This morning I took another walk in the area. I heard this incredible screeching noise and looked up in the trees above me. There were hundreds and hundreds of fruit bats, hanging from the limbs of several trees. Fruit bats are about the size of a crow or raven: big by our standards. I was fascinated. Yesterday I saw white egrets and a heron, looked like a night or green heron but until Christmas comes, I can’t be too sure about my identification of birds. (I have asked for a pair of binoculars and a book on birds of Sri Lanka for Christmas.) There are so many unusual birds and each morning I hear so many different bird songs that I really would like to know more about them.

My favorite thing I saw this morning was a man on a bicycle with a long pole. He would ride up to a street light, take the pole and hook one end into a ring high above him and pull on the pole, thus turning off the light. You got it; they turn the streetlights on/off by hand! I hope I am able to keep my amazement the entire time I am here. It is like being in another century.

Today I was packing for joining Ron on the coast. I pulled out our camera and the case was covered in mildew. Welcome to the tropics! But my favorite thing is I have a gecko living in my closet. Every time I open the door, he greets me. He is small and pretty cute. Can anyone tell me if they are good to have around or should I be evicting him? We once killed some giant spiders in our motel room in Zimbabwe and caught hell because “they are flatties. They eat insects”. I wouldn’t want to evict a mosquito-eating gecko.

I feel like I have died and gone to heaven. The past two evenings Veena’s mother, Mrs. Bakshi has brought me supper. The first night it was Indian pancakes with dhal and coconut chutney. Oh my goodness, they were good. Last night she made string hoppers again with dhal and a different coconut chutney. String hoppers are like fresh tiny thin noodles and oh so good. Can you tell I am a carb freak? It was great to not have to cook for one with Ron being gone.

Today I spent some time shopping, trying to get our office set up. My tuk tuk driver found a great office supply store. Great by SL standards. I asked for file folders and was sold flat, colored stiff paper that you fold…a folder. At any rate, I found the items and needed and feel a bit more organized.

I’m off to the market to try to find something to control the roaches that are leaving evidence that they have invaded my kitchen. Anyone know of any ‘natural’ deterrents? I really don’t like using toxic chemicals any time I can avoid it.

Cheap thrills…I was walking back from the market and got a whistle. I look up and a construction worker high above me waves. I use a broad brimmed hat so imagine his surprise when this 60-year chick waves back. I’m a hot chick all right, sweating hot that is.

Trouble in Paradise: On closer inspection of my closet, I just discovered most of my clothes are covered in mildew. Another problem to be solved. Stay tuned as I search for solutions. Anyone from Florida out there…I’m listening to your suggestions. This happened to me before when I lived there…oh my, that was in the sixties. I left in 1970! Yikes..I’m older than dirt…