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Tour 2 started on July 10th, we were all excited to spend some time together. I know that Dina wanted to share some of her absolutely favourite places in Sri Lanka, where she had cherished memories of her childhood, families, friends and wonderful memories of times spent with Senani and Ashani.
Priyantha, continued to be our driver and hearing Dina chatting fluently in Singalise to him, we were able to find out more about his world was great.
Our first stop was Dambulla, a Buddist Temple, which was carved into a cave. After a steep climb where the monkeys roamed and the smiley locals tried to sell carvings, lotus blossom and tourist 'tut' - the views, as we have become accustomed to in Sri Lanka were just magnificent.
Inside the caves, the walls were meticulously covered with ancient symbolic drawings of Budda, in now faded coloured - it definitely was an 'awe and wonder' moment. Fortunately everyone seemed to respect the place and there was a sense of peace in the area. However Dina felt that the area below the caves and the addition of a museum and a ' television studio' had started to make a 'once' simple place into a 'commerical venture.'
I have to say catching up with Dina was just lovely - I'm not sure we took breath between Colombo and our final destination - the conversation just flowed and flowed until we arrived at Sigiriya Rock. ( See-gi-ri-ye)
Our hotel was positioned with Sigiriya Rock ( Lion's Rock), a massive column of rock (220 m /660ft high), that dominated the view from the swimming pool - it had such presence.
As history goes in AD 477-495, King Kasyapa ( not a very 'nice' chap), had a great idea to keep his enemies away from his doorstep - believe me he had enemies. So he decided to build a palace on the top of the rock and he assigned hundreds and hundreds of slaves to make the dream a reality. The fortress was surrounded by an extensive network of ancient remains and landscaped gardens.
This stunning place is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is loved and respected by Sri Lanka - the immaculate, well presented route to the entrance is all part of the experience. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gate way in the form of an enormous lion.
The palace was abandoned after the King's death and became a Buddist monastry in the 14th Century. The day we climbed was extremely windy, I got to the Lion's paw after a little persuasion and a' little moment.' While Dina and Jeff made the ascent to the top up the rickety steps and the vast hornets nest. They saw not only the view, but the remains of the palace and the swimming pool, the accomodation. It was astonishing and quite unbelieveable. ( I know because I looked at the photos). Dina just loves the Rock, the history and the serenity of the place.
I was pleased with my achievements for the day - I know didn't quite get there !!!!
A bit like New Zealand, I have found my self phonetically changelled with the pronouncation here and sadly have to admit that both Jeff and I struggle with the sound blends. Anna, where were you when we needed you?
We visited Anuradhapura -another tricky name, it was so hot, beads of perspiration leaked from every orifice. As a sign of respect everyone has to remove their shoes before entering the temples. The site and the number of temples was extensive.
The experience of walking on searing hot stones and sand was almost unbearable. Our feet felt scorched and charred ;however seeing 'foreigners' darting here and there, in an attempt to find shadow to protect the soles of our feet, must have been a regular source of amusement for the locals, who seemed to have smiles on thier faces.
The sight of the vast Stupas of Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba in this beautiful protected area was breath taking; however top tip, either visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, not under the midday sun!
We went on another elephant safari in Minneriya, it is always somewhat magical seeing so many elephants in the wild. Here was the place to go, the elephants were out in large number, but there were so many jeeps, something we had not seen before. This was the low season. I felt slightly uncomfortable, at one time the 'herds of jeeps' outnumbered the elephants. I'm convinced the elephants felt the same!!
On the way to Pasikudah, we stopped off at Polmaruwa -the place for Buddhist Temples. I had had many interesting chat with Senani about Buddhism so the whole this visit proved to be an absolute treat. We hired bikes and a Guide, Ruwen, who spoke good English and had a great sense of humour. Under the clear, blue skies and the unforgiving heat of the midday sun, I know we got the timing wrong again, we took a two and half hour bike tour of the ancient Buddist temples. He gave us such an insight the ancient and current beliefs -from the Fertility Stone to the Moonstone. As is usual in Sri Lanka and in India - there are many stray dogs and crows. Ruwen explained the meaning of the Moonstone. This was of half moon shape and positioned at the entrance to the temples. On each, are symbols of the Buddhist life and sure enough there were dogs and crows. The interpretation of which is that Buddhism is a way of life and if you live a good life and are kind to others you can live in the human form; as Ruwen explained 'people' stole from the temples they returned to this life as crows and dogs!! He carried on to say that is why the crows and dogs try to behave well in hope that they can once again reach the human life form.
I just couldn't help relating this to nowadays and was left wondering - who would represent the stray dogs or the crows?
Sun Aqua, a new hotel with it's vivacious decor. The sunkissed , white beach where the hotel was positioned did not disappoint - three days lazing around an enormous infinity pool, finding local beach bars, eating delicious food and sailing on the Bay of Bengal in a catamaran was just idealic. The time disappeared.
As we left Sun Aqua, on the drive to Kandy we noticed an area of land, a no man's land, where structured paddy fields were overgrown, land was scorched, black and life was sparse. Those we saw carried water containers. The few remaining building were damaged and empty. Priyantha partly explained that this was a place where many had lost their lives while the Tamil Tigers inhabited the area during the war. It was only later that we discovered that the water and the wells had been contaminated - so nothing and no one could survive then or now. There was a strange and sad feeling about the area. It just made me think of how and why war goes on!!
Having three weeks was a wonderful oportunity to see a lot of this beautiful island and it is very apparent why tourism is on the rise. The ever changing landscape is quintessentially Sri Lanka.
If you are ever visiting always take into account of the taxes which are added and can be up to 30% added to food and hotels; this caught us out on a few occasions.
Seeing Dina in Sri Lanka seeing her cousins, her friends and her father at the Mount Lavinia Hotel was very special, we just loved the whole experience.
We are off to Dubai to see Joye and her husband, Alan and stay with Lionel. Really looking forward to see how many more buildings have been built from previous visit!!
Then in five days we will be home. Both of us are really looking forward to endless catching up , glasses of wine, cups of coffee and most importantly hugs and kisses from precious friends and family.
Can't wait.
This is the last blog until we start our European Tour, if any one has the time three to five word thoughts on the blogs that would be simply wonderful. Thank you.
Take care one and all. Love to you all. x
- comments
Ann Whiteley I am so pleased that your trip to Sri Lanka proved to be as awesome as we experienced two years ago. You visited many of the same places as we did and it will be lovely to see your pics. Looking forward to a good chat when you are back - can't believe 6 months!!!! Have a safe journey home and fondest love to you both XX
fiona B Wow what a journey. It's been a great read. Thank you!
Rhoda Can't believe your wonderful trip is nearing its end. Have so enjoyed reading your blogs. Amusing and informative. Going to miss them although it will be lovely to see you both. Look forward to the next round of European blogs.
Krys I have really enjoyed reading your blogs, they are brilliant and so wonderful for you to read back on your wonderful adventures.
Dianne Wonderfully Informative, nearly as good as being there. Great way to keep in touch Can't wait for part 2 See you soon Dx
Jane Learmouth Couldn't mange it in 3 to 5 words. Thoroughly enjoyed reading all about your journey especially as I will never to get visit the many beautiful places you have described. It is also like having Jackie in the room talking to you so it doesn't seem that you have been away as long as you have - although blogs don't hug!! Looking forward to seeing you soon. Take care. Lots of love xxx
Alexandra A few words for you on the blogs: exciting, engaging, funny, real and genuine. Cannot wait to hug you both on your return - and share a glass or two of wine whilst you share your hair cuttings experiences xx
Ali Dumper I'm going to miss the regular updates. So many places have been added to the list of 'got to visit'. A few words: exciting, evocative, entertaining, inspiring. Hope you have a safe journey home. Lots of love xxx
Steve Can't believe you'll be back soon. Well you won't be sweating from every orifice, or did you mean pores, here but it's pleasant to come home to. I've really enjoyed your blog and hope you'll continue on your European leg. Many thanks for all your tips, descriptions and information. Welcome home!