Walking around town.

We decided to take a walk around Colombo yesterday. There is a lake in the middle of town, complete with a Buddhist temple and an island we have named "island of love" as nearly everyone was sucking face whispering sweet nothings into their companions ears. It was great fun for everyone, as our adventure also included a ride in the swan boats.

It was a great day. Walking around was fun. However, our kids need to walk more. Jack and Thomas both complained quite a bit after a few minutes. Jack made it the entire way, but I ended up carrying Thomas. Oh well, hopefully someday they will enjoy walking around town. Either that, or they will be old enough so Ben and I can leave them at home. Both situations equal a Win-win.

 

 

 

 

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Spring Break, Sri Lankan Style

The boys had spring break last week, and we lucked out when some friends invited us to stay with them at a beach house. It was AMAZING!

 

We walked on the beach.

 

 

We played bocci ball and swam in the pool.

Thomas rolled around in the black sand.

I drank coconut water.

Jack ate pancakes.

We ate really well.

 

 

We had an awesome time. Although I learned that packing for a beach house is different than packing for a hotel...good thing our friends came prepared.

I hope to go back. I promise to pack better.

 

All this can be yours, if you come visit.

*hint, hint*

*wink, wink*

*nudge, nudge*

*kisses*

 

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My View: From a Tuk-tuk

Tuk tuks are my main source of transportation. I say me because Ben has a work car he uses and the boys come with me a lot, but when they are with me, we often call a taxi.

Anyway, as I was riding around the other day, and I took some pictures. It was a pretty typical day, nothing too crazy. I was hoping for a bike carrying propane or a cow or something, but not this time.

 

 

 

 

 

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How to look like a tourist. Another tutorial by yours truly.

There are many ways to stand out as a tourist.  I will only go into two different ways that I commonly see and/or have done myself (perhaps did today).

Today Jack and I played tourist and went to the Gangaramaya Temple, here in Colombo.  

One:  Carry a guide book with you.  When in doubt, open it up.  Maybe in the middle of the road, stopping to make sure you are in fact supposed to be crossing the road.  Perhaps stopping traffic; creating another obstacle for the many motorists to go around (hopefully).  This may bring into mind a joke about a chicken and a road.

Step Two:  Wear a shirt that is from the place you are visiting.  Really.  You don't see many locals wearing shirts from their own city.  I mean, how many people from New York City wear the I (heart) NY shirts?  Very few, if any.  How many French people wear shirts with the Eiffel tower on it?  Pretty sure not many.  You want to look like a tourist, wear a shirt you have just bought.  

(Think of the movie "What about Bob?")

There you have it.  Two ways to look like a tourist.  

Now, like I said I have in fact done both of these things. (Well, I don't think I have opened a guidebook in the middle of the road, but I have seen it done.)  I don't think that looking like a tourist is always a bad thing.  In fact, I think being a tourist can be exciting.  

There are a lot more ways to look like a tourist.  What are some of your favorites?

Of course, when you are a tourist, you must, must, must take a picture of everything.

And...you must take pictures of everything your guide tells you to take pictures of.  Then when they ask for a tip, you can thank them for these little gems:

I would like to thank Jack for tagging along with me.  He was a little reluctant to come with me, but he was so good AND had a good time.  Win-win.

Good Eats.

Hello friends. I am going to attempt to convince as many of you as I can to come visit us. I realize that it can be rather expensive to fly here, but once you get here, you will be treated to many wonders. As we are going to be here for only two years, that gives you, my dear friends and family, time to plan.

Here are some of the yummy things that will greet you.

Rice and chicken in a curry sauce with salad and green beans in coconut curry sauce. (Sister Jodie, I think you would LOVE all the curry here.)

 

From the bakery down the street. Donut with chocolate mousse in the middle and an eclair and cream puffs. So delicious.

We are ready for you as soon as you decide to come!

 

Arlington National Cemetery.

Today was a beautiful day here.  We wanted to go into DC, but we knew there would be big crowds on the Mall because of the Cherry Blossom festivities, so we headed to Arlington National Cemetery.  To my knowledge, I have never been here before- which surprises me, since I love going to cemeteries.  Did you know that one of my very first blog posts was about going to a cemetery when been Ben was in training?  Did you notice the quote "These Honored Remains:  Destiny's Remains When Diplomacy Fails"?  That has stuck with me since I read it, but I digress.

Back to today.  Thomas fell asleep, but Jack was not really interested in hanging out for a long time, so we hit the two things we really wanted to see, the JFK grave and the Tomb of the Unknowns.  I enjoy being able to see and honor those who have fought for our freedom.  I find it interesting, awesome, and peaceful.  I hope to go back and see more without children, or when they are a little older.

The Tomb of the Unknowns was amazing.  The reverence that was felt when watching the solider cross in front of the tomb was palpable.  Such an amazing sight and feeling.  Really, if you haven't been, you definitely should.

I think the reason I love cemeteries so much, is that I know that someday, all that will be left of me is a headstone, and I hope someone will take a moment to wonder what I was like, and maybe make up a story about my life, as I have done to so many names that I have seen.  I can hope that once I am dead, and all those who know me are gone, someone will think of me, even for a moment.  Is that weird?  Probably.  I think it might come from my desire for attention.  Perhaps once I am dead, I won't really care.

I love being a tourist.

It has been absolutely beautiful the last few days here in Virginia, and we are trying to take advantage of the sunshine.  (And all of the free things to see/do here.)

We headed into DC with some friends and had a blast!  

We rode the metro, we saw the Washington Monument (which is closed because of the earthquake last year), the Lincoln Memorial, and we walked, and walked, and walked.  

It was a successful day, and we can't wait to do it again.

Anyone want to join us?