Sri Lanka - The Teardrop of India

The intent had been to get some chores such as shopping, dhobying, cleaning etc done then have a couple of days at a steady pace before getting back to the 'rat race'. That has not been the case as feeling rather like Ringo Starr there has been a succession of invitations to lunch, dinner etc which quite simply cannot be resisted.

First of these comes from my dear friends at Parley Court, who used the 'bait' of son Daryl cooking dinner this evening which they know full well will lure me to their place. The Dampney's and I met quite by chance on a trip to Sri Lanka in 2006 since when our friendship has grown and grown and now includes all members of their wider family.

Hugh (left) and Janet between me and a local man, plus my mate Alex Robinson complete with dreadlocks, all looking for

Small Pratincole a little Wading bird.

All of us at one of the many temples in Kandy.

Determined to relax a bit and having been drawn towards memories of Sri Lanka, here are a few shots from the Magic Island.

Alexandrine Parakeet

Asian Openbill

Black Bulbul

Black-headed Munia

Black-necked Stork

Black-tailed Kite

Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Brahminy Kite

Brown Shrike

Changeable Hawk Eagle

Great Thick-knee

Little Green Bee-eater

Malabar Pied Hornbill

Painted Stork

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Shaheen

Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl

Spot-billed Pelican

Stork-billed Kingfisher

Yellow-wattled Plover

From a land full of exotic birds and well worth a visit. So, for now I'm off partying - Manana!