I’ve booked an Ayurveda course whilst I'm here so today I have to see the doctor for my consultation. She takes my pulse, checks my tongue a lá Gillian McKeith and asks me what my concerns are. Cleverly, I think, I say that I am concerned about my hair, shoulder tension and dry skin so that I will hopefully get lots of massage etc, along with wanting to lose some weight and detox. I'm given a red sarong to wear and told to come back at 10am. So here I am at 10am. Firstly I’m taken into a room and have a head massage followed by a back massage while I’m sat in a chair by one girl. Then another therapist comes in, chatting to the other one, and they both give you a synchronised body ... read more

Arrived this morning in Colombo, via Dubai. Left at 11.30 yesterday morning from Manchester so I'm in need of a shower and fresh clothes. When I arrive I find the driver from the hotel straight away and he leaves me to go and bring the hotel van to the collection point. While I wait I take in the scene - it’s bedlam! Lots of vans in various states of decay adorned with many garlands of flowers. The scene in front of me is especially entertaining. A van has arrived to collect someone. First they put what look like 2 mattresses into the back of the van - which is like a small transit - then about 15 people pile in the back, squeezing past the mattresses, they’re sitting on top of each other. Then in the ... read more