We three Coconuts today planned for a quiet day; a slow start and a plan to “stay local”. We headed out shortly after nine to visit Weligama Nursery – where they propagate coconut seedlings.  On arrival we seemed unexpected and the owner was away – but our visit was rescued by the appearance of an official from the Coconut Research Institute who came and spoke to us instead.
After a really useful session with the Institute official we went on toward Galle, stopping on route to visit a Turtle Hatchery. They had many varieties of turtle including the rare Hammer Head Turtle. In Galle we enjoyed its colonial past; the old buildings, the clear Dutch influence; and the mix of people flowing through the streets. The hoards of school children, the tourists, the entrepreneurial locals –  a much greater exaggeration between rich and poor than we had felt in rural Sri Lanaka  in the previous  few days. We did some shopping, then ate lunch in the colonial splendour of the  Rampart Hotel overlooking the old  walls with glorious views out to sea.

On the way back to Jaga Bay we stopped at a couple of Craft places. I am pleased to have acquired a little elephant made from coconut wood!