■ SRI LANKA, ALAWATUGHODA: Cruising around Sri Lanka in June 2019 on my way from Kandy to Sigyriya on my derelict rental moped, I stopped in a small town called Alawatughoda because Google Maps said there was a newly opened luxurious hotel in between these two towns. Google Maps was right so I booked it for a night. What Google Maps failed to mention was the price of a beer in the minibar at the aforementioned luxury hotel... hence why I cruised back into the nearest town after checking in to buy some entertaining beverages at a more affordable price. That's how I met the Fine White Wine Man... who greeted me and gave me a tour of his local liquor store plus an adjacent restaurant. He has been a legend globally ever since! Fast forward to March 2023... I was back in Sri Lanka and wanted to meet this mythical character again. As most of you know... that mission failed... but as most of you also now know.... The Northman don't give up THAT easily
