In a few hours from now, I'll be heading to the airport to catch my flight to Colombo. I love the Emerald Isle, especially at dawn, when the plane circles the airport and begins its descent. Surprises start on landing at this unexpectedly spiffy airport, where everything runs smoothly and the staff is ever smiling - yes, even at that hour! It's only when one hits down town that reality kicks in - all those boy soldiers with toy guns!! Well... Mumbai is fast catching up with its menacing bunkers and armed cops.
My good friend Anthony Spaeth, the editor of 'Power' magazine in Hong Kong, has recommended a place called Palmyrah in Renukha Hotel on Galle Road. I shall check it out for sure. But not before I revisit old favourites like Paradise Road, and the magnificently restored Colonial mansion, Tintangel, which was the former residence of the Bandaranaike family. Shaanth, the undisputed God of Sri Lankan aesthetic sensibilities, is a monarch of all he surveys, with his impeccable taste and fine eye for beauty. He is the man behind both these stunning properties.
As always, this too shall be a frenzied trip, with press conferences and other promotional gigs that make up the circus. I am not complaining. I'd fly many miles for those stringhoppers. Plus, I have been promised a blue whale watching expedition off the coast of Galle. Wish me luck. I am in competent hands with Shyamalee Tudawe, the fetching editor of Sri Lanka's top end society magazine.
Till then adieu. I'll be back in this space next week. Why?? The lap top stays home!!

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