Janet's Journal

After all the noise and celebrations during December culminating in Christmas and New Year I was foolish enough to think that January would be quieter.

Weddings are packed into this month as none may take place in February.  It seemed almost nightly fireworks

Thai Pongal, the Hindu New Year Festival was on 14 January, closely followed by the first Buddhist Poya day of 2022.  For once crystal clear skies gave beautiful views of the full moon.

Two churches dedicated to Saint Sebastion has meant double the Feast Day celebrations first in the church in Katuwapitiya, then a week later at the church in Sea Street Negombo.  

All the streets in the area are decorated with lights, roadside stalls sell all manner of sweets, children’s toys and religious artifacts.  Thousands of people turn out to celebrate for a whole week at each church.

Finally Chinese New Year has just started, that seems to be quieter at the moment

Possibly the noisiest, but definitely the most fun, is the little squad of young boys who play cricket on the school field opposite me.  Everyday they turn up with their bat, tennis balls and stumps.  The matches start just after tea time until sunset.  A straight six will see the ball sail over my front wall.  They know now to keep quiet if they know I am home and I will find the ball and throw it back.  My neighbours will not!

Tourists are flocking into Negombo now, most of the shops and restaurants have reopened.  Some, of course, went out of business forever.  As I go to Jetwing’s beachside pool everyday I have become quite proficient on airline schedules from the accents or languages that come and go on a daily basis.