Well, we four were on the road at 7:45 AM this morning and arrived back on the boat at 7:15 PM. We had a very full and exciting day. It turned out better than any of us expected I must say.
Jim's injuries did not disappear overnight but he is fine, however his right wrist, although properly wrapped offers some discomfort. There are also a few scrapes that also cause discomfort at times. On deck today was a major hike to the Lion Rock which is an endurance test and gave bragging rights as a side benefit. It was on Jim's bucket list and likely Gail's. In the early morning we did a short test of physical fitness by climbing up some 200 rather misshapen steps up to a Buddhist temple. The trip down was harder that the hike up for me and I think Jim.
Last night I swore off on taking my shoes and/or socks off to tramp through any more Buddhist or Hindu temples: forever! I have a bad bunion on my left big toe and as a result there is no pad of flesh between my bone and ceramic tiles or concrete. It is like walking on steel ball bearings to me. Socks and shoes, with an insole, no problem. Sorry Buddha and any Hindu gods who may be offended.
We also visited another temple where I wandered the street and around the temple while The Three did the tour.
The day took a turn for the better when there was a group decision to nix the hike to the Rock and do a Village Tour instead. It was great. After a lunch at a restaurant we headed for the Village Tour as it was called. We had a Bullock ride in a large cart, amazingly called a Bullock Cart! Good fun. The cart took us to a large lake, about a mile by 1/2 mile. The cart driver and our driver paddled us across to a home which was built to represent a typical home in days gone by, but not too long ago and no doubt many are still living in right now.
There, the woman prepared a meal for us by grinding the millet, grating a coconut, adding a bit of fresh pepper and tomato and a pinch of salt and a touch of water, [bottled]. She then fashioned this mixture into pancake shaped patties and baked them on banana leaves. This we ate on a plate of banana leaves, accompanied by a herbal drink. All done on a clay stove in about 20 minutes with the fuel being two sticks of dried wood that we would consider junk. Fascinating time there.
We walked through the bush passing her real home, that looked somewhat better than the one she was using to demonstrate in. Next stop was for a photo stop at the Rock that we did not climb. Followed by a 4 1/2 hour drive back to Colombo.
Total distanced travelled since yesterday morning was 400 K or 240 miles. Don't you ever complain about traffic please! It is unbelievable here. A bit like Demolition Derby in slow motion without collisions.
I saw my first Holy Cow wandering the streets today, oblivious to the chaotic traffic having to avoid him as he wanders here and there.
I saw my first Holy Cow wandering the streets today, oblivious to the chaotic traffic having to avoid him as he wanders here and there.
It was delightful to get back on board and into what we now consider 'Home' with all its faults.
Good sleeps tonight and still in Colombo for another day, then off to Incredible India!
Jim took this yesterday after he was bandaged up. Good shot.
In the restaurant this morning. This Jack Fruit tree is
growing up through the floor.
The start of the hike to the temple.
At the top.
We four, some more wobbly than others.
I thought that this was a good photo, Fellette always seems to take a good photo.
Calm and cool, down comes Fellette. Covered in sweat though!
Monks on the way to somewhere, at the bottom.
The Bullock Cart ready to load us.
Us four in the cart. One of the eyepieces had popped out of Fellette's sunglasses and she had not noticed it yet.
Fellette shredding coconut for lunch.
Also having a go at husking rice, Gail supervising as she had just done it. Women's work is never done.
We were driven back to the van by Tuk-Tuk after the Village Tour.
The Rock we did not climb.
For any of you worrying about Jim, he appears to be the same guy in spite of the bumps he took yesterday! Notice right wrist wrapped.
I also thought that this was a good shot of Gail with our driver. I took this from Jim's camera on the long ride back this afternoon.
Family of four on a scooter!
Stop complaining folks.
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