We are a travel-blogging couple from the UK, both with two daughters and a passion for people and places. Former BBC journalist, Jane is always looking for a great story and is never happier than when she has a notebook and a travel ticket. Since he was a teenager, Nigel's ambition has been to travel to 50 countries by the time he was 50. And he's recently achieved that goal. He is a freelance business coach and management trainer in between trips.
After two long train journeys in Sri Lanka, we learnt a lot. Here are our top 10 tips: Plan ahead Many of the longer distance trains have reserved carriages set aside in 1st, 2nd and 3rd class sections, which will guarantee you a seat. Some go on sale a month in advance, but go fast. … More Train travel in Sri Lanka: 10 top tips to keep you on track
My favourite year for music is 1982. In fact, three of my top five albums of all time were released in that year. One of those is Rio by Duran Duran. I know this is a travel blog, but music looms large in the lives of the 2emptynesters and we all know how songs can … More Sigiriya – save a prayer for Lion Rock
I don’t know about you, but we drink more tea than any other drink. It’s what starts our day and, for Jane, it closes the day too. But, like most Brits, we plop a thin paper bag, containing some tea dust into a mug and pour boiling water on it. After a visit to the … More Halpewatte Tea Factory, Ella review
We had a fantastic 4 hour safari in Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. Even though Jane was a bit apprehensive about a safari, this breadth of wildlife blew her away. Here are a few choice photos.
There were men in ties in Tissamaharama. Ties, in the midday sun. The clear sign of brisker business than we’d spotted at the straggles of roadside stalls selling coconuts, watermelon and fairly fresh fish along our long and dusty route. My stomach churned a bit at the realisation that we were closing in on our … More Tears, but no fears, on my first time safari
In this video, we get chef Suranga to show us how to make Sri Lankan dahl and delicious fish curry.
This morning, we took our first walk from our villa near Tangalle in Sri Lanka along the beach. It was stunning. Coconut palms and mangroves right up to the shoreline. Big Indian Ocean waves. Deserted sandy beach. Just idyllic. And then I spotted this chap. He was only about 20cm long and I thought from … More Taking risks whilst travelling
In 1857, a 22 year old James Gibson would have seen Pointe de Galle (or simply, Galle, as it is now) for the first time some way off in the distance. He would have noticed the large, robust fort on the headland which indicated the harbour beyond. He would, at this stage of the journey, … More Echoes of the past – a visit to Galle
‘You know what I feel like?’ my juddering voice shouted to Nigel, one hand gripping the tuk tuk’s plastic bench seat like grim death, the other clinging claw-like to the front ‘safety bar’. ‘I feel like a real travel pro, now ‘. His mocking reply was drowned out by Colombo’s roar; its dusty city centre … More Colombo – a great introduction to Sri Lanka
We’re fortunate enough in the UK to be treated to medical care which provides us with free coverage the whole year round. The NHS has proven a godsend for British citizens – but as a result we’ve become somewhat spoilt when it comes to our wellbeing. The same privileges will not be extended overseas. Today, … More How much will medical expenses abroad set you back?
2emptynesters 