checked out the capital with Arjuna Parakrama
The first shots are of the Dutch Hospital; the Dutch colonized Ceylon years ago. This building originally dates back to 1785, but it has been tastefully renovated and now houses cool shops and upscale restaurants. The next shots are of St. Anthony’s Cathedral. And then, the grounds and sale and eventual demolition of Arjuna’s distant relative and our effervescent and outgoing, bright and beautiful friend, Manique Gunesekera. Lastly, the age old coloniel Galle Face Hotel. It’s under a face lift though still a classic and exceptional building.
I hit the travel wall today. Tomorrow is the final day of this odyssey. I plan to write, read, sleep and eat something before my long homeward journey. It sadden me deep in my chest to say goodbye to Arjuna. As I told him, 30 years have gone by since I saw him last and it could have been a weekend ago. I have never, nor do I ever, expect to meet anyone like him. He is truly one of a kind; brilliant, hilarious, wise, thoughtful, generous, compassionate and I am absolutely delighted to call him my friend. I wish he would take better care of himself. His schedule is completely off the hook, and he takes responsibility for so many others. Rajes, his man Friday and his new driver, Nihal, are like dumb and dumber, yet he pulls them up and responsibly cares for them.
ljm22 
Just found out that you were back on the Island! How wonderful that you were able to visit and spend time with Arjuna. I’m envious! Brings back so many happy (and some challenging) memories. I think it would be wonderful to have some kind of reunion together. Hope your return Stateside goes/has gone smoothly. Thanks for sharing these words and images. Love & Good Wishes, Larry (The Coil)
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