Lion Rock / Sigiriya

Phew. Made it.

An architectural and engineering masterpiece. Superlatives are wasted. This is the most amazing site and the gravity fed gardens are surreal. Two hundred metres of solid rock. The king built a palace on top of it in the fifth century.

One of my questions still remains unanswered: How did they get the truck up here to deliver all of the bricks?

Whenever I travel to foreign climes I always like to mix it with the kids. I encouraged a couple of the young blokes from the local Dambulla reformatory to have their photo taken. Quite reluctant initally.

Call me Bwana

After travelling northeast for most of the day, we arrived at some national park to go on safari.

So it's into the back of a 4x4 and off we go. We're hunting elephant.

After an eternity travelling over bumpy dirt tracks through thick bush we come upon...

A couple of birds and a mongoose.  Hmm. But lo, look through the binoculars and there in the distance can be seen about fifty of the beasts.

"Oh well, never mind,"  we're thinking when around the corner we come across a small herd of big elephants. With junior.

And then, we see some more!

Our exhaustion vanishes as we snap away.

Next stop: Heritance Kandalama.

When the boat comes in

After setting off at a most respectable hour, we made our way to the Negombo Fish and fruit and vege market.

Here in Sri Lanka, they have taken the concept of going green just a tad too far. Why waste valuable resources on refrigeration,  when all you need do is splash some water over your seafood. And if you want to dry the catch; well, just leave it out in the sun. 

Poolside or beachside

Quite a large pool but not as large as the ocean.

Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo

A simple resting place for a short overnight stay. Located between the lagoon and Indian Ocean, the place has a 100 metre swimming pool.
The suite is enormous, taking a full two minutes to walk to the bathroom. Would you believe twenty steps?
Admittedly, we are sharing with three other families. (Very common tradition here.)

Jetting Lagoon Hotel

Arrived safely, a good start and met by our driver, Rathna, who steered us straight to pick up our SIM cards, before taking us directly to our luxury abode.

The suite is as big as Texas (admittedly, we are sharing with two families. A local custom, apparently.)

The 100 metre pool is nothing to write home about, except to say that it is the biggest in Sri Lanka and looks absolutely stunning. 

With the lagoon on one side, and the ocean on the other, the hotel is right in the middle. Centrally located.

The journey begins

Vibrant colours, sweet and pungent scents from foreign and far away places mingle with the jibber jabber of many tongues.

Welcome to Tullamarine departure lounge.

Bumped into young Pip. Twice. I thought she was going to Thailand. What's she doing at Tulla?

Finally found Annemarie and Gaz. They had been at the airport since midday, taking in the vibes. (They don't get out much.)

Countdown to funtime

New luggage purchased: check
Neck pillow purchased: check
Sun lotion, insect repellant and personal wipes purchased: check
In-transit outfits organised: check
Poolside accessories organised: check
After-five shorts and bling organised: check

As soon as Eva has got her stuff together, we can begin packing our suitcase.