Today we spent a day in the Hithathiya. I suspect that the dear reader can guess the range of activities enjoyed by both ourselves and the children during the day (based on previous diary entries). For this reason, in today’s entry I will delve into an important component of our everyday lives.Anyone who travels to Sri Lanka will immediately notice the abundance of the nation’s favourite vehicle – the Tuk Tuk. This is essentially a 3-wheeled moped with a fabric roof which goes 30mph with full throttle. The use of Tuk Tuks is essential for travel within Sri Lankan cities. This is particularly true as the drivers manage to squeeze these through the tightest spaces, for example, when overtaking high speed buses whilst simultaneously avoiding oncoming lorries/ cows. We have had a few near death experiences this way. Sri Lankan traffic is not for the faint hearted, but it does promise to get the adrenaline pumping.

Most Tuk Tuks will only fit 3 people – legally this is also the maximum number – however most drivers will happily take 4 people, with one unlucky individual crouching on the laps of others in the brace position, clinging on for dear life. Regularly you will also overtake a whole Sri Lankan family (5-8 people) rammed into the vehicle… everything is possible in Sri Lankan traffic.

I thought it would be a good idea to enlighten the readers about the Tuk Tuk experience, seeing as this is our main form of transport and a huge source of enrichment.