Tag: Kandy

Nuwara Eliya

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Before leaving Kandy this morning we had an early visit to Temple of the Tooth. We got there around 8am and I would definately recommend getting there as early as possible as it was getting incredibly busy as we left. Whilst it was a beautiful building inside, it felt a bit intrusive stepping all over people as they prayed on the floor. They have clearly spent a lot of money on the architecture, it’s just a shame they didn’t put some of that to use in the toilets!

We left Kandy and headed for the hills to one of the many tea plantations on offer. Ours was the Glenloch factory. We had a tour of the factory and it was interesting to see they’re still using very old fashioned machinery. You wouldn’t want to mess with the woman who work in there… They are strong! We were then able to pick our own leaves and the most smiliest lady came to offer assistance as my basket was rather empty.

At 7000ft above sea level we arrived in Nuwara Eliya. At 20 degrees it’s still perfectly warm enough for us, but the locals clearly see it as arctic as half of them have wooly hats and scarves on! Always one to sniff out an afternoon tea, we ordered it straight away and enjoyed it in the sun in the garden before heading into the town to observe more local life. We found the market (not the looky looky type) and it was fascinating watching them go about their day, buying their fruit and veg etc. The noises, the smells… everything was so interesting to watch!

Santa obviously sniffed out the local pub which was rather seedy and the facilities were ropey to say the least. We quickly drank up and left. I couldn’t get away quick enough after being told by a creepy bloke in a creepy way ‘you look nice’

A few Mojitos in the bar in front of the fire (yes… really) and bed before another 5:45am start.

Another day in Kandy!

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This morning we were treated to a lie in (not tomorrow… 05:45 alarm is set 😭) and started the day off in the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. This was right up our street; National Trust but on a larger scale!

We had only been in the garden 5 minutes before the first request for a selfie came in from a group of school girls, who thought the ginger locks were absolutely fabulous. Half the time I felt like a celebrity with the selfies, however some pointed their lens from afar which made me feel slightly like a zoo animal.

We decided to spend the afternoon exploring Kandy centre. Just sitting and watching the traffic was an interesting experience. No shits are given! We got half way round the lake before the heavens opened again so headed for the market to get some shelter. It was looky looky at it’s finest, but I was persuaded to buy some elephant trousers which will come in very handy when I’ve had a big meal (every day…) Momma also got some trousers and Santa a new linen top.

There was only one mode of transport to get back to the hotel, and that was of course by tuk tuk. £2.50 for a 20 minute journey is an absolute bargain!! It was however, one of the scariest things we have been on. Health and safety at it’s finest. But we made it back in one piece (just) to enjoy yet another thunderstorm.

Santa found a new beer tonight; an 8.8% stout. I’m sure he will be staggering up the stairs soon!

 

Kandy

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It’s been a relatively quiet day today so there’s not much to report!

We left the hotel this morning via a herb and spice garden. It was actually quite interesting; what the guide didn’t know about it all wasn’t worth knowing. Whack a bit of lime in everything if you want to get thin! The highlight however was Santa having his shirt removed and being rubbed all over by a hairy Sri Lankan.

We then headed for Kandy where we will be staying for the next two nights and we were taken to the Kandy Cultural Show. What can I say…. They tried hard and it was interesting to see their traditional dancing. However, the hall was like something you’d get in a high school and the one slightly chubbier dancer looked like he might have a heart attack at any minute. We then had fire eaters and walkers. I found it rather uncomfortable whilst he was licking his firey stick and making eyes at me 🤣 The whole thing was a rather ‘interesting’ experience!