From the bow of the Jetliner the sea ahead is blue, untroubled and sparkles in the sunlight. To the right the ocean stretches to the sky. Giant container ships are tiny specks on the horizon. To the left, about four nautical miles away, the Sri Lankan coast basks in the morning sun. Ribbons of white sand meet stretches of green palm trees. Hills rise and fall in the distance. The coastal landscape is punctuated by telephone masts, kovils, temples and lighthouses. Close to the ship turtles dive, fish swim, seagulls play and butterflies dance. The view from the stern is of the wash from the ship: the deep, blue-green water is churned into tumultuous white foam. Rainbows dance in the spray. Further distant, the water calms down leaving a gentle pathway showing where we've been.

The 15th of November saw 434 passengers step aboard to enjoy the four hour cruise from Colombo to Galle. Many pressed themselves against the railings to soak up the full experience of the wind, the sun, the salt spray, the Calypso band and the scenery. For most people, this was their first time on a ship, their first time on the ocean waves. When the heat of the sun, the wind and the noise of the engines got too much, many went inside to enjoy other entertainment: the dance floor, music on the lounge and kids films.

There was a demonstration of ice cream kottu: fruit, nuts, biscuits, ice cream and topping mixed together kottu-style. A great spectacle and very tasty. Commodore Niraja Attygalle welcomed us onto the bridge and talked about Jetliner's history and its current role. During the conflict it served the Sri Lankan Navy transporting troops and civilians between Jaffna and Trincomalee. Now, it is introducing many Sri Lankans to the wonders of the sea. It provides valuable revenue for the Navy and serves as a unique venue for private and corporate functions.

Colombo harbour was a hive of activity. Cranes loaded containers onto enormous container ships. Despite its size, the Jetliner appeared to be a small, sleek craft beside these huge vessels. Galle harbour was quieter but no less busy. Instead of the large container ships, it was crowded with fishing boats. The return trip to Colombo was made by bus. Which provided a very different view of the coast.
Despite most of us suffering from seasickness to some extent (from feeling a bit queasy to headaches and vomiting), the Education Times contingent had a fantastic day. The ET Club members enjoyed getting to know each other.

They loved the experience of being on a ship and they kicked up a storm on the dance floor. The other passengers avidly read the free copies of the Education Times that the ET Club members distributed. Learning about the ship and each other combined with the experience of being on the ocean made it an unforgettable day.