Sri Lanka

Hello again!

Today we are visiting the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, whose  jungles and rain forests offer  visitors a wide variety of safari and other adventure options. While its 22 million residence are best known for their infectious smiles and hospitality, they are also known for their “waggle”, which is the name give to the way they move their heads from side to side as they talk, which generally indicates either “yes” or they they are seeking confirmation that you agree with or understand what they are saying.(“I love the diversity in people and their customs” he said, waggling his head in hopes of netting a confirmation…)
🙂

Sri Lanka gained popularity in 2000BC as the source of the Egypt’s cinnamon, and thanks to its many waterfalls and rivers, today it is the world’s leading country in utilizing hydro power, which provides more than half of the country’s energy. Its primary export is tea, a the country has the highest literacy rate (92%) in Asia. Its primary language is Sinhala, but English is widely spoken. 

Our first day was spent in Hambantota, which is best known for its wide range of safaris, including the Udawalawe National Park, known for its elephants and its sanctuary which rescues stranded and injured baby elephants, and releases them back into their herds after rehabilitating them. Thank goodness they are put back in a herd that accepts them.

The trip to  Udawalawe was very informative, and the feeding of the babies was adorable. The handlers release a handful of babies at a time, who obviously know it’s lunchtime, and rush to the middle of the feeding area. Some of them are real stinkers. Soon they are all tussling with one anther for their chance to have some milk. Afterwards, they go after the feed laying on the ground in the feeding area. They eat some, through some on their backs, eat some more. By the time they are finished, they are eating feed off of each other’s backs. Very cute…

The following day, we awoke in Columba, Sri Lanka, home of the Kelaniya Temple. I had reserved a walking tour of the temple, that included an hour or two with a monk.

The monk was cool. He told us all about the Buddhist religion, reincarnation, meditating, and the temple.It was very informative.

During the tour of the temple, we learned that many of the local residences cremate the bodies of the lost love-ones at the temple. It was very interesting and very spiritual. I also got to meet many monks.

Well, that is all for today. Next stop, The Taj Mayhal.

Thank you for visiting.

– Mike
“I have never understood the saying ‘To think outside the box.’ Why would anyone sit inside of a box and then think outside of it. Rather just get out of the box.” – Lawrence Anthony The Elephant Whisperer