The former Dutch fort town of Galle in southern Sri Lanka miraculously was saved from immense damages in the 2004 tsunami that devasated much of the island. (The high fort walls protected the inhabitants from the massive wall of water.) The town has tons of stuff to do: shopping, eating, day trips, and plenty of sun. The unsultry underside of Sri Lanka can be more than a bit irritating, literally.

The local touts (storytellers hoping to dupe foreigners with some sad story or amazing exclusive merchandise offer just for them) can wear down the nerves of most people. Many of the prices for everything from a tuk-tuk ride to a buddha statue in Sri Lanka have two faces - a price for locals and the foreigner price. Haggling for a good deal is a carefully researched adventure. But, probably the most irritating thing about Sri Lanka so far has been the bugs!

The past two nights our sleeping bodies have been the feast of nasty little bed bugs! Our arms, ankles, hands, and backs are spotted with little red bug bites.

Leaving Galle will be sad because of the routine we have comfortably fallen into but I'm delighted to finally get away from these annoying nocturnal creatures.

P.S. - I almost forgot about the other guest that dropped by our room a few nights ago. He thought he could just watch over us from our mosquito net. I don't think so...