Letter from Galle - A continuing love story

Love – at first sight!

Galle.

Of the little alleys, the cobblestone streets,

The quaint street-side boutiques

Inviting, beckoning, better-

Than Venice, even.

Daytime in the Fort

Sunlight dazzling – disorienting

Until we step into the cool shops,

The calm museums

And wander,

In a gelato induced stupor…

Time standing still in this little oasis

Of magic.

 The majestic ramparts herald

The riotous colours of the setting sun

Offering tantalizing glimpses

Of the untamed, splendorous waves

We walk – hand in hand

The breeze playing with our hair

Throngs of revellers - waxing and waning

Like bees to blooms.

Walking , until we reach mysterious stone steps,

See massive canons and eerie statues

Climb with the crowds

Until a gleaming clock tower,

Golden with the setting sun’s rays

Edges into view.

Spellbound – we pause

Savouring the magic

Until our gaze is tugged towards

Another panorama -

The Galle cricket stadium

In all its illuminated grandeur!

Pedlar Street, Minute by Tuk Tuk

Mango house, Orchard house

Secret Garden, Abacate

Not merely places

But friends who warm the soul.

Spell weavers who,

Like their city-

Bewitch and beguile

Luring you - relentlessly

To the Fort – And you fall, helplessly

In love –

with Galle,

Again.

 From the Island's heat and hush, until the next letter,

-N