Diesel fumes, sellers, workers, travellers, open doors and open windows. Sri Lankan train travel is quite something!

For an hour’s journey a second class ticket cost about 90 rupees, that’s about 39 pence to you English folk. There is no air con but fans affixed to the ceiling and open windows and doors for ventilation.

We were told the best ‘seats’ in the house weren’t actually seats at all, but if you can get a space by the doors it was an unmissable experience!

It’s brilliant fun!! You can stick your head out on the way, look at the ocean and palm trees rushing by…you just have to ignore the fact that you’re hanging out near the toilets and everything is just a bit grim and dirty! The scenery more than makes up for it.

We took the train to Galle today and walked around the old town walls, and we have another long trip ahead of us tomorrow as we are moving house! We have our first work placement and will be spending a month working in a boutique hotel near the town of Tangalle.

Can’t wait!