Author: FJB

Here it is, a photo of the group enjoying a Sri Lankan feast … proof that we shopped in the markets of Kandy, bought fish and meat displayed in what Westerners consider worryingly un-sanitary conditions, cooked it ourselves, then ate it … and lived to tell the tale.

We cooked Duntel Bath, chicken, beef pepper and white fish curry, Potato Bedum, Tempered Beans, and Watalappan. Several Arrack (local coconut liquor) and passion fruit cocktails accompanied the meal, and according to our ever diplomatic guide Benjamin – our curries tasted completely authentic.

A big thanks to the chefs at Earl’s Regency hotel who supervised our cooking adventure

Actually there are 1200 steps to the top, and that doesn’t include the steps we had to climb to get to the steps, nor the kilometre or so walk from the car park, nor the return journey.

Sigiriya Rock is a “fortress in the sky” a massive monolith rising 200 metres above the surrounding plain. It is topped by the ruins of a Buddhist monastery dating from the 3rd century BC and subsequently a palace in the 5th century.

You reach the ruins and cave paintings by climbing a combination of uneven sometimes slippery stone steps, spiral staircases and platforms hanging over sheer drops. Needless to say, as I suffer from a touch of acrophobia, I spent most of the time with my eyes locked on either the rock wall or on the steps.  It wasn’t until I reached the top that I could relax and fully appreciate the fabulous 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside.

I think it’s fair to say that Di, Jim, Carol, Kerrie and I were pretty impressed with ourselves for making it to the top.  Jim deserves a special mention as he completed the climb with a handicap … a squidgy stomach … and there are NO toilets ANYWHERE on the climb !!

Twice a day, weather permitting, the breeding herd from Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage lumbers it’s way slowly through the village streets on it’s way to the river to bathe or drink.  The river was swollen by the monsoon and the word was that it was too dangerous for the babies, but we were lucky enough to be seated river-side just finishing our lunch when the herd arrived.  An unforgettable sight.

No, it’s not a strange Sri Lankan religious festival, but a description of our painful day at Kataragama …

Kataragama is a place of worship and pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. It’s a huge complex of beautiful temples, mosques and stupas. As a sign of respect, all shoes are removed at the entrance – hence the cause of our burning feet. After several hours of walking on baking sand and hot stones, running from one patch of shade to another, we could take no more and retreated to our bus.

Unfortunately, two of us (one me) had to use the public toilets barefoot !!! I can’t even begin to describe the experience, nor could I bring myself to take a photo. I will leave it up to your imagination.