2013-09-21

Sigiriya and Kandy !! Last 2 days of tour - Kandy, Sri Lanka

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Leaving polonaruwa we headed for sigiriya, on the way our guide spotted a wild elephant (see pictures) we have named him James ! Quick toilet stop in some random hotel and it was time to buy our ticket. The ticket cost us 3,200 Rs each but that got us into the museum and all the way to the top. Sigiriya was much more touristy than the places we had been to and it was nice to to be single out quite so much although lots of people still seemed fascinated that we were there. The rock was incredible and looked like a long way up but we were soon at the half way point and not out of breath at all. Mainly because we were following a lot of other people one step at a time. When we finally reached the top it was so spectacular... Words cannot describe, by far the most beautiful place I have been in my life so far. So so picturesque. The picture is Alice at the to with a stunning view behind but this view was 360degrees and so perfect. I don't fever want to forget the memory and wish I could transport you all there. After pausing at the top for a good 2 hours we thought it was probably time to head back down and find Rohana. He drove us swiftly on towards kandy but decided that we needed to learn about herbs and spices first ... There was no choice in the matter. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and taught us about all the aryudic medicines. Then he let his students give us a massage and both myself and Alice were in heaven. Ok so it was a little bit awkward to be sat in a wooden hut in my bra but it was well worth it haha. It was clear although " he wasnt a salesman or a business man" that he wanted us to buy something and give the massage guys a tip so I'm sorry to say we got conned into each of us buying some sandalwood cream... But it does work a treat. He also used natural hair removal cream on my arm and now I have a freaky bare patch but hoping to get a funny tan line. We arrived in kandy late and so couldn't see the city so that had to wait until the morning. Rohana had once again got us a deal on a hostel and so we set up camp in our swanky purple room. It's much cooler in kandy compared to polonaruwa and Anuradhapura. Having not eaten all day we were looking forward to a good meal but dinner was horrendous and so we resorted to dry weetabix minis !! Both nutritious and delicious ! And that was day 4 over and done with. Day 5 we woke to sunshine and headed up for breakfast hoping this time it would at least be edible and it was so was scoffed some toast and headed toward the botanical gardens which are just outside the city. The gardens were gorgeous, I want to have mum and grandma with me because the would have loved it. I especially liked the orchid house and the flower garden and I managed to get my picture of a palm tree for em !! A good 3 hour stroll around the gardens brought us to lunch time and we headed into the city. At least we thought that's where we were going but turns out Rohana was taking us somewhere different... Again! But the view point was worth if as we could see the whole of kandy. He dropped us back in the centre and we said our finally thank you's and goodbyes. We were alone in the city!! And in all honesty felt quite excited to finally be travelling. We navigated the city and the local market all by ourselves. Bought some dinner and headed back to the hostel. Caught up with Thomas, em and mumma and am off on the train to Adams peak tomorrow. Sending my love to everyone and hoping you are all ok! Big big lovin little libs xxxxxx

Show more