You may wondering how we are getting to all our destinations. I shared earlier that we hired a driver to take us from Kilinichchi to Tangalle over a three day period. Having a driver is like being in a Dowtown Abbey episode, except not nearly as regal since we have to navigate our route over broken roads and very few signs.Somehow we manage. The other aspect of having a driver which is surreal is that most major tourist hotels include accommodations for your driver. It's just the way things are done.Being a driver is apparently a good job in SL but I cant help feel uncomfortable with the priYou may wondering how we are getting to all our destinations. I shared earlier that we hired a driver to take us from Kilinichchi to Tangalle over a three day period. Having a driver is like being in a Dowtown Abbey episode, except not nearly as regal since we have to navigate our route over broken roads and very few signs.Somehow we manage. The other aspect of having a driver which is surreal is that most major tourist hotels include accommodations for your driver. It's just the way things are done.Being a driver is apparently a good job in SL but I cant help feel uncomfortable with the privilege
So today, Kajan, our driver, for the most part safely gets us to the elephant orphanage. Elephants are part of the fabric of this country. Elephants for the longest time were revered until colonialism and when they started being hunted for their ivory. They are protected once again but rural farmers tend to not care for the wild elephants as they tend to be a pain when trampling on their crops!
Diane and I visited an Orphanage that gives us an up close and personal look at the elephants. It's a bit controversial because of this but overall it was clear the elephants were well taken care of and this sanctuary provides a point of education and appreciation, as well as a revenue source for the community. It was amazing to be able to feed, touch and just watch these amazing animals. The best part was when they move the elephants down to the river for water time! Because the river is on the other side of the street, there is a huge elephant parade that happens four times a day! (bath time happens twice a day for two hours each) I have a video to share which Ill try to insert into the post of the elephant parade! Once across you can watch them have a grand time!
After our time with the elephants, we hit the road for the hill country and where all the tea plantations are. I took a few pictures, but they dont do justice to the beauty witnessed. I would need 50+words for 'green' alone! Our journey to this part of the country took longer than expected but we stopped for a quick tour and a cup of tea. From there we headed to Nuwara Eliya, where we stayed in a lovely guest house (think B&B). We also met back up with my new friend, Shanna, whom I met in Colombo. We realized we would be in Nuwara Eliya at the same time so decided to hike World's End at Horton Plains together.
It is a shame it was dark when we arrived as Diane shared it's a cute town. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of it as our departure for hiking was 5:30 AM! I guess Ill have to come again!
We departed for World's End, a 6 mile hike with spectacular views. We left early as it is recommended to hike early to avoid the heat but also to get to World's End before the fog rolls in. It was a misty and foggy morning. It wasnt ideal for a hike but we made it that far so might as well hike! While the top of the mountain wasnt clear, it was spectacular! The other parts of the hike were also brilliant. Shanna said the terrain - moving from plains to rain forest, reminded her of New Zealand. (guess Il have to go see for myself). We were told we might see leopards. We didn't, but we did her them! An exciting and frightening experience.
After our hike, we dropped Shanna off at the nearest train station and we headed south for Tangalle. While it's only about 150 kilometers from where we hiked to Tangelle, it took about 5 hours. Between the traffic, poor road system, bad signage and winding roads, traveling just takes longer in SL. We are not in a hurry because all that awaits us is sandy beaches.
So today, Kajan, our driver, for the most part safely gets us to the elephant orphange. Elephants are part of the fabric of this country. Elephants for the longest time were revered until colonialism and when they started being hunted for their ivory. They are protected once again but rural farmers tend to not care for the wild elephants as they tend to be a pain when trampling on their crops!
Diane and I visited an Orphanage that gives us an up close and personal look at the elephants. It's abit controversialbecause of this but overall it was clear the elephants were well taken care of and this sanctzuary provides a point of education and appreciation, as well as a revenue source for the community. It wasamazing to be able to feed, touch and just watch these amazing animals. The best part was when they move the elephants down to the river for water time! Because the river is on the other side of the street, there is a huge elephant parade that happens four times a day! (bath time happens twice a day for two hours each) I have a video to share which Ill try to insert into the post of the elephant parade! Once across you can watch them havee a grand time!
After our time with the elephants, we hit the road for the hill country and where all the tea plantations are. I took a few pictures, but they dont do justice to the beauty witnessed. I need 50+words for 'green' alone! Our journey to this part of the country took longer than expected but we stopped for a quick tour and a cup of tea. From there we headed to Nuwara Eliya, where we stayed in a lovely guest house (think B&B). We also met back up with my new friend, Shanna, whom I met in Colombo. We realized we would be in Nuwara Eliya at the same time so decided to hike World's End at Horton Plains together.
It is a shame it was dark when we arrived as Diane shared it's a cute town. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of it as our departure for hiking was 5:30 AM! I guess Ill have to come again!
We departed for World's End, a 6 mile hike with spectacular views. We left early as it is recommended to hike early to avoid the heat but also to get to World's End before the fog rolls in. It was a misty and foggy morning. It wasnt ideal for a hike but we mmade it that far so might as well hike! While the top of the mountain wasnt clear, it was spectacular! The other parts of the hike were also brilliant. Shanna said the terrain - moving from plains to rain forest, reminded her of New Zealand. (guess Il have to go see for myself). We were told we might see leopards. We didn't, but we did her them! An exciting and frightening experience.
After our hike, we dropped Shanna off atthe nearest train station and we headed south for Tangalle. While it's only about 150 kilometers from where we hiked to Tangelle, it took about 5 hours. Between the traffic, poor road system, bad signage and winding roads, traveling just takes longer in SL. We are not in a hurry because all that awaits us is sandy beaches.
No comments:
Post a Comment