Privacy umbrella

Out and about on the beach again today. It is impossible to walk far without a friendly local coming up to say 'hello', 'where are you from? ' and then offer to help us with something.
We went for a long walk with a fisherman whose boat had been damaged in a storm last week. He tried to sell me a massive shell that was really beautiful, but I am trying not to accumulate clutter - was tempted though.
It turns out that my blog was a bit inaccurate yesterday as there were lots of couples today with umbrellas and it definitely was not raining.
My own umbrella was a bit small for the two of us, but we briefly tried it out although it didn't keep the hawkers at bay.

Sri Lankan beach

Not me and Daz unfortunately, but the locals.

It is overcast and spitting with rain today, but still warm so we went strolling to get my 10k in.
There were no Europeans about, but there were a fair few young locals. They all had large umbrellas and cuddled up under them. It was really sweet - aaaahhhh.
They were also strolling together, as shown in the tut tut photo. It is is supposed to be arty and is not two tiny statues carefully balanced on the roof.

Catholic celebrations

Up and about again and found out that by going in the opposite direction from earlier today, it is quite built up and busy.
Stopped off at a bar for a beer and was shocked to find it was called Power Beer and was 8.8% proof!
Changed our order from one each to one between us - yes, honestly - but still didn't finish it.
Further up the street found an amazing reindeer and Santa Claus display, complete with fake snow. There are also many nativity scenes and our hotel is full of Santa Claus' and decorations. This part of Sri Lanka is apparantly home to lots of Catholics.

Culture surprise in Sri Lanka

It is 8.30am here and arrived about three hours ago.
The airport was packed full of people all trying to get us in their taxi, but eventually we got a little tut tut and had a hair raising ride to the hotel.
Been for a quick wander along the beach and we seem to be in the middle of a fishing village complete with homes made of banana leaves and open fires.
Lots of stray dogs so can at least work on my new year resolution.
Going to have a little nap now as I am getting on a bit.

More wandering

I am thinking that we are managing to make Dubai sound a bit dull.
We haven't sky dived, skied or even been up a really high tower.
Today we have been outside the Burj al Arab, found another beach and walked along the original creek.
Just hit 10k on Daz's watch so taking a break.
I have noticed that a lot of other people haven't been inside places either. Both times we went to the Dubai Mall the walkways were packed and the shops were almost empty.  We followed a huge crowd home and hardly any of them had any shopping bags with them.
Its probably good for the planet but not for business.
Off on another night flight tonight, should arrive in Sri Lanka just before 5am tomorrow.

New year resolutions

Had a fun day today and got a few resolutions to work on.
I am going to walk or run a minimum of 10 k per day and managed about 13 today, including one paddling on the beach.
Secondly, I am carrying on with my French studies and chatted away to a Michel Thomas tape for at least an hour.
I am also trying to improve my nail varnishing skills with the kit Daz gave me for my birthday. Unfortunately, todays new do looks as if a pigeon has pooped on them!
Finally, I am still working on last years resolution, but have made zero progress. I am trying not to be afraid of dogs, but I came across one unexpectedly tonight and I still had to hide behind Darren.
Ps, went to see the fountains at the Burj Khalifa tonight, but that was just a pleasure trip, not resolutions based.