It's not over until we've been to Kandy!

We are now in Mount Lavinia, a town just south of Colombo. Our lovely driver Sarath took us on a great detour on the way here so that we could visit Galle, a fortified town with an understated sleepy charm. It has has been occupied at various times by the Dutch and the Britishers (sic).

We lunched at the Rampart Hotel. Very smart with great sea views.

 

Our waiter made a doll from the napkins :-)

Monks on a day out.

Evidence of the tsunami was everywhere. Galle was badly hit.

 

Interesting signage everywhere.

Sophie haggling for presents.

 

Picture postcard scenery.

 

 

 

 

No trumpeting in Galle (?)

 

An old Dutch church.

 

Upon arrival in Mount Lavinia we headed for a beach restaurant.

 

Harry decided to copy the locals. This provided excellent practice for what was to happen the next day. ( see later!)

 

Unfortunately the local mozzies were also rather hungry and some of us got badly bitten.

 

The next morning we were up at 4.30......

Colombo station.

 

...... waiting for the train....

 

Locals cross the line rather than use the stairs!

We were lucky to get seats in the Expo carriage.

 

The journey to Kandy took 2 hours and three quarters. We were given a substantial snack and drinks both directions. The cost?

£6

 

Kandy is a Very Busy Place. It is the most sacred site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

It is the site of the Temple of the Tooth. The tooth belonged to the Buddha and it has been fought over for centuries. Traditionally, whoever has the tooth also has the power of the people.

 

inside we were amazed by the intricate carvings and paintings.

Offerings for the Buddha.

The tooth is held in a golden casket and worshippers jostle for a good position to glimpse it.

We waited and waited until finally...

 

there it was....

 

 

 

We have become very drawn to the Buddhas.

 

 

 

This was my favourite.

 

Golden elephants held up the ceiling.

 

Beautiful paintings described the teachings of the Buddha. This shows his death, he was poisoned in error by his cook.

 

 

 

In order to enter the Temple the lengths of our sleeves, skirts and shorts were inspected.

Harry failed the test.....

Luckily Cassie had a large shawl with her :-)

Next episode.... Issie's birthday!!

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