Rahil visited Sri Lanka for the first time in early February of 2011. He arrived in Colombo on Independence Day and enjoyed watching the festivities, particularly because there were dozens of lighted toy vendors along the beach in front of the Taj Samudra hotel.

The next day he, Mom, and Dad drove two hours south to the Heritance Hotel, designed by the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, in Ahungalla. Rahil promptly fell into the infinity pool and was as promptly plucked out by his father. Surrounded by tame squirrels, long-tailed monkeys, crabs, large, lumbering iguanas, as well as friends from Delhi, Rahil was in for treat.

By far the highlight of the trip was holding baby sea turtles -- Rahil had been anticipating doing so for weeks. He enjoyed it so much he successfully organized a second visit to the hatchery. Other highlights included an upriver boat-ride during which Rahil held an alligator at a fish farm and learned how to make fresh cinnamon sticks; a day trip to Galle; incredible sunsets; a ride in a glass-bottomed boat; and a lot of surf splashing, including an encounter with a particularly large wave that removed Rahil's swim goggles and didn't return them.

The beaches were pristine. People were polite and stood in line. They didn't spit or litter or honk their horns. Prices were reasonable. Considering what had happened in the northern third of the island recently, it was a more than a little disconcerting, but from a purely tourism perspective, it was wonderful.

To see Rahil realize his dream of holding a sea turtle (and then dropping it, which I hope was not part of the dream), click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bh30bXyBUI

To see him with a nine-month old alligator on a leash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUFcRE-9S80

To see his ride in a glass-bottomed boat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBlPapjgnZ4

To see some less than purported sleight of hand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVuNMlXd7Bw