Motorbike health & safety, Sri Lankan style

Sri Lanka has stringent regulations about riders of motorbikes and scooter wearing crash-helmets, and these are clearly inforced and adhered to. But no such strictures appear to apply to passengers, leading to the unsettling sight of whole families - pregnant mums, toddlers and babies - all squeezed precariously onto one motorbike - with Dad in the middle the only one whose brain is protected in case of an accident. Maybe he doesn't think the rest of his family have one between them worth protecting...

CURIOUSLY FRANK, OR FRANKLY CURIOUS?

I don't think anyone tells Sri Lankan children - or adults for that matter - it's rude to stare. Strangers' sidelong glances or downright open-eyed stares follow me wherever I go, (and no, it's not just me..!). Yet Sri Lanka has enough western visitors for a white woman to be something less than a rarity.

Depending on your mood, it can be amusing or exasperating. One thing is certain - meet the glance or gaze with a smile and you will be rewarded with the famous Sri Lankan beam which lights up your day.