Colombo is a city of traffic chaos. There are traffic jams all over the city. It's not that other places in Sri Lanka are better but in a city of 6 million people, it's very stressful. To drive a mere few kms would take 20-30 mins. On top of the traffic jams, you have to watch out for motorcycles and tuk-tuks dashing out in front of you. There is no right-of-way to speak of. The rule seems to be whoever gets there first has the right of way! So people would just randomly do U-turn in the middle of the road or they would cut in front of you when merging from a side street expecting you'll make way for them.
We walked around the old fort area of Colombo this morning. There is nothing much left of the old fort, just a few buildings remained. Most of the buildings are occupied by banks and government offices. There is no escape from the giant ugly port that dominates the skyline. This is part of the one road one belt initiative from China who funded the construction of giant container port which serves as transloading facility between Europe and China/East Asia. There are constructions of highrises everywhere. China's investments are evident everywhere.
We moved on to our last stop in Sri Lanka, Negombo, which is located about an hour drive north of Colombo. Most people stay here on their first day or last day in the country. The Colombo International Airport is located just next to Negombo. Negombo is also a fishing town with lots of colorful fishing boats. It also is known as "Little Rome" because of its many churches here. I'm not used to see Jesus's statues everywhere after being in Sri Lanka for so long where Buddha's image is all over.
Negombo has long stretches of beach but unfortunately garbages are everywhere. It is sad to see people have not grasp the concept of clean environment and lack of understanding that plastic is not biodegradable.
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