Sri Lanka January 2015

   Finally I get back to Sri Lanka to see the Lion Mountain that I missed last time.  Was having too many roadblocks to get to this mountain, so, just ordered me up a tour with Intrepid.  Turns out it was the best in the people department.  We all agreed, it was the most amiable group we all had experienced.
    One language is Sinhalese. Our leader Ruwan told us it has 63 letters and 12 half 'letters', which are  to indicate sounds. Komaden is-how are you? And-Hondai is -good.
   When a woman has her first menses she  must stay in a dark room for 7 days, come out in a white dress, bring 7 pots of water to put in a well.  The caste system is alive and well, it shows in your name and cannot be changed.
  The very best part of Sri Lanka is the Elephant Ginger Beer. I don't like fizzy soda's but this-is magical. I introduced my group to it and it was taken to just like I had on my previous trip.
     Mihinat'e is the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka since 247BC. Anuradhapura is the place of the Bodhi tree that is a sapling from the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.   Many old palaces, temples, 'dagobas'-monuments, stupas. In fact the biggest Stupas I have ever seen, in fact, one was so big we went inside.   
  Then to Sigiyira, my reason to come.  It is a huge citadel carved from a rock similar in shape to Masada in Israel.  750 steps to the top in searing heat.  I got as far as the mirror wall to see that and the 1500 year old frescoes that are very well preserved.  The common name is Lion Rock, there was a lion façade carved into the rock, which only the paws remain today. I was glad to get that far, the rest of the climb was straight up.  I was satisfied.  In fact, temples and shrines are all up way too many steps. And, there one must walk in bare feet on the hot gravel-once was enough for that scene. I had two pair of socklets, put two panty liners between them, voila-comfort. 
   Many caves with carved statues of Buddha as is wont in this part of the world. 'Thewawa' ceremony is the the relic of Buddha's tooth displayed with accompanying drums played by  men in huge red cummerbunds and a sarong.
   Up into the hills for a night of comfort in an old British Hill Station, called Hill Club.  Dressing for dinner was the order of the evening.
   Nice walk in the tea area, beautiful water falls, area where some of the the scenes from "The Bridge Over the River Kwai" were filmed.
   Watched baby elephants called to lunch, they sure knew it was time, as do we all.
   One night in a very nice resort, except for the men who were doing some voyeurism, watching the  over the fence from the beach to the grass where the girls were sunbathing.  Did speak to the Hotel about that.  As we were attempting to relax in the sun, I thought I saw an elephant walk by on the beach. I did. It came into the resort and offered rides.  Don't see that every day. 
  Ah, nature.  Peacocks in trees, monkeys preparing for sex, pig families having a walk, turtle hatchery, donation boxes at the side of the road for motorcycles and cars to donate.
   Food: Kola Kada, a leafy vegetable soup with coconut cream-outstanding.  Egg Hopper-a crepe made like a bowl with onion sambol and egg.
   A good trip.