Last day in Sri Lanka

The view from our veranda at The Change in Kandy. Off to Paris tonight...

Farewell Ella

Leaving Ella in a rickety red train today bound for Kandy. Sorry to leave this beautiful valley...

For you Lipton's tea drinkers

Father was fascinated by the tea factory that Thomas Lipton built to process tea for his emporium's shelves. I nearly passed out with the stench of the tea and ran outside! I found refuge under this beautiful Shoe flower (hibiscus) tree.

Ridiculous!

This morning we left scorching hot, dry Pottuvil and climbed up through jungle and mountains to wet, cool Ella - couldn't be a greater contrast!

View from our 'Ecolodge' above and pouring rain at lunch below

Figures from rock

In a natural amphitheatre we found these figures carved out of a huge rock. A standing Buddha and another group of figures are to the left. All these intricate metres high sculptures (bas reliefs?) were carved out of what appears to be granite sometime in the 10th century. Stunning!

Another new friend...

The gardeners  found this baby crocodile wandering through to the lagoon yesterday morning. They warned me not to walk around in the dark!....

Easter dawn

Lovely beach here but walking only possible before sunrise and after sundown - the heat is unbelievable!

Last evening we punted down river to a lagoon, seeing a multitude of birds, a crocodile and several elephants grazing. Bliss in the mangroves!

East coast

We're staying in a pleasant resort near arugam bay. Beaches wild but beautiful but can only venture on sand before dawn or after sunset! Hot! Hot! Hot!

This is Chris on our kudil verandah. Off to boat on lagoon this evening.

Central Australia? Or east coast Sri Lanka?

Felt and looked like roadside cafe in central Australia!

A day with the animals

This morning I explored the ancient city of polonnaruwa, encountering lion, monkeys, elephants and crocodiles. This evening I am going on safari to see real elephants!

On safari

Just back from a dream safari. Saw lots of stunning birds, monkeys, elephants, butterflies, and rare trees.

Sigiria conquered

Along with many others I climbed to see the amazing frescoes on the side of the rock which was once a royal citadel. This climb was in the shade but the final ascent was in full sun at 39 degrees. I wimped out on that one !

Last training walk up Mt Rogers

Nellie very impatient to move on but I am farewelling Belconnen...

Hiking companion

Look who I met on my training run up One Tree Hill this morning. I had a full pack - and I think she did too.