HOUSEWARMING

Well, it seems we now have a house, a car and an employee. Our house is a two-storey place which we were told is in Kochchikade but we are now told it is Ettukala. Not that it makes much difference when you have no idea where you are anyway. It is set in quite a nice little spot and is quite clean. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study, two living areas, a laundry, a dining room and two kitchens (which seems to be the norm in larger houses - one for use and one for display). There is enough room for the boys to play outside (which is great because many larger houses don't seem to have much of a yard). The house comes furnished and has two large balconies.

We have hired a mini-van for 6 months. This is mostly to get the boys to and from school and to help with the shopping. It will also be used to transport everyone who comes to visit us (hint, hint).

We have also employed a man, who comes to us highly recommended by a number of people. He has excellent English skills (as well as being able to speak Sinhala and Tamil) and will be an interpreter for us. He is also our driver and groundsman and can supply us with local knowledge. Best of all, we enjoy his company. All in all, we feel we are slowly getting there.