The Barefoot Cafe situated at the back of the shop, in the courtyard.
Colombo, Colombo, Colombo… What can I say? A city anywhere in the world is almost the same and Colombo is no different other than it’s developing. So here is Colombo, as I see it:
Colombo doesn’t have much of a skyline as it’s still in its development stage. You’ll see some high-rise hotels (less than 20 floors, mostly) and the rest of the city is relative flat. It’s quite easy to get around Colombo in a tuk tuk but be warned that the traffic can be a nightmare and peak hours. Another thing that was strange is the between the hours of 2pm and 5pm, 90% of the city restaurants and café’s won’t serve you any alcohol. Something about school being over at 2pm and since it’s after school times, no alcohol will be served.
Colombo as a city, there isn’t much to do other than SHOPPING! Seriously, clothes and house hold wares are cheap. Really cheap! Almost all the big brands out there, are made in Sri Lanka; and you can purchase them here for super cheap prices because there might be a tiny mistake from the original ‘plan’ hence it goes on sale in the local stores. I found Desigual skirts going for Rs. 2700.
Colombo doesn’t have much of a skyline as it’s still in its development stage. You’ll see some high-rise hotels (less than 20 floors, mostly) and the rest of the city is relative flat. It’s quite easy to get around Colombo in a tuk tuk but be warned that the traffic can be a nightmare and peak hours. Another thing that was strange is the between the hours of 2pm and 5pm, 90% of the city restaurants and café’s won’t serve you any alcohol. Something about school being over at 2pm and since it’s after school times, no alcohol will be served.
Colombo as a city, there isn’t much to do other than SHOPPING! Seriously, clothes and house hold wares are cheap. Really cheap! Almost all the big brands out there, are made in Sri Lanka; and you can purchase them here for super cheap prices because there might be a tiny mistake from the original ‘plan’ hence it goes on sale in the local stores. I found Desigual skirts going for Rs. 2700.
Barefoot and Paradise Road are some of my favourite shops. They both have beautiful home wares all made in Sri Lanka, which I hardly doubt you can find elsewhere. Barefoot sells clothes too, and all their materials are handloom and handmade with beautiful blocks of vibrant colours… oh I just adore this store. Especially the Barefoot on Galle Road, it’s the flagship store and has a beautiful café in the courtyard together with a gallery. The food here is good too!
Now the dyes used on fabrics at Barefoot don’t run when you wash, and the best part is that they are eco-friendly! Even if you don’t want to purchase anything, the shop is worth a visit as the smell and colours are just soothing. I love the fact that Barefoot is ethical in their production as well as being all green. Skilled craftsmen and woman working in small centres across the country make all their products. Of all the places in Colombo, I love Barefoot. You’ll have to experience it to understand what I mean.
Paradise Road on the other hand is a little different. They have hotels as well as a chain of retail outlets. You can check their website for more details regarding that. This retail outlet carries more ‘arty’ things compared to Barefoot. A lot more earthy colour palates and not all that vibrant yet very elegant and beautiful. I can spend hours in both these stores to be honest (yes I know what you’re thinking… ‘She’s a girl, that’s why’).
Now the dyes used on fabrics at Barefoot don’t run when you wash, and the best part is that they are eco-friendly! Even if you don’t want to purchase anything, the shop is worth a visit as the smell and colours are just soothing. I love the fact that Barefoot is ethical in their production as well as being all green. Skilled craftsmen and woman working in small centres across the country make all their products. Of all the places in Colombo, I love Barefoot. You’ll have to experience it to understand what I mean.
Paradise Road on the other hand is a little different. They have hotels as well as a chain of retail outlets. You can check their website for more details regarding that. This retail outlet carries more ‘arty’ things compared to Barefoot. A lot more earthy colour palates and not all that vibrant yet very elegant and beautiful. I can spend hours in both these stores to be honest (yes I know what you’re thinking… ‘She’s a girl, that’s why’).
At the Dutch Hospital on a late afternoon.
The other place I went to was the Dutch Hospital at the Fort. The Dutch Hospital is now a commercial hub with restaurants, café’s and shopping outlets. The walk along the fort walls and the beach is nice, but be prepared to be sprayed with sand and sea water. Over the weekends this places is packed out with people coming to enjoy the cool breeze and playing kites. Also check out the pedlars along the way showing their ware of cooked crabs, prawns and other snacks.
Spa Ceylon is a retail outlet you will see often around Sri Lanka. They sell amazing ayurvedic balms and spa essentials that I’m sure a lot of you women out there would go ga-ga over. Its amazing products so do have a look and check out their sleep balm (my favourite). For those who love things that have a Sri Lanka stamp on the front, head down to Odel. It’s the all ‘I love Sri Lanka’ store where wearing one of their t-shirts will instantly letting everyone know where you’ve been.
Now there are more places for you to see in Colombo and shop, and I’m not going to list everything down as to me, the 4 I’ve mentioned are worth the visit.
Food…Now I’ve explored a few places with Romain and I have to say the food is good at almost all the places we’ve been too, also with Jay and Rusty. The Italian down at Cinnamon Grand hotel is pretty good but the Sri Lankan food there is just delicious and the setting is really nice too, so if you fancy splashing out for a night, head over to the Cinnamon Grand Hotel as they have more than 10 restaurants to choose from.
Spa Ceylon is a retail outlet you will see often around Sri Lanka. They sell amazing ayurvedic balms and spa essentials that I’m sure a lot of you women out there would go ga-ga over. Its amazing products so do have a look and check out their sleep balm (my favourite). For those who love things that have a Sri Lanka stamp on the front, head down to Odel. It’s the all ‘I love Sri Lanka’ store where wearing one of their t-shirts will instantly letting everyone know where you’ve been.
Now there are more places for you to see in Colombo and shop, and I’m not going to list everything down as to me, the 4 I’ve mentioned are worth the visit.
Food…Now I’ve explored a few places with Romain and I have to say the food is good at almost all the places we’ve been too, also with Jay and Rusty. The Italian down at Cinnamon Grand hotel is pretty good but the Sri Lankan food there is just delicious and the setting is really nice too, so if you fancy splashing out for a night, head over to the Cinnamon Grand Hotel as they have more than 10 restaurants to choose from.
Don't be fooled, the traffic can get really bad at peak hour.
Traffic, now that’s a whole other scenario. Tuk tuk’s in Colombo are the only ones I know of and have seen that run on meter. You do get the odd tuk tuk driver trying to charge you more and not use the metre (especially at tourist areas) saying that it’s peak traffic and so on. So never fall for that and always use a tuk tuk with a running meter. Traffic is horrendous, the tuk tuks cramp into every nook and corner that is available with only a few inches room from the next vehicle. Yet some how, they never touch. As crazy as traffic may look combined with the crazy noise of honks and flashing lights, it’s just a chaotic symphony. The drivers understand each other, giving way, squeezing in, whizzing in and out and yet, no one yells at the other, swears or makes faces. Its sort of like they have this understanding and just carry on.
Honestly, Colombo is just like any other city that is developing. So you’ll have abundant good restaurant, hotels and so on. But for sight seeing, you’ll have to get out of Colombo a little as there is not much to ‘see’ within the city. Shop, dine and head to the bars. Colombo is one city where you can relax and have a ball at the same time.
As for me, my last days in Colombo went at warp speed, spending it with friends and having beautiful home cooked meals (talk about being spoilt!). To my wonderful hosts, I thank you and to Colombo, I’ll see you again with a bigger empty suitcase!
Next up: City break, Sydney, Australia!!
Honestly, Colombo is just like any other city that is developing. So you’ll have abundant good restaurant, hotels and so on. But for sight seeing, you’ll have to get out of Colombo a little as there is not much to ‘see’ within the city. Shop, dine and head to the bars. Colombo is one city where you can relax and have a ball at the same time.
As for me, my last days in Colombo went at warp speed, spending it with friends and having beautiful home cooked meals (talk about being spoilt!). To my wonderful hosts, I thank you and to Colombo, I’ll see you again with a bigger empty suitcase!
Next up: City break, Sydney, Australia!!