Galle, 5-6 August
Yesterday we arrived in Galle, the largest fortress in Asia built by European occupiers, fortified by the Dutch in the 18th century. We’re staying in the old town, in a place appropriately called Old Dutch House. Its shaded courtyard garden is the perfect hideaway from the midday heat and a place where squirrels gather at the dedicated squirrel shrine – can’t run a serious hotel in Sri Lanka without having one of these!
Between being shown pictures of his grandson, we’re given the entire history of Galle by the old jeweller next door. All paid for by the Dutch taxpayer -the man can’t stress enough- his family home survived a tsunami thanks to the town’s fortifications (crazy Dutch just can’t help but build dykes!). We also learn a thing or two, (or possibly everything there is to know) about the local irrigation system.. Tax money well spent I should say as Galle is a picture perfect little town!
Esspecially for the fam back home, here’s a picture of the local Nederlands Hervormde Kerk, and now it’s officially a holiday!
Really interesting! Look forward to hearing more about your travels. Take care
On Tue, 6 Aug 2019, 16:32 Southeast Asia travel, wrote:
> brndd posted: ” Galle, 5-6 August Yesterday we arrived in Galle, the > largest fortress in Asia built by European occupiers, fortified by the > Dutch in the 18th century. We’re staying in the old town, in a place > appropriately called Old Dutch House. Its shaded courtyard” >
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