Friday 25^th October 2019

The last day of half term was relaxing, but so as not to sit at home all day we went to a coffee shop (we go often) and then thought to go for a walk for the first time to the park.

Misa wanted to catch some Pokémon (finally he got a mobile phone for his 13^th birthday with data, and downloaded his favourite game) so went for a walk to see the pride of Colombo; about a kilometre from us is one of the biggest and oldest parks in Colombo – Viharamahadevi, or Devi Park as it is commonly known.  It was originally Victoria Park from the time of the British Empire.  Unfortunately, we were disappointed.

Some beautiful trees and a few topiaries to see, but other than that old, corroded broken children’s play equipment, fountains which are not working, dirty and unkept areas, waterlogged greens, street venders selling tatty stuff and greasy food, no colours, no life, just couples by each possible tree or bush.  Such a shame, as once-upon-a-time it would have been lovely.

A gardener who has looked after 540 trees for the past 29 years stopped us and showed us the Cannon Ball tree, explaining its Buddhist legend, showed us a cinnamon tree, bats sleeping in the tree (they call them flying foxes, who fly to nearby village for food, mainly mango and papaya and fly back for 5 am sleep), and beautiful green parrots. Before we said good bye, he explained he has to feed three children and waited for money.  I felt “had” but gave him some.

Misa was covered in mud with wet shoes, but at least he caught some Pokémon. I can tell you, we returned home by the shortest and quickest way through the park!

Rennie