Walking is easier and more fun than 9 hours from Colombo to Batticaloa By train
Arjuna, my old colleague, tutor, now published author, professor and friend, took me to a new restaurant in Colombo. Can’t remember the name but it was in a completely reconstructed part of town.
Oh, I remember you well! [JP, Patricia] Some things don’t necessarily change over time and that can certainly be said for the Sri Lanka rail connection across island from west to east. Nine utterly painfully slow, lacking motion hours. Methinks it stopped at every tree, rock and village. My day began at 5:30 am when my wake up call came. Met Kumara, my new found friend and Colombo tri shaw driver outside and away we went.
I should explain that yesterday I tri shawed to Fort Train Station to book a ticket to Batti. The line, which is really a misnomer because it spreads itself sideways as people come in exited the door. Kumara, my driver, in sneaky true Sri Lankan style, managed to go around and behind and in some side door; “I knows someone master.” He tells me. We became friends after that. I may still be waiting in that line.
I booked a seat but still Arjuna warned me to get their early. I was on my platform at 6:15 for the 7:15 departure.
ljm22 