Jeez, where does the time go? We are in Chilaw about two hours north of Colombo where Ron and his team are doing a training. We are staying at a resort about 30 minutes out of town. The resort, Palm Bay Club, is surrounded on three sides by a lagoon and faces the ocean on the fourth side. Quite a setting. The resort has tennis, golf, snooker/pool, a gym, massage, the largest swimming pool in Sri Lanka. It is incredibly big. While Ron is working I took a long walk on the beach, went birding on the grounds, took a morning nap, ate too much lunch, took photos of the grounds, took an afternoon nap, read and wrote post cards. What a life! If not careful, I could turn into a slug...the dining here is open air. You eat in an area with a roof supported by columns and no walls. It's my favorite way to dine.

This morning on my walk I talked to a fisherman. Sri Lankans are always curious as to where we are from and usually will ask you. In the cities this is sometimes used as a come on for some undesirable end but in the rural areas, there's no hitch to the question. Later I spoke with three fishermen who were sitting on the beach. One asked me for a cigarette using sign langauage. I told him I didn't smoke so he asked me for 'bumba' which is what kids always ask for. It's chewing gum. I told him I didn't have any so he pointed to my shoulder bag and asked for 'school pen' again this is what kids always ask for. I said I have school pens. I always carry a supply since I have learned kids love them and they are a better gift than sugar/gum! He jumped up and grabbed two and his two friends jumped up and grabbed the other three. They rushed at me the same way kids do and then giggled with glee.

When I went out birding, I got attacked by the most aggressive ants I have ever encountered. They were on my feet, my arms, one was well up my skirt on the way to my hinney. Yikes, they would bite and start chewing and not let go. I got about eight-ten bites, got nervous but nothing happened. Sure got my adrenilin going. Since they had terrible coffee this norning which I couldn't drink, I guess this was my substitute for waking me up. Next time I'll just drink the coffee!

The ride up here was lovely. Once we got out of Colombo we passed through several towns that appeared prosperous in that the shops looked new or freshly painted and well maintained. Most places in SL look like they need to good scrubbing and a fresh coat of paint so it was refreshing to see places that were so well maintained. By contrast we stopped by the room Ron's organization had rented for the training. It was on the third floor-walk up. There rarely is any accommodation here for disabled people. The chairs had cane bottoms and were in need of repair, the tables which were to be used as desks were chipped, scarred and dirty, the screen for projection was a couple of pieces of white cloth sewn together. OY.

Last weekend Ron and I found a shortcut to the internet cafe though a quaint close neighborhood. On one side are houses (huts might be a better term) and the other side is a short wall. The distance between the two is about four feet. There are always people in front of their houses. Some were looking for lice in each other's hair, one was brushing his teeth, some are visiting. We are quite out of place there but have been met is warm smiles and hellos. So I asked Veena if is was okay to cut through there and she said no problem during the day but don't do it at night.

New Year's Eve we went to bed early but got up at midnight when the fireworks went off. We went up to the roof top garden and were joined by Veena, her sister in law and two young nieces. Although there were a lot of fireworks most were firecrackers. Still it was lovely to share the time together. New Year's is a big deal here. The next Tuesday (first day at work for Ron after the holiday) everyone I saw at the Asia Foundation greeted me, held my hand and wished me a happy and properous New Year. I sometimes feel like royalty here given how I am treated.

My driver, Mr Kularathna came by on the first and brought us a huge papaya, four coconuts (used for coconut water which is very popular to drink) and an orchid he had grown. We were totally overwhelmed. Keep in mind the wages here folks. When I use him for four hours it costs around $7.00. We had given him $10 for a holiday gift which is considered a big gift here. He has brought us fruit two other times, asking nothing in return. Amazing.

Ocassionally, we see bullock carts still being used here to haul stuff. Talk about a step back in time. Women mostly wear saris, or long ankle length skirts. Some wear pants, some young women wear tight jeans. It is rare to see a woman's legs. All the women wear their hair long, down to their hinnies. They pull it back at the nape of the neck or wear in in a bun or braid. Veena is one of the few women I know who cuts her hair short.

I forgot to mention Ron saw a Christmas tree here with a star of David on top. Well that should cover two traditions in one! Another common sight is seeing a hair salon that says 'saloon'. Maybe they serve beer while cutting hair. Also you will see men on bicycles carring their wives who sit on the bar sidesaddle.

Sorry this is so disjointed. I've been taking notes but have not been able to post for awhile so I'm just throwing a lot at you.

Got to go. That's it from SL where the men are goregous , the weather sultry and the Bergman's are having an adventure.