Closenberg Hotel and his palms

[doranakandawatta]

In Galle bay, Closenberg hotel is one of the oldest in Ceylon, and I believe these two palms are as old as the building.

http://www.closenburghotel.com/closenberg-legend.html

For more pics of the palms (Hyphaene) see next post in "discussing palm trees worldwide".

[Peter Timmermans]

Beautiful palms and a great colonial atmosphere. The Hyphaenes are magnificent. Thanks for sharing.

[sur4z]

Thanks for sharing...is it all calm there now?

[doranakandawatta]

Peter,

Since may 2009, the war is finished and the country is very calm, rebuilding and developing hotels and new infrastructures.

If you like the charm of the past, you should come as soon as you can, Singapore city is now the model for Sri Lanka…. do you see what I mean?

[paulgila]

the hotels/resorts in your pix are beautiful but always seem empty of tourists. is that because you are trying to get shots without

any people in them or is it really that quiet there?

[doranakandawatta]

the hotels/resorts in your pix are beautiful but always seem empty of tourists. is that because you are trying to get shots without

any people in them or is it really that quiet there?

Both

I get the shots at the time of the day when most of the guests are outside, and I don't like busy crowded places.

Sri Lanka is now full of tourists, but one can still find and enjoy quite and small places, which is what I like.

I am afraid I'll have to find remote retreats deep in the jungle or rainforest . (I am glad nobody - tourists or guidebook…. palm addict are welcome - knows where Doranakanda is)

Anyway as you can read in my profile I am not friend with the ocean.

[paulgila]

where are the tourists coming from (what nationality)?

just curious.

[doranakandawatta]

Paul,

Uk, Europe (all countries from north to south) but also many russians, some chinese. japanese, indian and arabic tourists, australians and americans too.

The nationality of the tourists are not the same as the nationally of foreign owners of nice properties (old colonial mansions in Galle and around)
This small community is mostly made of anglo-saxon people (Australia, UK, USA, Hongkong, Singapore…) very nice people but a kind of jet set.

I feel better with my local friends in the village. (But bloody marries in Galle parties are good too )

[paulgila]

sounds like a fun place.

[doranakandawatta]

Paul,

http://www.galleforthotel.com/

http://www.amanresorts.com/amangalla/home.aspx

http://www.decoon44.com/

http://www.lighthousestreet.com/

and so many private houses (but I noticed that the owners - besides my old friend Charles, american writer living in Sri Lanka since the 80's and a Galle Fort icon - change very quickly ( 2 - 3 years…)