Just for a change I write this blog on the plane heading for Dubai en route to England and am hoping for another view of the amazing 7* Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai, brings back memories of unbelievable bedrooms!
In Sri Lanka we have visited well over 30 Hotels and 7 Cricket grounds from Dambulla to Kandy, Galle & Colombo and believe me there are some magnificent grounds. It has been a lot of hard work – so many notes and photos taken. We have selected hotels from contemporary to boutique and colonial – in fact, something for everyone. We have also done our homework on restaurants. I must say though that I have checked my thoughts against Trip Advisor and and don’t completely agree at the ratings. I feel some are are based on past reputation which is no longer valid and having been an apprentice and commis chef at the Goring Hotel, Victoria for 7 years I think I should know a bit about it! I did work hard there, it was and still is a truly wonderful hotel and I am very proud to have worked there, I was not always in the pub or at cricket or football!
I, of course, have my favourite hotels and cricket grounds which I will be happy to share with you by phone or email. We were lucky to catch the last day’s play at Galle between Sri Lanka and India, very one sided but Sri Lanka did pick up a couple of injuries during the game and the setting is of course totally unique set in the shadow of the old fort.
When in Colombo I was hoping to arrange a meeting with the president of the of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board HON. THILANGA SUMATHIPALA to find out whether the ODI’s would be day or day/night but due to the 2nd Test match with India only 3 days away he was unavailable. My feeling with the ground managers I have spoken to is that it will be day/ nights except Galle because of the 16th century fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage site so no flood lights allowed.
We have had a lot of interest in Sri Lanka already it is inexpensive, has lovely people, excellent standards and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a must. All that remains now are the dates and venues which should be around March, if you have anything you would like to ask us please get in touch or register here
A beer has just arrived…a jolly up in the Sky..!
All the best and hope to see you at the Cricket Club Café in Colombo next year for one of our events.
