Funny how time flies... it's only been 2 months since we left India, but the reality of it is already starting to fade. I knew it would all start to feel like a dream, but maybe not so quickly... when freezing my way in and out of the Metro here, my favourite place to recall is Sri Lanka. Maybe because it was the last place we managed to squeeze in before giving up the sun for snow, or maybe because it was simply magical.
Either way, if you've not been - GO. Now the troubles in the north have settled down, they need the tourists to come and I highly recommend you go before the country changes, it still feels very unspoilt... but once the droves arrive I imagine it will go the way of all many Asian holiday resorts and become a bit tacky round the edges...
The biggest surprise to me was quite how much jungle there is, from the moment we stepped off the plane and headed for Kandy in the car with our hilarious driver for the week, we were overwhelmed by mists and tropical greenery. The further inland to the ancient cities you go - the more dense it becomes. Indiana Jones eat your heart out.
But let's not forget the idyllic south either. If you can close your eyes to the obvious tom foolery of rebuilding whole villages on the precariously exposed sands of tsunami battered beaches, you will be blown away by the beauty of it all. I feel I also need to mention Colombo, as it often gets a bad rep - but having lived in Mumbai, I can honestly say it compares favourably. Pavements, shops, galleries, cosmopolitan bars & restaurants, the barefoot cafe alone had me wishing I'd booked a trip in my first year in Asia! Drinks at the verandah bar at the Galleface. Yes please.
Having said all this, it is still in many ways - as my good friend Helen described it - India Light: Terrible driving, general disorganisation, some questionable food items... all are very much the order of the day. And their treatment of the poor stray dogs made India look like one giant RSPCA shelter - even B took to carrying his leftovers around with him to feed to the poor mites we encountered everywhere. Seriously, there needs to be something done about it...
Highlights of the trip:
- Helga's folly in Kandy - an unforgettable and somewhat spooky hotel run by Lady Helga - will say no more, just visit.
- Kandalama in Dambula. Geoffery Bawa architecture in lush jungle.
- Climbing Sigirya rock to see the storm approaching...
- Sleeping to the sounds of the waves in Unawatuna.
- B almost turning veggie because of the turtle hatchery...
I've added some photos to make you jealous... hope you like,
More soon. Sleep time now.
BNBx
