The Diary Game: 30 December 2020: Year End escape to the Down South

It's just a few hours before the end of another, What should I say? a horrifying year? or let's go with a challenging year. I was in the bed thinking about what I have done in the year. Shocking! Really shocking! 😂😂

At about 7.30 a.m, I received a surprise call from one of my oldest friends. Currently, he is working as a sales manager in Colombo. He has planned to go somewhere with his newly purchased car. I didn't have much to say. In 30 minutes he came to pick me up with 2 other friends!

We had no idea where to go. 😂😂 I suggested, 'first, we go to Kataragama and then head wherever comes to the mind'.

Then decided to travel through the Southern Expressway, which was recently constructed. It's well-maintained with a nice view. We entered from the Mattala entrance.

On the way

It's absolutely a Civil Engineering pride. With Interchanges, Viaduc, Underpasses, Overpasses, Bridges, Box Culverts, nice scenery we can have a great feeling throughout. Extension of Southern Expressway (ESEP) project is from Matara to Hambanthota which connects phase one of Kottawa-Matara. So, the E01 expressway is nearly 222-kilometer-long links the Sri Lankan capital Colombo with the main cities of South.

Through the Southern Expressway

First, we decided to stop at Matara. But eventually went to Galle. It's around a 200km long trip.

Galle Fort

Plus Code: 26G9+26 Galle, Sri Lanka

On the South coast of Sri Laka, the fort was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese. Then after Sri Lanka was captured by Dutch, the fort was more securely built. So, after more than four centuries, it's a very popular architectural heritage monument around the world.

The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries

wikipedia.org

The view from the outside

You can walk on the fort feeling the breeze of the Indian ocean. The Galle International Cricket stadium is also by the side of the fort. Currently, the place is very popular for wedding pre shoots too.

View from the top of the fort

The Gang

Most of my Steem Sri Lanka friends live in Galle. But they didn't invite me to their homes. Specially @randulakoralage insisted hard not to come. So, I'm angry with them. 😏😏

We had lunch at one of my friend's friend's home at about 3.30 p.m. 😅😅

Then we drove back on the same route. It was a long journey and there was a rining too. But the evening drive was beautiful.

Wanna see it?

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I came home at around 8.00 p.m. It was a nice time after all with my friends. So, that's how my day went. But there's one small thing to show.

Innocent me

Stay safe until the next time.

Thank you.
Best Regards!