Getting organised

I think I freaked out my "Sri Lanka" family on arrival by being much more focused on getting wifi up and running than on water or bed. But my life is possible dirty and tired, not without internet. Fabulously it's really strong. I spent a few hours last night listening to the radio and writing an enormous to-do list to share with the guys so things can get done when I'm away. I've also made a project plan insofar as I am now clear on what I can do over the next few days that makes it likely that, when I next come back, things will have moved on a lot. Notice I say "likely" as, although I'm doing all I can to make things work this is still very much a developing country and so there are often interesting reasons for set backs. This, despite the best efforts of  the family, including getting into the water tanks to clean them.

I've just been interrupted by the amazing massage lady, Shamali, turning up. She's a beautifully presented woman in her late 40s, unassuming and very warm. She was fantastic when I last stayed in Negombo (the time I bought here). And I loved the way I felt completely protected and safe in her hands.

I want to have her come every day when I'm in town and if friends come to stay and want to take advantage of a great massage for the tiniest fraction of the cost one is used to paying then great. We're negotiating a bulk price and conditions and she's also telling me what stuff I need to make the massage area work: things I hadn't considered but are now in place for when electrician and plumber turn up. These are like gold dust it seems. I've just found out that we should get the massage table made and how much that's likely to cost. This would have taken forever when I'm not here so we are making some progress! And I'll be getting a massage too so all is well.

Shamali is really lovely. She can't help me this time until Monday as she's going to visit a church. When waiting for the family to turn up she insisted on cleaning my porch only giving me a very slight disapproving look for not doing it as soon as I woke up like a civilised person. I don't think she has very high expectations of me.