A big morning was planned with our Tuk Tuk driver Janaka, but first we had to get through breakfast with Mrs De Silva hovering over us wanting us to eat. She had changed things a bit to entice us with the food and we did improve our performance somewhat. We hit upon the bright idea that we would tell her we wanted to take the huge plate of fruit out with us. Brilliant solution to our dilemma…then we could ditch it at our leisure. She still talked to Rose about me as if I wasn’t in the room. Such a strange feeling.
Anyway Janaka came and whisked us away. We went first to the Commonwealth War Graves site which, as always, was beautifully kept and told yet another part of the WWII story…the defence of Sri Lanka.
Then off we went on a long, long rise out to a monastery about 15km out of town, the Lankathilaka Temple, perched on a giant rock in the hills. It was divine, in a magnificent setting, with lovely frescoes and carvings. It is a world heritage site and its easy to see why. Then we drove back through this lush tropical countryside with rice paddy’s, fruit stalls and chaotic roads, interspersed with busy, bustling little towns.
Next stop was a Tea Factory where we were taken through the process of tea making. That was quite fun but I actually think I’m nonethewiser after the tour which culminated in a free cup of tea and the expectation to buy. Which of course we did…really??? What are we going to do with a large bag of tea??
Then to the Kandy Botanical Gardens where he dropped us for 2 hours while he went home for lunch. I must admit that they were lovely but foreigners have to pay $15 each to get in which hurt a bit…free for Sri Lankans!!! Sadly its not hard to tell the difference. So we wandered through the gardens which did not disappoint. The orchids were to die for.
We were picked up and we wanted to do some shopping in preparation for tomorrows train journey and we wanted some alcohol. I tell you in this country you feel like a criminal. Our driver took us to a place to go to the supermarket that had an alcohol section underneath. The only people buying alcohol are dodgy looking men, its all behind barriers and your Tuk Tuk driver is looking at you with disappointment in his eyes.
We came home and now have hours to wait until we have our sacrificial meal cooked by Mrs Regini De Silva. What can we say, the homestay set up doesn’t suit us!!!
Back from our homestay meal and we both have to say that the food was fantastic. One of the best curries we’ve had, they sat with us talked but the hubsand (a dentist Dr Sena De Silva) is interesting and informed and I have to say Rose lifted to the occasion and was the life of the party. So we’ve paid, we have our Tuk Tuk coming at 7.30 in the am for the train to Ella. Kandy has been a great city.
For now goodnight!!