lakshan

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My greatest truffle experience was in Menerbes in July 2017 with our special friends, the Aluwihare’s. At the museum and truffle / wine centre in Luberon in a building dating back to the 17th century the reoccurring topic is TRUFFLES. We sit overlooking a valley from this hill top restaurant.

I think every one of the food courses we ordered included truffles, either infused, or as a sauce, or sprinkled on, or like mushrooms served with steak. So if you have never had truffles, you should try them.

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows normally in the roots of trees and are harvested in France between November and March.

There are lots of stories, myths and old wifes tales told by the French about truffles. At one point, farmers used their pigs to dig out the truffles but this would often result in a frenzied pig eating all the fungus. Dogs are used by some truffle hunters as they dig and find the truffles but will not eat them.

We have an amazing meal at the restaurant, though my steak is one of the smallest I’ve had in France. But explaining this to the waiter is a non starter. Tissa in our group, tells the wine waiter that he enjoys Italian Barolo wine, and can the French match the taste? Somewhat of a fun insult to the French. We get offered a 4 hour truffle hunt at 180 euros a person but decline the kind offer. Do we look French?

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Colonial Colombo Fort Tour

An opportunity to see and hear the uncensored stories, history and colonial splendor of the Fort central area and Galle Face Colombo. Everything from Prince Phillip’s car, murders, horse racing, iconic hotels, city bank buildings, the clock tower, tall chandeliers, a hidden church, numerous statues, bombings, the port and the Chinese Port City, gossip, travel stories and more with the best flat white coffee in the city!

Colombo Manhattan Tour

Waterfront walk, the new Manhattan of Colombo, new developments on a grand scale, many running late, 100plus birds and Sid the water monitor, colonial history, The Masonic Lodge, Hawkers food center, the new urban gardens. Coffee and views from the Shangri-la Hotel.

Rusting Beira Lake Tour

Walk around the Beira Lake with stunning views, rusting cars, islands, temples, plenty of birds and see where decay meets the new skyscrapers. Coffee stop at the Monkey Bean Cafe.

Victoria/ Viharamahadevi Park Tour

A Victoria park walk that covers the history, war time, the statues, plaques, trains, theatres, Queen Victoria and more, wrapped up with a secret coffee stop.

Massive photo opportunities, coffee stops optional and lots of WP stories.

Restricted to lady participants!

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What a great day for all Sri Lankans to celebrate their freedom from the oppressive British rule back in 1948. I consider Sri Lanka my home and though pre- COVID I spent six months travelling abroad a year, it was a pleasure to come home. What makes Sri Lanka the place I choose to live, weather, the pace of life, close friends, the beautiful hill country, amazing beaches, architecture, it reminds me of my boyhood in Africa. Somethings, however, do “get my goat“ as they say. (also I suppose it’s easy to say as a white boy in a foreign land)

These include but are not restricted to,

  • The excessive cost of living especially, electricity, cars, cheese, booze and all things nice and imported.
  • Corruption
  • Lack of development of the middle classes
  • Politics that have ruined the country since independence.


I have had no personal issues concerning racism in twenty years but I see a worrying racism trend in Sri Lanka, influenced by politics, elitist religious groups, and successive governments.

Some locals may say “what did the British leave the island with?”, trying in some way to blame colonialism for the state of the country today. Some would say, especially the older islanders, that the British left too early, and the island now lacks discipline, unity of the people, a work ethic, and political stability. Those looking closer at what the British left in more measurable ways should consider, an island-wide rail system, an international language, roads, an effective legal process, reward systems for those that worked hard, the best tea plantations in the world, cricket, and more.

So come on Sri Lankans. Your post-independence politicians have let you down and today’s crowd is going to sell the island to the Chinese as bankruptcy is round the corner. Just look at the large quantities of high-end cars on the island compared to the GDP, salary levels, etc. There are just too many families making quick and or dirty money. Does the majority of the 3% who “have lots” really want to see changes during growth for all, sadly I don’t think so. We will continue to have a brain drain with our bright young people disillusioned with Sri Lanka, leaving for a better life in another country.

If you are still reading this I have to assume you are not part of the 3% of “have lots”, nor are you in politics but are someone who cares about the future of the country and its people, as I do.

 

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With much of the world in doom and gloom in December 2020 plus the grip of COVID and the resultant lockdown restrictions, if you didn’t get to create a new year’s resolution list for 2021, you are not alone. Research in the UK by Brandwatch/ Incite UK shows 45% of people who normally do a list of new year resolutions did not do one for 2021.

In previous years the three top resolutions were

  • Reduce/ stop drinking
  • Change/ improve my job
  • Going vegetarian/ diet change

This year the top three resolutions

  • More time with family and friends
  • Learn something, eg a language
  • Read more

What a difference; in 2021 we become more modest, more eager to learn. Given that the UK and for that matter, many other countries are already spiralling out of control on unemployment, there is no end in sight to how bad the situation will be. Strange when we see massive share growth in the stock markets of many countries, far beyond the reality that will dawn. Exceptions may be those companies in the technology, distribution and food supply.

I published my tongue in cheek list of alternative new year resolutions but also had 20 personal Initiatives for 2021. These included, in no priority but not limited to, publishing my second book, no booze three nights a week, visit Vietnam, three exercise sessions a day, read more, play more golf, sail my boat, get more tech-savvy, focus more on close friends, and be more romantic with Jezzabel.

Eleven months to go in 2021, so how am I doing? Some are impossible to start. e.g. Vietnam trip. Some, I’ve made a good start e.g. meeting close friends, found an editor for book two, most days two lots of exercise and a few days three lots.

In the recently published book, Tiny Habits by B J Fogg, the author outlines how you need to breakdown your resolutions. Let’s call them initiatives…. or creating positive habits, break them down to simple actions. As an example, if drinking more water is the initiative on your list, get into a simple routine; place a covered glass of water in a key place you pass in the morning, or leave a glass early evening next to your bed. If reducing booze intake is on the list, create a simple rule, no drinking e.g. Monday/ Tuesday/ Wednesday. If you set the target of walking three days a week; but can’t find the initiative to do it, find walking partners. This creates an additional benefit and commitment on your objectives/ targets. Take specific, but easy/ baby steps.

When you get to the end of 2021 and look back, it will not just be satisfying to see all you have achieved of your objectives but it will add to your life’s experiences and successes. The fact is that nearly all of us are going to face big challenges and in some cases new ones this year. Some of the challenges will come from societal pressure, e.g. unemployment, civil unrest, increase in poverty, currency devaluation, bad governance, etc. Look at what happened in Washington, Delhi, Netherlands recently. On a bigger scale, parts of Africa and South America where they are experiencing a breakdown of law and order and increasing military conflict. Myanmar saw a military coup just a few days ago, with it’s democratically elected leader ‘Aung San Suu Kyi’ being detained again.

2021 will see in excess of another 150 million people falling into extreme poverty.

The Whinging Pome's Random rule No 186:

Life is too short, make the most of every day. Tweet
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Jezzabel and I set off at 8 AM from Colombo and expect a six-hour journey to get to Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka but with non-stop driving. I know it won’t be six hours even though Jezzabel has packed enough egg sandwiches for a full day family bus trip. Our Muslim driver Neaz is not a “speedy Gonzales” but we must thank god it’s not a Friday with prayer stops. We get on the expressway, heading south till it finishes, then take a short dual carriageway, then a fast empty road to our destination, The scenery is changing from arid areas to a green lush landscape with lakes, lagoons, and stunning views. With these changes come the herds of goats, then buffaloes walking in the water, back to herds of thin white cattle that remind me of cows I’ve seen in parts of India. In the middle of nowhere, the road is so straight and the trees are planted at uniform spaces, creating a guard of honour for the passing traveller. It reminds me of France with plantain trees which were said to give assistance to Napoleon’s troops moving in difficult weather conditions. These trees today are thought to be responsible in some way for one in eight road accidents in France.

We are finally in the village of Pottuvil, taking sharp rights and lefts through shanty houses in a strong Muslim area, then to Jetwing Surf, which is ten minutes from the more famous Aragum Bay. You can’t surf in front of this hotel as it’s too rocky and rough, and I ask the manager “so where do I surf?” Looking me up and down with some doubt about my surfing profile he says “a few minutes away.”

Whenever anyone uses the phrase “a few minutes away”, I’m always sceptical. In India, this can mean an hour. 

“Is this running, walking or driving?“ I retort.

We don’t get to the recommended beach but in fact, some people rank this area as one of the best surfing locations in Asia during May to September, along with other locations of some fame such as Whiskey Point, Crocodile Rock and Elephant rock. 

This is a very modern beach hotel with a funky reception area, a collection of circular chalets, and an open dining area overlooking a curved pool and the sea. The chalets are large and extremely well designed with lots of space, a big bed and a chilled outdoor bathroom.

The criticism we had heard of the hotel prior was that there is no air conditioning. As I pass the back office of the reception I see a mobile aircon unit and it’s not long before it’s in our chalet, with three fixed fans on full blast. My princess, Jezzabel likes a room ice cold when she gets to bed. I generally have to extensively cover myself as its too cold for a white boy from Africa. It’s good that we are all different but our different requirements for bedroom temperature generally results in me having less sleep and constant phlegm. Too much detail you may say, but bedroom temperature disputes amongst couples are more common than you think.

It’s a long weekend in Arugam Bay and likely the last of the season. Those who are here are from Colombo to enjoy the beach and party, or others who have just forgotten to go home. Some belong in the “unwashed” category. The last time I was here was two weeks before the Tsunami in December 2004. I recall staying at the Stardust hotel and canoeing along the river. Sadly the hotel and the town were hit quite hard by the Tsunami, both losing lives. The town is now a thriving tourist location, though given it’s post-COVID, it’s hard to spot many foreign tourists. Those that are here have likely exceeded their visa period and have no desire to go back to their home countries, which are still being hit hard by the COVID phase two.

Jezzabel is off to the “Hideaway”, one of the few larger hotels in the town. She is meeting girlfriends and to listen to their local heart-throb. Actually, Jerome is a Sri Lankan Aussie as is my wife. I’m off to Siam View, an institution here in the town and well known across the island to all who have visited A-Bay, as some call it. Fred, the owner has been in Sri Lanka for over 35 years, gives me a warm greeting. I’ve known him for twenty years. Fred has had a colourful life with a Maltese/ German background but always comes over as a carefree Englishman, with ten or more kids, I’m not sure he knows the exact number. His Thai wife is a really lovely lady who always has a beaming smile and a friendly greeting. His property was hit by the tsunami but Fred bounced back into business very quickly. It is the go-to place, everyone meets there and there is never a dull moment with music, musicians, karaoke etc.

At Fred’s place, I encounter a rather opinionated and overweight Ex British navy chap who says he is a secret squirrel working for the British Government, tracking undesirable Sri Lankan’s who are trying to get into the UK illegally. Exiting from the conversation as quickly as I could without being extremely rude I meet up with some friends.

Amazingly I find a wine I’ve never seen before, a Malbec blended with Pinotage, a great wine for the price. When I get the bill for the wine there is some mix-up, and the barman/waiter seems to have over-charged me. He is so laid back, he is nearly horizontal, and a few sharp words follow. We will meet again tomorrow.

Night two and its the launch of my book on the east side of Sri Lanka, “The Whinging Pome – To The Point.” The venue is Fred’s place, Siam house. I check if all my wines are here where I left them the night before, in the fridge. They are all there and I explain to the barman how the night will flow and what his role will be. It is 7.30 PM and my guests are meant to all be here. I ask Fred for the list of attendees, and he gives me some 36 names. I ask how many have confirmed, and he tells me none, which he says is typical of the folk in A-Bay. At eight my first attendee arrives. She is a Russian karaoke singer in a short white dress who tells me she sings every night at the place. My second attendee, or so I thought, is a partially clothed white man who tells me his body is tatted from head to toe. Turns out he works part-time at Fred’s place. Its 8.30 PM and as Fred had promised a crowd has arrived. A bigger issue for me then became the fact that the barman had gone AWOL, turns out he didn’t like my comments from the night before had walked off the job. At 8.30 PM I’m sharing the podium with the Russian whose dress only just covers her boobs, the tatted man whom I think believes he is a rockstar, my book display and a set of drums.

It’s my first book launch/wine tasting where I’m pouring the wine, serving it, and talk at the same time.

The Whinging Pome’s Random Rule No 185: Learn how to multitask. Prove the ladies wrong, men can do it!

Despite the chaos, I sell about 15 books, 5 to the local MP’s son. Not sure if he was sober. If he was then no doubt he would want them for free. A bunch of airline pilots who have just had their employment contract cancelled are hitting the wine. We have now over fifteen nationalities at the event. In between all of this I need to get the next wine out.

The Russian lady in white is bashing out a Russian song. By ten-thirty the numbers have swelled to beyond sixty people. I’ve got a deaf, out of tempo chap on the drums and the Russian lady giving it her all whilst trying to keep everything in her dress. The night continues with more book signings and characters now believing they are at a full Karaoke event grabbing the mike, whilst random people think they are Ginger Baker, the drummer of the bands Cream, Blind Faith, Hawkwind and more.

This I think is a new book launch concept; Books, Ballards, Booze, Boobs.

The next day we have the opportunity to visit the Kumana National Park but I’m keener to enjoy the beach and visit a few temples than visiting a bird sanctuary. It’s also about thirty kilometres from the hotel and my beach is in front of me and my first temple which is dated at 2nd BC is 4 kilometres away. The location is on a very wide beach, and its history is linked to Princess Devi being washed up at the location and some monastery being built. This is the third location in Sri Lanka where this same story is set.

Wifey finds some friends who are staying close by in another hotel and they take a Jeep and head to the park. Jokingly on their return, I make a jibe about “how were the birds?”. I’m bombarded with how great their safari was. This included sightings of two different leopards, an elephant charging their Jeep, and lots of other non-bird species.

So it’s another day, another road, and we are heading to Batticaloa. I don’t think this town is ready for The Whinging Pome but actually, after the Arugam Bay experience, anything and everything is possible.

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10 Things you need to know about Aussies

  • What do you call an Australian with 100 girlfriends? A Farmer 
  • What do you call an Aussie in the finals of the World Cup? A Referee 
  • What do you call an Aussie woman wearing a red dress? Available
  • Why does Australia encourage New Zealanders to emigrate to Australia? It increases the IQ of both countries 
  • In Australia not reading is the nation’s pastime 
  • Aussies think Vegemite is a delicacy
  • How do you offend an Aussie? Talk about sports!
  • Australians don’t have sex. They mate. 
  • You cant give Australians more than ten minutes for lunch. If you do, you have to retrain them.
  • What do you do if an Aussie throws a grenade at you? Pull the pin and throw it back 

 

Happy Australia Day!

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The Queen of England in 1992, after a disastrous year for the Royal Family, used the term “it’s been a horrible year” in Latin. 

Most of us would look for stronger, more negative words to describe 2020. Having spent most of the year with a damaged coccyx from a jeep safari incident, I’m truly able to say 2020 was a pain, more than just a pain in the butt.

Many people, however, lost family and friends, lost employment, lost hope, and lost any vision of returning to the way things were. 

As 2020 is about to fade, I think it will be known in the future as “The wake-up year for the human race”.I have heard it said it’s the worst year in many ways since the Second World War.

I have some personal highlights for the year that is just about to end. I spent 9 months with Jezzabel, the wife, in one stretch. One month had been the max prior, and two weeks the norm over about eighteen years. We have come out of it stronger, wiser, and more healthy. We have had 300+ yoga classes, mainly at home with our yogi guru, walked about 2000 kilometres, swam 8000 meters, rekindled some old relationships, made some new friends in our apartment block, one delightful family has lived above us for nearly a decade and we had never met. We also worked out who the time-wasters were.

In my 200+ random rules of the Whinging Pome, Number 183 states, “Surround yourself with positive people“. 

However, 2020 was also a time to reach out to others who needed help. We have been lucky, spending more time exploring the island we live on. Our holiday home in the mountains overlooking a lake by the picturesque Victoria Golf Club has become a business for Jezzabel, and she now operates the villa for tourists, mainly locals, and ex-pats. As a qualified accountant, I’ve been impressed with her hands-on operational control and her drive on marketing the place. At home, I have learned again what it is like to make a meal, make a bed, and clean our home. I’m sure like many others my alcohol levels didn’t drop in 2020 though we have had to rely more on locally made spirits.

So 2021 is going to be a challenge to so many of us, but the COVID vaccines may get us back to some form of normalcy. What’s on your list for 2021? I suppose we are dependent on the vaccine rollout and the ability to travel. My annual previously documented new Year resolution was to join a music band and tour, with sex, drugs, and rock and roll. No that’s not the name of my three dogs. Someone wiser than me said we should make a list of what we would do if we were “stinky “ rich as a starting point for the year ahead. On your death bed, what would you regret not having achieved? Sounds like a Bucket List type movie. I always think of Oscar Wilde who on his death bed as an atheist had a catholic priest welcome him to the Church/faith, perhaps not his last “F“ you stunt. He was an atheist and had been ridiculed by the Church. They say your favourite song or movie gives you an idea about yourself. No wonder there are so many star wars nuts around. Despite what we all may think “routine “ in some form is good for us. Downsizing homes or material assets for some will be key, whilst for some, having a less complicated life and carrying less baggage is a lesson learned in 2020.

So on the positive side of 2021, 

I have used this year to return to better health and fitness, and in 2021 I need to at least maintain some of this discipline, which, however, has not included moderation in the consumption of gin. The upside, given the reduction of imports to Sri Lanka, the increasing duties on any imported liquor, and the promotion of better quality local liquor, is that the international brands are going to have to fight back. If 2019 gave me an opportunity to fly about thirty times I’m thinking in 2021 I will have limited international flights and it’s likely they will start in the second quarter. This will create time and energy for more trips around the island of Sri Lanka, such as the amazing rain forests, the train to Jaffna, and perhaps some sailing, (our modest boat has not seen water for 12 months), sea fishing, mountain walking, and exploring. 

The much-improved home delivery services, upgraded products of “export quality“ being available locally, and home entertainment is going to result in fewer restaurant visits. If dining out is a preference, we want to bring our own wines and expect more flexibility and more customer benefits. I do notice currently that in many top restaurants when the waiter brings the bill he asks if you have a credit card as this carries a discount, unbeknown to us. When I ask which card they say HSBC, HNB, NTB, etc. In fact, there are offers on any credit card you have. Credit card companies are also feeling the pinch I assume. More simple dinners with good friends instead of being seen in the best places in town, let’s leave that to the new rich. There is no shortage of them but generally, in Sri Lanka, they are linked to political parties/families or their cronies. Having spent the last year avoiding staying at big hotels, many were converted to quarantine centers at some point, our stay over planning will center around quaint, small boutiques with some luxury with great service and plenty of walking opportunities.

There is now more flexibility of home services, eg masseurs, gym instructors, yogi teachers, doctors, an array of medical tests. Add to all this increased home-deliveries and of course, the romantic nights in with Netflix are establishing new norms. We know that there will be new changing rules and regulations on international travel in 2021 which I suspect are likely to increase the cost and reduce the service. It is going to take a year or more to get the vaccine to Sri Lankan’s 22 million population. Continue long quarantine periods on arrival will be with us for the near future so I’m not expecting to get on a holiday abroad soon. Having already published many stories on travelling in Sri Lanka I will be adding many more in 2021, so when the tourists return perhaps book three will be “Travels in my adopted homeland – Sri Lanka – by The Whinging Pome”.

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From one hundred and forty coffees between April to August on my early morning walks in varying locations during the COVID19, here are my totally made-up coffee awards presented to the Coffee shops in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Overall winner

Best coffee, best value for money, great service, and outside seating

The Brown Bean Coffee

Many of my above findings are on video, which you can checkout on The Whinging Pome Facebook page.

There is a coffee culture in Colombo and there are lots of choice and new places opening. About 40% of locations do not have low-fat milk, many can’t do a decent flat white coffee.

So having completed my coffee survey, speaking to many staff en route, enjoying some of the coffee, I’m now reverting to my area of greater knowledge………wine, though I will avoid drinking in the morning.

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It’s Nelson Mandela’s birthday today. He was born in 18th July 1918 into a tribal royal family. He spent 27 years in prison, including periods of hard labour, fighting for what he believed in, social justice anti-apartheid/ racism. He became the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He took South Africa from brink of a blood bath to national reconciliation.

For those who have not seen the movie u201cInvictusu201d, its time to find it and understand what great leadership is all about. He took the nation through truth and reconciliation process which has been adopted since by many countries with ethnic issues, civil wars etc.

I spent some time in South Africa as a young boy and my father, a missionary and religious minister was amongst those who support the change despite the personal risk during apartheid. Mandela is my hero and I recall playing the South African National Anthem (one anthem in five languages) in Dec 2013 at an event I was compeering at Victoria Golf Club.

I spent some time in South Africa as a young boy and my father, a missionary and religious minister was amongst those who support the change despite the personal risk during apartheid.

Mandela is my hero and I recall playing the South African National Anthem (one anthem in five languages) in Dec 2013 at an event I was compeering at Victoria Golf Club.

So what did Sri Lanka learn from this great man? Well, many government officials went over to South Africa to study the truth and reconciliation process and to see how it could be applied in Sri Lanka post the war. Sri Lanka unlike the approach of South Africa has kept the international community at bay, have not followed the guidelines on international human rights, or attempted to achieve international standards. There are outstanding criminal investigations, pardons to officers who have been found guilty by Sri Lankau2019s own legal process etc. This is no surprise as the independent commission in Sri Lanka were all selected by the Sri Lankan Government, some of which were accused of war crimes.

We need a Mandela inspirational leadership for the Sri Lankan people.

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Little Saint James Island aka 'Pedophile island'​ owned by Jeffrey Epstein

By now many of us have seen the documentary series about Jeffrey Epstein, its called “Filthy Rich” on Netflix. It tells the story of about twenty years of abuse, molestation and a paedophile pyramid manipulating young women, many under sixteen years of age into the sex trade. Jeffrey Epstein was the man behind it all, assisted by Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Jeffrey Epstein owned an island on which he entertained politicians, presidents including Clinton and Trump, top financiers, even a prince of the English royal family and more. The island would have many women available, many under the age of sexual consent, some actually trafficked there whilst some participated willingly in sexual acts with the rich and famous. Epstein used it to influence an ingratiate himself with people who would then support him and his billionaire empire.

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Bungled or corrupt officials failed to get him properly locked up for over twenty years. The courts finally got him locked up on a long sentence. He was sent to a secondary jail, a strange choice some say. It was there he committed suicide. An autopsy arranged by Epstein’s brother officially announced Epstein could not have the injuries he had from committing suicide, in summary, he was murdered. Ask yourself who would want him killed?

The series highlights the true story of how the rich and famous participated and befriended this man and how the USA legal/police were unable to protect these girls. Some say this documentary is a tribute to all those victims. There were a few brave and honest men and women who restlessly fought the corrupt government depts, amidst personal physical/financial threats to get the evidence heard in the higher courts. This resulted in justice finally being administrated.

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The true story goes on and Ghislaine Maxwell is now facing court process which may result in her spilling the beans on many of the rich and famous men who were abusing the underage girls Jeffrey had supplied them. Some say Ghislaine may appear but has she some legally binding deal in the USA so she cant be prosecuted. She will need to be protected as there are many people with a vested interest in keeping her quiet. Netflix is already working on a follow-up documentary.

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