Colombo is a great place – a destination in its own right. So, when the ship was in Colombo, I really had no other thought in my mind than to experience the city to the fullest. I had read a lot of good things about Colombo. Actually, I had been here before. It’s just that I had not been able to explore the city since I did not get a chance to get to shore during that time. So, this time, I resolved, I would do my best to experience what I read about.
At first, I don’t know where to start until I met my colleagues at the gangway who were also heading out. They had an itinerary on hand so I tagged along. Great to have friends, right? 🙂 With only four hours to spare, obviously, we couldn’t get too far from the port, or else we would not make it on time to get back on board before the ship sails.
Just around 10 minutes from the port by taxi is Shangri-La Hotel. Without wasting a single second, we went to the hotel’s pool bar at the 4th level. Not long after we walked in, we were sitting on the sunbeds holding a glass of “mojeto”. Now, I’m not really sure if this is just a corruption of “mojito”, or if it’s a completely different origin altogether, but our drinks were made from lemon, mint, sugar, and water. Pretty much mojito, without the rum and soda. Great coolers, for those who don’t want any alcohol (like us seamen on shore leave!).
The pool bar is only accessible to hotel guests. But we managed to get in – thanks to my friends who know a trick or two to get inside. It’s not like we barged in, but there’s a trick I still have yet to learn! We spent just an hour here, sitting and enjoying our mojeto, feeling like tourists.
It was great since the hotel had direct access to the One Galle Face, a posh shopping mall. We had to make the most of the 4 hours we had on land, so interconnected places like these are a lifesaver. One Galle Face is also a one-stop-shop, where I can do all the things I came here for. I can shop, experience the Colombo vibe, and unwind at the same time!
Of course, any traveler would know that one of the best ways to get to know a country is through the tastebuds. Local food is inimitable, conveying the uniqueness of every destination. Thankfully, One Galle Face is one of those places where you can taste authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. There are many restaurants inside that serve local fare, and even the international chains like KFC made their servings taste local. We should know because we ate in one! Their fried chicken isn’t the one we’re used to as it tasted strongly of Sri Lankan spices (especially curry).
From One Galle Face, we decided to head back to the ship. For those who will be following our footsteps and going here, I recommend taking a tuktuk instead of a taxi. Tuktuk is the local mode of transport here.
“Tuktuk” is that iconic tricycle that could take you almost anywhere there’s land. It’s the more exciting and fun way to experience a place like Colombo, with the only exception if you’re not into feeling hot and a little bumpy. But if you have time to spare, make sure to experience this!
We surely wish we had more time here, but I could say we enjoyed the short time we spent ashore.
