Leaving Colombo by Train

Leaving Colombo, Sri Lanka, by train on Thursday, photo taken though the open train window. In the distance is Colombo Lotus Tower, its long-awaited opening often delayed. This week officials said the landmark structure is "nearing completion," the Sri Lanka Mirror reported. I stayed two nights at a hostel here, the capital of Sri Lanka, before taking the train for about five hours across Sri Lanka  to the east side beach town of Trincomalee, where I am now. The island nation, formerly known as Ceylon, is located off the southern coast of India. The Indian Ocean is warm and beautiful. People are friendly. Life is good.