Sigiriya Calls

A minor miracle – everyone arrived at Lanka Hands within 5 minutes of the pre-arranged time of 6.00 in the morning! Took down detyaiks from Suresh of our hosts for tonight and for the following three days as arrangements have been changed. No longer going to Trincomalee but back over tea country to Bandarawela Club, south of Newara Eliya.

Before the climb at Sigiriya

Arrived in Dumballa to meet Senarath who kindly gave us tea before assigning Anura to follow our van on his motorbike to the hill fortress of Sigiriya. We were all really looking forward to this visit – and were not disappointed. It was a real highlight and to be highly recommended. Hired an excellent guide who tripped along at a good pace, had a big smile and spoke very good English which was a real bonus as we’ve found tuning in to different accents sometimes a bit challenging whilst we’ve been here.

Sigiriya Maidens

Beautiful water gardens, playful monkeys, gentle waters, a wonder of architecture from the 5th Century. Altogether 1202 steps and some vertigo-inducing moments but all managed the strenuous climb and plenty of photos taken. Enjoyed being outdoors and having some exercise. The paintings on plaster half way up the rock were really beautiful and had an ethereal quality about them. Stunning views from the top all round with hills and mountains rising about the coconut palms and rice fields. A lovely, lovely view.

We made it!

Passing the snake charmer and souvenir sellers returned to the van and made our way to the Kashaba Rock Hotel for a pre-arranged lunch of sweet corn soup, seerfish followed by a much-appreciated swim in the pool with Sigiriya in the distance.

On to the town of Galawela to all stay in the home of Rajah, a Rotarian from Rangiri Dambulla Club. A beautiful home with ornate furnishings, able to host 15 or more Raorians and ourselves for a very pleasant evening. We introduced ourselves, exchanged banners and took lots of photographs. Claire managed to get a bit of story about local flooding and I was shown another Rotarian’s Sri Lankan stamp collection. Some very beautiful stamps especially the sets of birds and the Sigiriyan maidens.

Exchanging banners with Rangiri Dambulla Club

Plenty of chat during fellowship on the terrace, we were a little worried about the mozzies but long sleeves and repellent sprays seemed to keep them at bay. (Actually, we’re more worried about catching dengue fever than malaria.)

The five of us were invited to eat at 9.30-ish with several Rotarians attending to us. Very tasty Sri Lankan cuisine which was not too spicy – perhaps we’re getting used to is. After we’d eaten and retired, the Club members continued well into the early hours whilst we continued to worry about being very hot and being mozzie-fodder.