself, then a minute ago, did it again!
My apologies to the nice folks who have sent me comments that I have rejected. Nothing wrong with your comments, something wrong with my knee jerk reaction to them : )
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Food Court Experience
Just across the street from our apartment is a shopping mall. In the basement level is a small food court. Probably all in all including the hot dog stand no more than 10 vendors. There is sushi, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, ice cream/smoothies stand and a Pizza Hut Express.
It's not like visiting a food court in the U.S.A. They have common cutlery stands to get forks and spoons and you can leave your trays or dishes on the table as they have people to pick them up. In fact the men who pick up the trays and dishes are usually nice enough to take it from your table when they see you're finished.
For us a typical meal would be at Shanmuga's which is an Indian vegetarian place. We can get a belly filling meal for around 250 Rupees (Around $2.20USD). The different spices in the curry's taste so good. Finish it off with a trip to the ice cream stand or the deserts place and get an ice cream sundae or a personal sized apple pie for around $1.25. The goodies at the desert place are incredible. For me to call this just an apple pie is not doing it justice. It must weigh a solid 1 pound.
One interesting thing I noticed about the customers of the food court is that they are a different class of Sri Lankan's. To us going to the food court and spending under $10, well probably closer to $5 for two meals and deserts is a good thing, for most Sri Lankan's that is just out of the question. A Sri Lankan lunch packet sold on the street will cost about 100 Rupees and it is filled with rice and a good serving of curry.
I noticed that the kids that go there are definitely more Western, speak better English etc. You can tell the that the family's that visit the food court have money. Lunchtime the crowd is cal young professionals bunch.
It's not like visiting a food court in the U.S.A. They have common cutlery stands to get forks and spoons and you can leave your trays or dishes on the table as they have people to pick them up. In fact the men who pick up the trays and dishes are usually nice enough to take it from your table when they see you're finished.
For us a typical meal would be at Shanmuga's which is an Indian vegetarian place. We can get a belly filling meal for around 250 Rupees (Around $2.20USD). The different spices in the curry's taste so good. Finish it off with a trip to the ice cream stand or the deserts place and get an ice cream sundae or a personal sized apple pie for around $1.25. The goodies at the desert place are incredible. For me to call this just an apple pie is not doing it justice. It must weigh a solid 1 pound.
One interesting thing I noticed about the customers of the food court is that they are a different class of Sri Lankan's. To us going to the food court and spending under $10, well probably closer to $5 for two meals and deserts is a good thing, for most Sri Lankan's that is just out of the question. A Sri Lankan lunch packet sold on the street will cost about 100 Rupees and it is filled with rice and a good serving of curry.
I noticed that the kids that go there are definitely more Western, speak better English etc. You can tell the that the family's that visit the food court have money. Lunchtime the crowd is cal young professionals bunch.
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