The air was warm, high temperature and in the environment is a frenzy of horns mingled with the buzz of old engines claiming retirement. Motorcycles, in which an entire family was traveling to, road populated swarm of insects which. An autorickshaw me trasportaba road from Colombo, principal municipal Sri Lanka, and could not help practically jump off it and try to observe and absorb everything he saw. It came to mi primer contact with Asia, a continent that confronts you with the reality of its people, it gives you the chance to discover yourself and jump into the adventure of traveling feeling only citizen of a world to discover, to live.
Colombo is not among the most popular vacation destinations, does not appear in the catalogs that show white sand beaches that never end, thanks to which is so attractive. Its history goes back to the V, when Arab merchants established a port and a small colony that supplied commercial routes. And 1505, Portuguese navigator Lorenzo de Almeida anchored in Colombo and managed to gain a monopoly of the spice trade and cinnamon. And 1658, the Dutch who would fix their attention on this island, replacing Portugal in its domain. In the early nineteenth century, the island became a British crown colony and 1815 Colombo was proclaimed capital of the then Ceylon. That's the story, as always a key to understanding.
Every few blocks I was a military checkpoint. The area had been the target of terrorist attacks on LTTE, Tamil guerrillas
I had booked through an agency, so it turned out to be Western hotel autochthonous more, perfect to relax and enjoy the stay, but if what one vacant wanted was impregnated city and deal with its inhabitants. Probably was an oasis that many guests seek, an illusion that prevents face the realities that appear to leave the plush sofas in the cafe where you taste the famous Ceylon black tea as the air conditioning and music melodies prevent your mind think about something else other than enjoy the . The automatic doors opened entrance to the hotel and started walking while I hugged tropical embarrassment.
The city center is occupied an area known as Fort, because there were emplaced military fortifications settlers. The streets architecture buildings clearly show English and Dutch, alongside modern skyscrapers that rise. Every few blocks I was a military checkpoint. The area had been the target of terrorist attacks on LTTE, Tamil guerrillas until 2009 was fighting for independence from north. It fiercely curious who wanted to convey the soldiers, all with his rifle in hand, and many of them slip on some boots. I wondered if I would be able to chase someone, but imagine having to run bullets would leave the suspect.
Between control and control reaches one to Pettah, neighborhood famous for su bazaar. Here one can dive among neighbors that cover the vegetable stalls negotiating the price, buy bananas for a child or just browse among the goods. When you want to take the pulse of a city there are several things that never fail. Besides enjoying the cacophony of its markets, should one approach the places where you can enjoy free time. In the case of Colombo, one is Galle Face Green. It is a seaside area, with a strip of beach and a large area for walking. I decided to approach at sunset. Many children were flying their kites while their parents cheered his skill, women chatting animatedly letting the breeze dance with their saris, and youth groups trying to captivate with their smiles to some girl who enjoyed a refreshing lassi. Sitting on a bench, tried to retain in my memory the bold colors of a sun already dismissed, and there, more than 10.000 miles from home, Asia began to feel without imagining that on the continent would eventually feel at home.
It flooded with frantic traffic pollution su them to sellers who call the pie offered fresh fish
My stay in Colombo took place six months after the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in December 2004 causing more than 30.000 deaths in Sri Lanka. I took an autorickshaw and drove early Galle Road southbound. I found it curious that a major artery of the city without complexes show a chaotic succession of dilapidated buildings, offices, fast food restaurants and auto shops selling second-hand tires. It flooded with frantic traffic pollution su them to sellers who call the pie offered fresh fish. Pedestrians trying to cross the road while drivers honked Colombo soundtrack, honking, shouting and loud music from any modern car owned manifest their presence needed.
An hour later, arrived at the place. We walked a few meters walk and began to observe the panorama of desolation. Most of the huts were demolished, it meant walking between blocks of brick, Furniture remains, wood and clothes. With the Indian wind hitting my face I tried to imagine the sound of the water to reach land, cries, confusion, while the waters sentenced, many struggle useless. I struck up a conversation with a man who showed me what he had saved from his home. There were two small rooms. I could only see un colchón, a fan, some pans, a bag of rice, some coconuts and vegetables. The children enjoyed my visit and did not cease questioning; even among garbage and spread misery looks childish joy. The father, pointing my camera, I said: When you return to your country, shows photos. You will come to help someone then? I do not know, do not know. – And I could not say more.
The automatic doors opened hotel on my arrival. The air conditioning, ambient music, plants that adorned the reception and even the friendly waiter made me unbearable reality mirages between dunes. I think it was at that moment that I realized that there are places where you leave a part of your heart and change something trips your being.
More information: www.infoviajero.es
The road
Mirar Internet, I have not any airline to recommend. Yes, most flights have two scales
A nap
In Colombo there are two hotels I have visited. One of them is the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, has recently been remodeled and their rates are high. Another option is the Taj Samudra Hotel. Both are class hotels. Pero themselves volviera, or rather when you return to Colombo, I'll opt for something much simpler, and local.
A table set
The restaurant at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel is simply spectacular and is ideal if you need to escape the traditional spicy dishes as Colombo. The International cuisine is first. But for everyday meals I recommend trying the local street stalls and small. If we care at least we will have no problem choosing.
Highly Recommended
Walking around is enjoyable and much easier than in India and not being pursued both tourists. If we want to buy souvenirs, elephant carvings wood are fantastic and of course you have to buy Ceylon. As always, the best is behind the places of interest and visited.
