Luxurious Lunuganga

It's always nice to see where a famous architect lived, to get a peek at what styles he really liked. Sri Lanka's Geoffrey Bawa left behind a beautiful hideaway that we were lucky enough to visit, have tea and take in the laid back house and expansive gardens.

It was just a bungalow on a rubber tree plantation out in the sticks when Bawa bought the property in 1948, but over the years he expanded the house and gardens into a beautiful estate.

The front of the house features a recurring theme of his work, the play of light from one object (in this case, the trees) on another (the front lawn and house). Sublime.

A side door to nowhere, but nature. Going deeper into the garden, a hidden bench, available for a rest.

The hilltop lake view off the front lawn.

Clean interior, modern, but right for the tropics. One of his dogs understands the vibe.

Another dog taking the pulse of what's beyond the door. Stone features in the garden.

The backyard, looking much better than most front yards around the world.

Geoffrey Bawa and Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel

Sri Lanka is blessed to be the home of the world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003). While he practiced throughout the world, he's best known as the father of Asian tropical hotel/resort architecture. If you've ever stayed at a beach resort that's filled with exotic woodwork and seems to be one with the surrounding natural environment, you can thank Bawa.

Bawa built many of the better tropical resorts in his native Sri Lanka, including a stunning complex down south near Galle, the Jetwing Lightouse.

Standing in the lobby area, looking out to the Laccadive sea.

The play of light on a hotel door. A closer look at the veranda off the lobby and the sea view.

The main courtyard, a beautiful interplay of concrete, light and nature.

Rocks were left and incorporated into the overall design. Bawa also believed in providing opportunities to artists and sculptors to design site specific works for his projects. This staircase is a commission from Laki Senanayake that depicts the fierce battle of Randeniya between Portuguese horsemen and the local fighters. Quite a ride up the staircase.

Bawa, skilled at bringing the outside in.

The Real Operation Dumbo Drop

It's nice to know the elephants at the large Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage near Kegalle, Sri Lanka aren't just loafing around, not earning their keep. A money-making opportunity presents itself all day long, every day, in the form of dung. Operation Dumbo Drop, indeed.

A sign at a local shop, illustrating the cheery transformation of piles of steaming sh*t to piles of beautiful paper. The best truth-in-advertsing we've ever seen.

The paper really is nice - handmade, dyed, cut and made into snazzy diaries, cards, anything that boring mass produced paper is used for. But not toilet paper, that would be so gross. Like eating your young? Another sign, truly showing the circle of life.

Someone photographing a sample in the wild. Amazing!

Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

If you want to see some elephants, a lot of elephants, Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage near Kegalle in Sri Lanka is the place for you. The orphanage was started in 1975 for five elephants and it now has a pack of pachyderms numbering more than 80. They come because of unfortunate circumstances, from land mines to run-ins with farmers. The orphanage has young, old and three-legged, all there to live out their days in peace.

Every day the elephants get to stroll a few blocks away from camp to the Ma Oya River for a little water frolicking.

The happy pack, young and old having a splash. Mother and child, doing a synchronized two-step while noshing.

Feeding (and napping, check out the lazing elephant to the right) in the round. Sarah in front of one of the newest additions. How cute?

This cute!

Hotel Porn

We've done a lot of traveling during our tour in India and have stayed in plenty of hotels. Some digs have been memorable for all the wrong reasons, but occasionally we've sought out a refuge that's delivered in both eye candy and comfort. Presenting Hotel Porn (think the slang definition of all those cooking shows - Food Porn).

James usually isn't interested in beauty shots, but sometimes the scene just screams, "Drool over me, take my picture!" And so he clicks the shutter.

An enchanting path to a hotel entrance. Wait for it.....

Sitting area around a lily-encrusted, fish-filled pond. Hallway door to nirvana.

Perfect pool.

Stairway to heaven? No, just a hotel suite. Same thing. The morning bloom opening to a courtyard pool.

The Tuk Tuk Tells All

In Sri Lanka, a tuk tuk isn't just basic transportation, it's a chance for an owner to dispense some real life advice. Kind of like a fortune cookie on three wheels.

This tuk tuk driver knows what he's after.

But wait, this tuk tuk seems to be discounting the value of men. You go girl!

Not so fast, the men will wait, wait, wait out you women.

Oh, the heartbreak! Will the sexes ever be able to get together?

Ah, love will conquer in the end, so says the sage tuk tuk.

Galle Art Deco Hotel

Who knew that within an old Dutch settlement in Sri Lanka from the 1600s there would be a couple of dozen beautiful Art Deco buildings? A mix of houses, apartments and hotels are tucked away between blocks of traditional colonial tropical architecture.

One of the best examples of the Art Deco style is this stunning and well-restored hotel. It rivals anything you'd see in South Beach.

Through a custom-shaped circular window. The elegant staircase.

The inviting dining room, a feast for the eyes. The window halfway up the staircase, totally custom and a shape that emulates the sails of ships in the harbor. Nifty.

Another look at the hotel front, complete with elaborate street side fence.

Real Estate Rehab, Galle

Who wouldn't want to live in Galle, Sri Lanka? It's a cute old town, beautifully preserved and full of character. Now if only there were some lights in the house. Time to rehab.

Unrestored Art Deco and inner courtyard-style housing is available, ready for some massive TLC.

A typical traditional-style house, flush with the street and then an inner courtyard for private family use.

The bones and designs of the houses are there, if not any modern conveniences, say, electricity.

Daily Life in Galle, Part 2

Another day, another group of photos showing daily life in Galle.

The betting office. This gentleman's job is to bind the daily betting results into big books. Record keeping instantly antique.

For a few rupees, you can get a rampart diver to perform.

Old style mailbox. A detail of a labor federation sign, featuring the mightiest labor tool of all.

School kids waiting for the bus. The best statue we've seen - at the school, the school kids themselves honored.