Another Slice Of Heaven

John blogs ...

Woken at 5.00 a.m. by reveille and piped songs to ‘rise and shine’ the trainees. Emily and Claire went to the gym with Kumar at 6.30 for an hour while the rest of us let them. We insisted on a light breakfast of fruits and a cup of tea/coffee around 8-ish, the ‘boys’ arrived around 8.30 and after much hand-shaking, hugs and kisses, exchanging banners and plenty of photos, we left around 9-ish, feeling very pleased that our change of plans from Trinco brought to such a lovely part of Sri Lanka. Many thanks Bandarawela Club.

Farewell photo from Bandarawela

Tortuous journey again though a little easier in daylight but it still took us the best part of 3 hours to reach Labookellie Tea Factory (the girls insisted on chocolate cake and BOK tea again – the 3rd time we’ve visited). On to Kandy for a quick club sandwich at Queens Hotel (we’re becoming regulars there too!) and into new territory as we drove towards Wariyapola. Excellent roads meant we made good progress as the scenery changed to beautiful coconut groves and golden-coloured paddy fields. So many people toiling the earth for planting, so many road-menders enjoying leaning on shovels and chatting.

Arrived at Jayantha and Asanthi’s luxurious home around 5.00 pm – to another unexpected piece of heaven. Air-con, cool bedrooms, hot showers, a swimming pool and internet access just for starters. We met Sanaj, their son, who won’t join us for the trip to Anuradhapura tomorrow, but will join us when we go to the beach. Funny that!

An afternoon tea of sandwiches (Mmmm! White bread) and chocolate brownie was enough to get us all in various states of ecstasy. I retreated to my bedroom, showered and had a couple of zzzz, whilst the girls went to the pool.

They had a really good swim, then evening meal of …. Fish and chips!!!!! Followed by Knickerbocker Glory !!!!!!! Heaven. Accompanied by Jacobs Creek Cab Sav. Perfect, thanks.

A few moments with Claire’s presentation and then to bed! Lovely.