Stepping Back In Time

Overlooking the valley near Diyathawala

John blogs ...

Woke at 7.30 after cool night’s sleep and hot shower, to be greeted by sunshine over misty valleys and views to die for. Like stepping back in time. Wonderful. Pre-arranged a very late breakfast for 9.30 so the girls had a blissful lie in and gentle introduction to the day.



I wandered to the local market and took plenty of photos of traders and locals. The produce looked really fresh.




Sri Lankan breakfast. Packed - as a military officer is arriving today – and moved to another bungalow on the complex, and chances are we’ll have to move again tomorrow. However, we get to see plenty of different houses for the different military regiments.

Stunning views, no wonder we're smiling

Took our washing (21 items!) to the Bandarawela Hotel – it was all counted out (how embarrassing!) and checked off and will be ready and pressed tomorrow midday. Dylan joined us in the van and we set off for the Uva Halpetawwa Tea Factory – much more modern than Labookellie. Not allowed to take photos inside, but had a good tea tasting session and the girls bought gifts to take home. Then on to the Demodera Railway Station which by some miscalculations has the line circling under the station before it turns a big loop into the station. We walked the line and went through the tunnel remembering the scene from the film The Railway Children …

With Bandarawela Club members at Uve Halpatewewa Tea Factory

On to Sunil’s home for a late lunch and drinks. I was invited first to have a drink with the men, then the girls were invited to have lunch whilst we remained talking and the political situation and post-conflict needs of the rural community in Sri Lanka. Later I ate ‘Sri Lanka’ with Sunil who chatted very freely about his beliefs and his family who are all lovely. He’s 5 girls and 1 boy, has adopted another boy and girl and is looking after his mother who is bed-ridden.


Later the other men came to the table by which time Sunil and I had finished eating. Then some ‘chill-out’ time whilst Sunil’s wife Rita shared her secrets of stitching and very generously gave us each one of her creations. Very lovely.

Enjoying the walk at Demodera Station

A drive back home to rest – we’re all still very tired – and plan to meet up with Club members for fellowship at 8.00, to eat at 9.00 and to get to bed at ...