Week 5- Sri Lanka

Where do we start.... what an amazing place.

The people are the most beautiful and friendly people we have come across so far. I thought i would just blend into the crowd but i am getting many many stares not sure if its because my clothes don't fit the picture or the company i'm in (People yell out to tim "hey Shane Warne" often) it's really funny. So many people stop us to ask where we are from and with a puzzled look say "are you lankan" and "why no Sinhala" once i explain the story of my birth and adoption they are all interested and happy with the response. Tim thought it was funny to keep asking me "do you remember yet" the joke is wearing very thin :) He has forgotten about his nickname "Thunder" and has re-christened himself " THE CHAMELEON" because he blends in so well to his new surroundings (he, he, he)

We went to the beautiful Galle Face Hotel on the remcommendation of my Mum and Dad as it held very fond memories for them of the time when they were here about to start their family. We saw the most amazing sunset we have ever seen, it was spectacular. We decided to stay there for dinner at the Sea spray restaurant which was a huge buffet of seafood galore and every type of food and desert you could think of. We felf ashamed as we left after consuming way too much food but it is now number one on our best meal ever list.

We set off on our first litle journey and bussed from Colombo to Anuradhapura. Divanka arranged 2 nights accommodation at the Bastian Pilgrams Rest which is a buddhist dormatory that we shared with 150 or more other srilankans who have started making their pilgramage to these sacred buddhist sites. It's quite busy at the moment as school holidays have just started. It has been very interesting and has led to many questions about buddhism and many late night conversations between tim and myself. To be truthful Christianity has never seemed more clear!

We then made our way to Polonnaruwa where we saw many more ancient ruins. We have both agreed that we are officially "ruined-out". We spent 2 nights in Dambulla where we climbed Sigiriya in the pouring rain and visited the rock temples. We then spent 2nights in Kandy, went to a traditional Kandy dancing show at the cultural arts centre and visited the 'Temple of the Tooth'. The food has been a real highlight everywhere we go. Chilli hoppers for breakfast and curry and rice for lunch and dinner everyday is increasing our heat tolerance... and frequency to the toilet :)

We are now back in Colombo to rest for a few days before tackling the hill country through the centre. Can't wait to share more news.