If like me, post – COVID you are craving once more for that daily coffee and breakout from home or office, here is a summary of my experience pre the virus and lockdown. Having had coffee-loving visitors from Australia staying
I recall the story of Sri Lankan father who was holding his three children as the tsunami hit. He had to let go of one child to save the others. For many governments, companies and people around the world, it
From our mountain retreat called The Glass House, we overlook the Victoria Dam, which is some 30 minutes from Kandy in central Sri Lanka. Behind the water we see the Knuckles range of mountains. There are some 34 mountains though we can
Checking in for the night flight from Mumbai back home to Sri Lanka I have one of those pleasant surprises! I’ve been upgraded to business class! I historically felt that this was part achieved if you’re suited up (wearing a jacket).
The Whinging Pome Random Rule No. 122: Always wear a jacket when boarding a flight
But today airlines are more processed on who gets the unpaid upgrade.
In my book “The Whinging Pome – To The Point”, I include over twenty Whinging Pome Random Rules. These are generally one liners that come to mind in response to a situation, an interface/ an interaction with someone, a circumstance
Its about a three hour drive from Colombo to Dambulla in central Sri Lanka and night time driving is faster than daytime. The biggest hazard on the roads are the many drivers who overtake on blind bends in the road
We arrive at Haldummulla Tea Estate three days after Christmas via a precarious road on which a four-wheel vehicle is essential. It’s raining sideways accompanied by a noisy wind. The bungalow has two big bedrooms with rustic furniture and dated
We land at Berlin’s Schonefeld Airport which was built around nineteen forty but we pass the new Billy Brandt airport which looks like Greek architecture. It was due to open in 2010 but now planned to open in 2020. Doesn’t sound like German efficiency. The German immigration takes a nano second to look at my passport let me in. Ah British you see, honest chap, wait till post Brexit. My wife with a Australian and Sri Lankan passport takes somewhat longer.
We arrive on a Friday late afternoon and the first impressions of Pondicherry, on southeast coast of India , are not so good. The sea promenade is awash with masses of people. The narrow streets are hectic with bikers and
Antiparos is a small island that is part of the Cyclades that comprises 220 islands in the Agean Sea. It is very accessible by sea with open deck ferries leaving from Pounta on the island of Paros. The journey takes
My travel partner Darby and I set off at least an hour behind schedule. A bit like the two aging men in the ” odd couple” movie of 1998 where Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon set off on a journey,
In my book The Whinging Pome To The Point, I noted in the ‘Cheap Women Grey City’ story that Ireland’s most notable exports are People, Guinness, and the Irish pub concept. However, on a recent trip to Dublin, while the
New York. I want to taste, experience and wake up in this cosmopolitan city that never sleeps. As I arrive, I am no different from any other tourist and have a list of places I want to visit together with
Arriving at the walled city of Avignon, in Provence France, the gendarme stood in front of the car; making it clear there was no entry into the city. I waived a piece of paper at him but he was still
In 2015 the remains of Richard the Third, the last Plantagenet of England were buried in Leicester cathedral , five centuries after he died . The ceremony attracted many visitors and hit worldwide TV. So where had he been for
In 2014 I wrote an article for LT Sri Lanka, called The Chinese Are Coming. In the article, I raised the question of potential issues which may arise as a result of heavy Chinese investment in Sri Lanka. Two key
An amazing sunset and a full moon rise creates the backdrop for the official launch of THE WHINGING POME – TO THE POINT at Bangalore Soma Vineyards on the 31st of March. An international group of over 70 people from India,
How many times have you heard someone say they are going to write a book? How many times have you told people, after listening to their ramblings they “should write a book”? After all, hasn’t technology and social media turned us
The road you travel will remain as your destiny till you change the road. – Mehmet Ildan – Tweet There are numerous examples of people traveling and for whatever reasons changing their plans, which sometimes leads to avoiding death or