Colombo, Sri Lanka – One day, on a budget – Asia Tour 2017

Our cruise ship was docking in the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka – formerly Ceylon. We had one day and a budget. Here is what we did!

Following Cochin, India was the port town Colombo. As always, we had to hunt down the most affordable Tuk Tuk driver and ask what he was offering in his price. We were told we would visit a beautiful temple, go to the beach and visit a restaurant for a cup of the famous Ceylon Tea. Negotiated price: USD$25 for 4 hours of Colombo, Sri Lanka highlights.

Side Street - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Side Street – Colombo, Sri Lanka

Winding our way in and out of heavy traffic, checking out the city life of Colombo was already interesting. Eventually, after
zipping past a few temples which apparently our Tuk Tuk driver did not see and apparently did not understand when asked to go back, we arrived at the Buddhist Gangaramaya Temple.

Buddhist - Gangaramaya Temple - Colombo, Sri-Lanka
Buddhist – Gangaramaya Temple – Colombo, Sri-Lanka

The temple is an ecclectic mish mash of culture and architecture and is also a museum; many photo opportunities, some antique autos and a holy place of prayer. Entrance fee: USD$8

Just down the road, on an island connected with a bridge (within walking distance), is the  Seema Malaka, a gathering area for the monks. It is wonderfully peaceful and here we saw many locals working to perfect the surrounding area.  Watch out for monkey and snake handlers, before you know it there is a snake around your neck or a monkey cuddling up to you and a demand for a huge amount of money!

Seema Malaka

Next, we headed to the beach area called Galle Face Green. Many stalls lined the beachfront promenade selling treats and juices, school children played on the shores, chasing the waves and a peaceful demonstration against outlawing Tamil bullfighting was being held in the grass area.

Galle Face Green Waterfront - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Galle Face Green Waterfront

We purchased a water for USD$1, a bag of popcorn for $1 and some crunchy fried yucca sticks for $1. The locals sitting around were friendly and curious. These prices seemed budget worthy!  Please keep in mind, this is not the kind of beach you swim at; enjoy the views, enjoy the locals and eat some Sri Lanken treats.

Truthfully, I found Colombo, Sri Lanka underwhelming and less exciting than I had hoped for; we decided to head back to the ship without stopping for tea. Perhaps, like India, one needs more than a day to truly appreciate the country and it’s culture. I won’t hurry back.

Total cost: USD$36

Next Stop: Phuket, Thailand

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One Day – Cochin / Kochi, India – Asia Tour 2017

Cruise ship arrival, One Day, on a Budget, in Kochi / Cochin, India. Must see attractions included a Hindu temple, trying some Indian food, the beach with the incredible fishing nets, the Laundry and Jewtown, a jewish sector. Let’s go!

Kochi Street Life - India
Kochi Street Life

We quickly found a gentle young man who would be our taxi driver / guide for the day and negotiated a price of

New Mangalore, India in a Day – Asia Tour 2017

Only one day in New Mangalore, India? Arriving with a cruise ship? Prefer to see sites of interest on a budget? Follow me!

Roadside Pepper Sales, Children - New Mangalore, India
Roadside Pepper Sales, Bored Children

We arrived in New Mangalore, India with a plan; we wanted to see a few temples and have a little beach time.  Upon exiting the ship, we hightailed it straight out of the port on foot, thanking all of the overpriced taxis and tuk tuks for their offers, crossed the main road and waved the next bus down.

Bus Ride! New Mangalore, India
Bus Ride; Love the interior! New Mangalore, India

As we boarded the bus,

Singapore Photos – Asia Tour 2017

Photos from our trip to Singapore including Chinatown, Marina Bay, Marina Sands, Temples and more. Enjoy!


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Goa in a Day – Asia Tour 2017

Goa – Tourism, Beaches and great Indian Food. Whether arriving by Cruise ship or by land, if you have only one day, here is how to do it on a budget!

Bogmalo Beach - Lifeguard. Goa, India
Bogmalo Beach – Lifeguard. Goa, India

Most prominently known for it’s beaches, Goa the western India state also has spice plantations and many churches from the Portuguese 17th century colonization which lasted until 1961. We decided to hit the beach and try some good eats!

Side Street in Goa, India
Side Street in Goa, India

We negotiated a taxi who drove us through busy areas caked in