Leaving the soul-less campsite in Rhyll we headed for Otley to meet up with Foo and Neil. It was birthday celebration time!!!!!! The weather, however, decided not to come to the party but this did not put a dampener on the proceedings. Voluminous amounts of beer, gin and wine were drunk, good food was eaten, the clock finally striking midnight to herald in the 69th year........bugger those 68 years went fast, too fast. Thanks Foo, Neil and Gary for a memorable two days - and the fuzzy headache!!!!!
Otley, overlooking Ilkley Moor on the Yorkshire Dales, was quite a delightful, old village where pork pies, scratchings, flapjack, aniseed twist, Catherine wheels, walnut whips, black pudding, 2nd hand clothes and many other memory jerking goodies were purchased but, the fait accomplie was Gary's birthday present to me......a beautiful watch. I just love it....thankyou.
Next time we meet up again with Foo and Neil will be in Cebu in the Philipines at Christmastime but for now onward and upward to Scotland.
First stop Dalston over the Yorkshire Dales (rolling hillsides and stone walls - beautiful); through the Lake District (Lake Grassmere, Lake Windermere) Staveley and Keswick. Little stone cottages peppered the hillsides and I have to admit the scenery was spectacular.
From Dalston - just outside of Carlisle - we headed for Luss passing Gretna Green and NO, we didn't! Temporary signs littered the road sides saying "Tough Mudder" "Tough Mudder". These went on for kilometres and finally we discovered it was advertising a "mud run"!!!!!! This must be a Scottish antic perhaps?
Luss is another charming little village on the edge of Loch Lomand but grossly over touristed with huge coach buses continuously ramping in and out of the centre. One street is devoted to how village life in Scotland used to be - charming old stone cottages, rambling Old English perfumed roses and Wisteria decking the outside walls - but it swarms with tourists and the quaintness is lost. How the people living there manage I am unsure.
We caught a local bus to explore Balloch and it's local market but, I guess, we haven't found the good spots of Scotland yet and the weather hasn't been in our favour - neither the campsites.
And so we move on - to Scone where something amazing and weird was about to happen - little did we know!!!!! But I digress.
Following Kate (the GPS) our 2hour 14mins journey was slightly extended to roughly, all in all, 6 hours???? But.....it was the most beautiful journey I think ever. Over the Highland Rannock Moor, past waterfalls, lakes, lookouts, skifields, the "Green Wellie Shop" and much much more. Rolling hills, alternating sunshine, rain and high wind but the scenery was indisputably Scottish. We were pleased we "got lost in Scotland". Turning around and retracing our steps for approximately 90kms we travelled through Lochearnhead, Loch Earn, Comrie (absolutely stunning) and Crieff (where Scotlands oldest distillery exists), via Methven through Perth and onto Scone. How many of you feel a lot of Scottish placenames parallel New Zealand or thinking about it it could be the other way round??? The new van was perfect, so different from Molly and I secretly believe Gary enjoys driving "it" although he insists he still misses Molly.
We met a gorgeous Scottish couple at La Garrofa, albeit briefly, but also later in Almeria for lunch - Mary and Jim - so we decided, when we arrived in Scone, to make contact to see if, when we got close and if they were not jaunting away themselves, we could catch up for coffee or something. Immediate reply - WE LIVE IN SCONE!!!!!! It was like 2 years had not flown by and was so, so awesome to catch up again. Jim and Mary thanks so much for your time, energy, beautiful food and hospitality. Your turn next in New Zealand!!!!!!
Next stop St. Andrews - where Wills met Kate and yes......where there is a famous Golf course. We wild camped here beside the golf course, beach and sand dunes - walked into the historic town, around the castle and cathedral and along the seafront and beach. It was a beautiful sunny day and we loved this vibrant city. Graduation was in progress over a 3 day period so the place was humming with graduates and their families. It was special for Gary too as his niece attended St Andrews University a few years back and had stayed in her flat.
Whilst here we had a message from a friend saying whilst on this coastline we had to go see 3 places - so off we set to do just that.
Crail - lovely harbour village but difficult to park and gain access to.
Anstruther - another lovely coastal township and free parking right down by the sea wall. Parks a little small but photo opportunities good and a cafe for coffee as well. Such was our mortification on realising we had driven into a Golf Club - yes another one - and the cafe was the elite "members club lounge". Tail between legs we hightailed it out of there pretty quick.
Elie - breathtakingly fantastic. As quiet as when we arrived. Mobile bank truck welcoming all on board set up in main street - shame they weren't giving anything away otherwise we would have been in there. Walking down to the harbour, apparently all roads in Elie lead to the beach, we went in search of "The Ship Inn". This place is quaint and so depicts the picture I have in my head of what Scotland should look like. Along the lower roads closest to the beach but still much higher than the sea wall, beautiful quiet areas with seats and gardens were available for people to quietly sit and take in the peaceful scenery in front of their eyes. Small, very very small, baches cling to the hillside too. Stone walls - Highland style - run along the roadsides and there, there in the distance is the Ship Inn where the seawall is your table and delicious fresh haddock and chips are the order of the day for lunch. Perfect. Thanks Jane for putting us on to these three places. We had the most amazing day and feel we are now seeing the real Scotland accompanied by surprisingly perfect weather.
Our destination for this day though was St Cyrus and a small, also perfect, campsite directly over looking the beach and North Sea.
And so we are here, wifi is free and we are drinking gin and typing the blog. How could life get any better?
See you. xxxxx
PS. Denise if you are reading this blog we passed a pub in Arbroath called "Tutties Nook". Thought of you. X
Friday, 24 June 2016
Sunday, 12 June 2016
AND BACK TO BLIGHTY 2016 Part 1
ENGLAND
Our flight from Zurich was relatively brief by comparison to previous flights and after a lengthy interrogation for Gary and much hasty writing at Immigration, a special "watch this man" stamp was dutifully stamped in his passport by an over-officious, young, immigrant officer and Gary was "allowed to go". The stamp allows him to stay only for 6 months in UK and the "fear" came about because, on our last trip we, apparently, spent too long in Schengen countries supporting ourselves???. Go figure that one!!!!!! Yep they wanted to know exactly how we were able to travel for soooooo long financially!!!!! God forbid, and I don't wish to upset any one, but the UK would be the last place we would wish to overstay! Anyway, rant over, move on.
We had a long wait at Heathrow to catch our bus to Molly in Shropshire so we busied ourselves buying sim cards and coffee and texting people that we had arrived safely. Hearing a voice, vaguely familiar, I looked up and there was Brenton!!!! Oh my gosh what a surprise - it took a while for my brain to click in. He had flown in from Mauritius and on his way to the Underground he stopped by at the bus station we were waiting at. It wasn't long enough as he had to carry on to a meeting but it was a bonus as we thought he wasn't returning to London until a later date.
Buoyed up by seeing him we survived the 6 hour bus trip and taxi ride and arrived at Molly at about 10pm, made up the bed and slept the sleep of the dead. It wasn't until the next day we found out that the owners had no idea we had even arrived!!!!!!
Getting Molly into some semblance of order at a campsite the next day we then headed South to look at new motor-homes. We were still ambivalent as to what we should do as Molly was always a good workhorse but she was looking tired this time round so we decided we should continue looking. Passing through Ludlow Gary spotted a motorhome dealership so we decided to look. TWO hours later we had bought our ideal motorhome, brand spanking new, and the make and model we had always come back to during our research in NZ. The Swift Bolero - the Black edition. It was heavily discounted and we got a really good trade in for Molly so how could we refuse???? The change over was seamless and the company we bought it from were excellent. We have done our first "shake down cruise" in it from Ludlow to Rhyl and the silence was deafening!!!! Very smooth, very comfortable and absolutely gorgeous. Working out all the bells and whistles will now be our biggest challenge!!!! Chris Chapman if you are reading this - we have central heating!!!!!! We will also be bringing this van back to NZ to tour in. We are very happy.
So mainly we have been marking time whilst all this has been happening although we did take a trip down to Salisbury where not only did we enjoy looking around but had the pleasure of a visit from Ian and Janine - Gary's brother-in-law and girlfriend.
Staying in a campsite at the base of Old Sarum - where a fortress, Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury originally stood - it was perfect, sunny weather to walk through the wildflower meadows that the British are trying to regenerate very skilfully to the top of Old Sarum where the fort once proudly stood on its summit. Sadly there are only ruins left now of both the fort and cathedral, where locals picnic in abundance, but it is still mind blowing as to how they masterfully created something once so beautiful so long ago.
The current Salisbury Cathedral and surrounding old town are stunning. It was here that an usher came and asked us where we were from. On saying Nelson New Zealand she said she had an old friend who lived there who I believe I know quite well - but that is another story in this incredibly small world in which we live.
As I said the cathedral was stunning (see facebook pictures) and we were fortunate enough to be there whilst a choir practice was in progress. That was also stunning - the acoustics being as they are. There were a lot of Beatrix Potter type rabbit sculptures here, there and everywhere which we both found a bit odd!!! Guess there must be some connection between rabbits and Salisbury that we are ignorant of.
It was quite a walk to and from the campsite to Salisbury but it was probably the most exercise either of us had had for a while having ditched our rusty bikes when we picked up Molly. We actually donated them to the storage owners grandchildren and I am sure Grandad Alan will have them looking like new in no time for them.
Now it was time to start heading North to pick up the new van and begin our journey through Scotland catching up with Daphne Nock on the way through. This is always such a pleasure but only brief this time. A quick, extremely nice lunch at a very old, historic pub - the Waggon and Horses - near Calne and we were back to Ludlow to pick up the new Camper staying at Home Farm - 2nd time round as such an incredible campsite. Unfortunately there was a delay in funds coming from NZ because of the queen (God bless her) but eventually we picked the camper up, spent a day organising everything and finally drove away.
Thankyou Dawn for enjoying our journey with us (buying the camper journey that is) and providing us with a fabulous place (Home Farm) to wait out the purchase. For all the washing and hot, hot showers and everything else you provide to your camping followers over and above the norm.
Thankyou Scott and Roger and the team from Morans for making our camper purchase so easy and so affordable.
We will recommend you all on our travels.
So as I said earlier we are in Rhyl quite possibly by default as we intend to "do" Wales last but.....this place has free wifi where I can blog to my hearts content as Gary plans our next move.
Tomorrow we leave for Ilkley to meet up with Foo and Neil for my birthday.
Bye for now xxxx
Our flight from Zurich was relatively brief by comparison to previous flights and after a lengthy interrogation for Gary and much hasty writing at Immigration, a special "watch this man" stamp was dutifully stamped in his passport by an over-officious, young, immigrant officer and Gary was "allowed to go". The stamp allows him to stay only for 6 months in UK and the "fear" came about because, on our last trip we, apparently, spent too long in Schengen countries supporting ourselves???. Go figure that one!!!!!! Yep they wanted to know exactly how we were able to travel for soooooo long financially!!!!! God forbid, and I don't wish to upset any one, but the UK would be the last place we would wish to overstay! Anyway, rant over, move on.
We had a long wait at Heathrow to catch our bus to Molly in Shropshire so we busied ourselves buying sim cards and coffee and texting people that we had arrived safely. Hearing a voice, vaguely familiar, I looked up and there was Brenton!!!! Oh my gosh what a surprise - it took a while for my brain to click in. He had flown in from Mauritius and on his way to the Underground he stopped by at the bus station we were waiting at. It wasn't long enough as he had to carry on to a meeting but it was a bonus as we thought he wasn't returning to London until a later date.
Buoyed up by seeing him we survived the 6 hour bus trip and taxi ride and arrived at Molly at about 10pm, made up the bed and slept the sleep of the dead. It wasn't until the next day we found out that the owners had no idea we had even arrived!!!!!!
Getting Molly into some semblance of order at a campsite the next day we then headed South to look at new motor-homes. We were still ambivalent as to what we should do as Molly was always a good workhorse but she was looking tired this time round so we decided we should continue looking. Passing through Ludlow Gary spotted a motorhome dealership so we decided to look. TWO hours later we had bought our ideal motorhome, brand spanking new, and the make and model we had always come back to during our research in NZ. The Swift Bolero - the Black edition. It was heavily discounted and we got a really good trade in for Molly so how could we refuse???? The change over was seamless and the company we bought it from were excellent. We have done our first "shake down cruise" in it from Ludlow to Rhyl and the silence was deafening!!!! Very smooth, very comfortable and absolutely gorgeous. Working out all the bells and whistles will now be our biggest challenge!!!! Chris Chapman if you are reading this - we have central heating!!!!!! We will also be bringing this van back to NZ to tour in. We are very happy.
So mainly we have been marking time whilst all this has been happening although we did take a trip down to Salisbury where not only did we enjoy looking around but had the pleasure of a visit from Ian and Janine - Gary's brother-in-law and girlfriend.
Staying in a campsite at the base of Old Sarum - where a fortress, Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury originally stood - it was perfect, sunny weather to walk through the wildflower meadows that the British are trying to regenerate very skilfully to the top of Old Sarum where the fort once proudly stood on its summit. Sadly there are only ruins left now of both the fort and cathedral, where locals picnic in abundance, but it is still mind blowing as to how they masterfully created something once so beautiful so long ago.
The current Salisbury Cathedral and surrounding old town are stunning. It was here that an usher came and asked us where we were from. On saying Nelson New Zealand she said she had an old friend who lived there who I believe I know quite well - but that is another story in this incredibly small world in which we live.
As I said the cathedral was stunning (see facebook pictures) and we were fortunate enough to be there whilst a choir practice was in progress. That was also stunning - the acoustics being as they are. There were a lot of Beatrix Potter type rabbit sculptures here, there and everywhere which we both found a bit odd!!! Guess there must be some connection between rabbits and Salisbury that we are ignorant of.
It was quite a walk to and from the campsite to Salisbury but it was probably the most exercise either of us had had for a while having ditched our rusty bikes when we picked up Molly. We actually donated them to the storage owners grandchildren and I am sure Grandad Alan will have them looking like new in no time for them.
Now it was time to start heading North to pick up the new van and begin our journey through Scotland catching up with Daphne Nock on the way through. This is always such a pleasure but only brief this time. A quick, extremely nice lunch at a very old, historic pub - the Waggon and Horses - near Calne and we were back to Ludlow to pick up the new Camper staying at Home Farm - 2nd time round as such an incredible campsite. Unfortunately there was a delay in funds coming from NZ because of the queen (God bless her) but eventually we picked the camper up, spent a day organising everything and finally drove away.
Thankyou Dawn for enjoying our journey with us (buying the camper journey that is) and providing us with a fabulous place (Home Farm) to wait out the purchase. For all the washing and hot, hot showers and everything else you provide to your camping followers over and above the norm.
Thankyou Scott and Roger and the team from Morans for making our camper purchase so easy and so affordable.
We will recommend you all on our travels.
So as I said earlier we are in Rhyl quite possibly by default as we intend to "do" Wales last but.....this place has free wifi where I can blog to my hearts content as Gary plans our next move.
Tomorrow we leave for Ilkley to meet up with Foo and Neil for my birthday.
Bye for now xxxx
SWITZERLAND
SWITZERLAND
Our trip to Switzerland, via Delhi, actually was quite an ordeal but we soon got over it when we saw Livia's happy smiling face waiting for us at Zurich airport at 6.30am!!!!! A quick drive to Huntwangen and we were reunited with Markus, Sydney and Pipo.
Unfortunately Markus had been involved in a motorbike accident so was feeling very sore but, with his birthday looming, we were intent on cheering him up for those celebrations. Staying awake until night time was our biggest challenge though - but we did it.
The following morning we went on a mystery tour to meet up with two other friends who we had met at La Garrofa, Spain and who lived sort of close to Markus and Livia. Although these four lovely people had never actually met each other, between them the most amazing day was born.
A short car ride to the station, a train trip to Lucerne, an unforgettable boat trip to Rigi (unforgettable because unbeknown to us we spent the whole trip in spacious 1st Class!!!!) and Voila!!!! Sabrina and Markus clamber aboard and into 1st Class for, firstly, introductions to Markus and Livia and secondly, for us, a very happy reunion. It had been 18 months since we had last seen them and life had been deservedly good for them both - in fact very very good. We were so happy for them, the sun was shining, there was snow on the mountains all around us, the lake was blue and flat and we were with 4 beautiful people for the whole day. Life was very good.
Jumping off our boat at the next stop it was straight onto a tram and heading for the summit of Mount Rigi. The views were to die for as our facebook pics showed. A walk, some lunch, some alcohol, lots of photo taking, lots of convivial chatting, another stroll and a glimpse of paragliders taking off the top of Rigi made for the best day. Of course the company had a lot to do with it too - endless catching up and hopefully a new friendship born as well.
Sadly it all went too fast. Markus had a gig in the hotel at the top of Rigi so we said our farewells to him to enable him to catch up with his band, Sabrina was going to walk down Rigi (absolutely mad but apparently very enjoyable) back home so we waved goodbye to her as she set off into the sunset. Thanks guys for everything that day; the tickets, the lunch, your exquisite organizing and your awesome company. We miss you but know we will catch up again either in NZ or back in Switzerland. Good luck with all your renovations on your beautifully positioned home in Rigi overlooking the lake. You truly are very special in our hearts and Markus - STOP SMOKING!!!!!!
So with a little sadness in our hearts Markus, Livia, Gary and I left Mount Rigi by tram but in the opposite direction to Sabrina. This decline was very steep and took us through completely different countryside, very green with the most amazing trees. Finally back into the car and home again. All of us exhausted.
So we still had Markus's birthday to celebrate which seemed to go on for days. First celebration was Livia's homemade delicious chocolate cake (still waiting for recipe Livia) then a catch up evening meal with Livia's parents Brigitte and Bruno, sister Martina and her husband Pirmin at a German Restaurant. Another huge catchup as it is always a pleasure walking back into Livia's family life and we are always made to feel so so welcome and loved. Markus was thoroughly spoiled with birthday gifts and although in pain had a good time.
Next night it was Markus's family celebration with his parents, brother and wife and children at an "all you can eat" pizza restaurant which was amazing. The selection and amount of pizza served was incredible and the wine flowed surely helping Markus's accident discomfort. He was spoiled again with gifts and Gary had a whale of a time with Markus's 2 nephews - as he does with children.
We can honestly say that the Swiss certainly know how to celebrate a birthday!!!!!!!
So next it was our turn - just the 4 of us to celebrate. A very nice lunch overlooking Lake Zurich followed by coffee at the Kiwi Cafe in the red light district of Zurich. Just a touch dicey perhaps but we were with Policeman Markus even though he was carrying injuries!!!!!!!!!
What a perfect way to end a week of laughter, happiness, hecticness and companionship.
Thanks Markus and Livia for putting up with us again. We love and miss you heaps and please...BUY THAT HOUSE!!!!!!
And so it was, once again, time to leave for just a short hop to Heathrow. But not before more goodbyes and more sadness. Thank you Brigitte for the lift to the airport. We will see you all on our next visit. Much love to everyone.
.
Our trip to Switzerland, via Delhi, actually was quite an ordeal but we soon got over it when we saw Livia's happy smiling face waiting for us at Zurich airport at 6.30am!!!!! A quick drive to Huntwangen and we were reunited with Markus, Sydney and Pipo.
Unfortunately Markus had been involved in a motorbike accident so was feeling very sore but, with his birthday looming, we were intent on cheering him up for those celebrations. Staying awake until night time was our biggest challenge though - but we did it.
The following morning we went on a mystery tour to meet up with two other friends who we had met at La Garrofa, Spain and who lived sort of close to Markus and Livia. Although these four lovely people had never actually met each other, between them the most amazing day was born.
A short car ride to the station, a train trip to Lucerne, an unforgettable boat trip to Rigi (unforgettable because unbeknown to us we spent the whole trip in spacious 1st Class!!!!) and Voila!!!! Sabrina and Markus clamber aboard and into 1st Class for, firstly, introductions to Markus and Livia and secondly, for us, a very happy reunion. It had been 18 months since we had last seen them and life had been deservedly good for them both - in fact very very good. We were so happy for them, the sun was shining, there was snow on the mountains all around us, the lake was blue and flat and we were with 4 beautiful people for the whole day. Life was very good.
Jumping off our boat at the next stop it was straight onto a tram and heading for the summit of Mount Rigi. The views were to die for as our facebook pics showed. A walk, some lunch, some alcohol, lots of photo taking, lots of convivial chatting, another stroll and a glimpse of paragliders taking off the top of Rigi made for the best day. Of course the company had a lot to do with it too - endless catching up and hopefully a new friendship born as well.
Sadly it all went too fast. Markus had a gig in the hotel at the top of Rigi so we said our farewells to him to enable him to catch up with his band, Sabrina was going to walk down Rigi (absolutely mad but apparently very enjoyable) back home so we waved goodbye to her as she set off into the sunset. Thanks guys for everything that day; the tickets, the lunch, your exquisite organizing and your awesome company. We miss you but know we will catch up again either in NZ or back in Switzerland. Good luck with all your renovations on your beautifully positioned home in Rigi overlooking the lake. You truly are very special in our hearts and Markus - STOP SMOKING!!!!!!
So with a little sadness in our hearts Markus, Livia, Gary and I left Mount Rigi by tram but in the opposite direction to Sabrina. This decline was very steep and took us through completely different countryside, very green with the most amazing trees. Finally back into the car and home again. All of us exhausted.
So we still had Markus's birthday to celebrate which seemed to go on for days. First celebration was Livia's homemade delicious chocolate cake (still waiting for recipe Livia) then a catch up evening meal with Livia's parents Brigitte and Bruno, sister Martina and her husband Pirmin at a German Restaurant. Another huge catchup as it is always a pleasure walking back into Livia's family life and we are always made to feel so so welcome and loved. Markus was thoroughly spoiled with birthday gifts and although in pain had a good time.
Next night it was Markus's family celebration with his parents, brother and wife and children at an "all you can eat" pizza restaurant which was amazing. The selection and amount of pizza served was incredible and the wine flowed surely helping Markus's accident discomfort. He was spoiled again with gifts and Gary had a whale of a time with Markus's 2 nephews - as he does with children.
We can honestly say that the Swiss certainly know how to celebrate a birthday!!!!!!!
So next it was our turn - just the 4 of us to celebrate. A very nice lunch overlooking Lake Zurich followed by coffee at the Kiwi Cafe in the red light district of Zurich. Just a touch dicey perhaps but we were with Policeman Markus even though he was carrying injuries!!!!!!!!!
What a perfect way to end a week of laughter, happiness, hecticness and companionship.
Thanks Markus and Livia for putting up with us again. We love and miss you heaps and please...BUY THAT HOUSE!!!!!!
And so it was, once again, time to leave for just a short hop to Heathrow. But not before more goodbyes and more sadness. Thank you Brigitte for the lift to the airport. We will see you all on our next visit. Much love to everyone.
.
Saturday, 11 June 2016
OFF AGAIN 2016 - SRI LANKA
AUSTRALIA
Leaving home May 4th 2016 we both appreciate this may be our final long trip overseas, given that the world is as it is, sooooooo........why not go out with a BANG!!!!!! And we are!!!!!
First stop Crystal Creek Australia to catch up with Adrian, Eleni and the very fast growing-up Maya. Only a few days here this time but we will be returning in November for her 3rd birthday. It was so amazing to see how far Maya had come in the 4 months since we had last seen her .....maturity wise, speech wise but most amazingly watching her capability to use her imagination to the max. Think she may possibly have an imaginary friend in tow one day??? It is always difficult and emotional saying "goodbye, see you soon", although it does keep Maya's memory of us alive as we visit often, so we slipped out, with Adrian's help, in the early hours of the morning to start our epic journey to Sri Lanka via Singapore.
SRI LANKA
We actually had no preconceived notions about Sri Lanka and we were both glad of this. Sri Lanka is such a beautiful, colourful, friendly, clean country with plenty to see and do around the island. The people are generous, helpful and extremely friendly. Food is in abundance and a lot is eaten three times a day. There is no Social Welfare handouts and everyone is expected to do something to provide for their families and themselves and support one another.
We hired a driver/guide for our eight day trip which is the only way to see Sri Lanka and is very reasonable. He organised our trip and accommodation in advance and the whole 8 days were perfect. No one can account for mother nature and unfortunately the rains did fall but we also had equal sunshine and high temperatures.
Our first epic event was a safari through Minneriya National Park in Habarana seeing elephants in the raw. We thought this amazing - little did we know that we would see something even better later on in our journey.
From here we drove to Sigiriya and in the early hours of the next morning, before sunrise and without breakfast, we attempted to climb Sigiriya [the Lion] Rock - 900 steps of sheer hell but oh so worth it in the end.
Ancient Sigiriya rock was obviously a majestic Fortress at one stage with a Palace and a swimming pool balanced on the top and "man caves" for Buddhist monks dotted on different levels all the way up. The sides of the rock were festooned with colourful frescoes and you entered the last level of the hike, up very narrow steps to the palace, through the mouth of a roaring lion sculpture. It was occupied by the King and his family almost 2500 years ago. It boasted 360 degree scenic views, tranquility and beautiful gardens all fed by an intricate water collection system which originated from Sigiriya Rock itself . At its base a city and more gardens grew but sadly this is all ancient history and now it just boasts enchanting ruins but still all the beautiful views. It took us almost a week to get over this hike - believe me it was very hard we saw young people being hauled to the top????
After tottering back down the 900 steps Charlie Chaplin style and eating breakfast we took a cart pulled by an ox on a bumpy journey to a lake (yep gluttons for punishment) where we boarded a small rowing boat to get to an original Sri Lankan village house. On the way across the lake with frogs jumping all around us, the oarsman made us each a necklace from a water lily and it's stalk - fascinating to watch and still I am unsure how he did it. The village lady in her house showed us all the traditional ways of drying, husking and grinding rice and millet, eventually making roti over an open fire and sambal from scratch for us all to eat. I have to say it was delicious.
Next we drove to Kandy, a chaotic city of traffic jams and noise and here we visited the "Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha" which I think speaks for itself. We also managed a quick visit to the Botanical Gardens in torrential rain but declined a look around Kandy as the chaos and traffic jams were overwhelming, opting to have a beer or two at our guest house overlooking a very swollen, muddy river and watch a thunder and lightning storm. Our attention was drawn to a man and woman washing their clothes on the other side of this river, beating them against rocks to get them clean?????
After two nights in Kandy we continued on to Ella via Nuwara Eliya passing awesome waterfalls and visiting a tea factory on the way. This is a very pretty part of Sri Lanka where a majority of the tea bushes are grown and touring through the factory, where old manual driven machinery is still the norm, it was incredible to see how hard the Sri Lankan men and women are willing to work. This includes the pickers who go out in all weathers to pluck those little green leaves. Anyone heard of "White Tea"? Well it is gorgeous and by far the best tasting tea ever!
And now to the highlight of our trip - our Safari in Yala National Park, Tissa. Soooo exciting, not just for us but for Lucky, our guide, and our tracker too. Man that van was rocking with all the high fives and everyone trying to get closer to capture our luck on camera and video. And lucky we were to see; 3 leopards (unusual to see 1 let alone 3); 1 Sloth Bear (very rarely seen at all); Mother Elephants with babies (so cute); Grey Langur monkeys; Mongoose; Spotted and Sambhur Deer; Wild boar; Crocodiles with their mouths wide open sunbathing (saw so many of those we thought maybe they were concrete); Horn-bills, White Egret, Little Green Pea eaters and many many more beautiful birds. The weather too was sunny and warm. This is a wild park where inhabitants fend for themselves so our experience here was extremely memorable. In our hotel that night we were the only guests and were thoroughly spoiled.
Next day, passing through Galle we visited the walled fort city which, to our surprise, was very English with obvious Dutch influences. Some of the buildings were quite amazing but our next two, and last, nights were spent at a beachside guest house in Hikkaduwa where we hoped to chill out on the beach, swim in the sea and catch some sun. Unfortunately this was not to be as the monsoon rain seemed to be following behind us causing flooding and huge mud slides in the Kandy and Colombo regions. Before this caught up with us again however, we did manage a brief swim in the pool and a long walk on the beach but the sea was unusually rough for this part of Sri Lanka.
So to finalize Sri Lanka - we loved it!!!!! Thank you Lucky for our amazing 8 days, for all your effort and your friendship. We didn't eat for a while after we left - what we ate in Sri Lanka carried us for a good few days. Yes, good food is cheap in local restaurants (5$ to feed 3 for lunch), very tasty, very fresh and a lot of it. It is of course our kind of food .........Curry, rice and String Hoppers!!!
Sadly on our way to the airport we witnessed first hand the plight of the people in the Colombo region with many houses flooded up to their roof line. We understand you are a resilient people but our hearts went out to you and we hope you life has by now returned to some sort of normality.
Our next blog Switzerland
Enjoy this one.
Leaving home May 4th 2016 we both appreciate this may be our final long trip overseas, given that the world is as it is, sooooooo........why not go out with a BANG!!!!!! And we are!!!!!
First stop Crystal Creek Australia to catch up with Adrian, Eleni and the very fast growing-up Maya. Only a few days here this time but we will be returning in November for her 3rd birthday. It was so amazing to see how far Maya had come in the 4 months since we had last seen her .....maturity wise, speech wise but most amazingly watching her capability to use her imagination to the max. Think she may possibly have an imaginary friend in tow one day??? It is always difficult and emotional saying "goodbye, see you soon", although it does keep Maya's memory of us alive as we visit often, so we slipped out, with Adrian's help, in the early hours of the morning to start our epic journey to Sri Lanka via Singapore.
SRI LANKA
We actually had no preconceived notions about Sri Lanka and we were both glad of this. Sri Lanka is such a beautiful, colourful, friendly, clean country with plenty to see and do around the island. The people are generous, helpful and extremely friendly. Food is in abundance and a lot is eaten three times a day. There is no Social Welfare handouts and everyone is expected to do something to provide for their families and themselves and support one another.
We hired a driver/guide for our eight day trip which is the only way to see Sri Lanka and is very reasonable. He organised our trip and accommodation in advance and the whole 8 days were perfect. No one can account for mother nature and unfortunately the rains did fall but we also had equal sunshine and high temperatures.
Our first epic event was a safari through Minneriya National Park in Habarana seeing elephants in the raw. We thought this amazing - little did we know that we would see something even better later on in our journey.
From here we drove to Sigiriya and in the early hours of the next morning, before sunrise and without breakfast, we attempted to climb Sigiriya [the Lion] Rock - 900 steps of sheer hell but oh so worth it in the end.
Ancient Sigiriya rock was obviously a majestic Fortress at one stage with a Palace and a swimming pool balanced on the top and "man caves" for Buddhist monks dotted on different levels all the way up. The sides of the rock were festooned with colourful frescoes and you entered the last level of the hike, up very narrow steps to the palace, through the mouth of a roaring lion sculpture. It was occupied by the King and his family almost 2500 years ago. It boasted 360 degree scenic views, tranquility and beautiful gardens all fed by an intricate water collection system which originated from Sigiriya Rock itself . At its base a city and more gardens grew but sadly this is all ancient history and now it just boasts enchanting ruins but still all the beautiful views. It took us almost a week to get over this hike - believe me it was very hard we saw young people being hauled to the top????
After tottering back down the 900 steps Charlie Chaplin style and eating breakfast we took a cart pulled by an ox on a bumpy journey to a lake (yep gluttons for punishment) where we boarded a small rowing boat to get to an original Sri Lankan village house. On the way across the lake with frogs jumping all around us, the oarsman made us each a necklace from a water lily and it's stalk - fascinating to watch and still I am unsure how he did it. The village lady in her house showed us all the traditional ways of drying, husking and grinding rice and millet, eventually making roti over an open fire and sambal from scratch for us all to eat. I have to say it was delicious.
Next we drove to Kandy, a chaotic city of traffic jams and noise and here we visited the "Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha" which I think speaks for itself. We also managed a quick visit to the Botanical Gardens in torrential rain but declined a look around Kandy as the chaos and traffic jams were overwhelming, opting to have a beer or two at our guest house overlooking a very swollen, muddy river and watch a thunder and lightning storm. Our attention was drawn to a man and woman washing their clothes on the other side of this river, beating them against rocks to get them clean?????
After two nights in Kandy we continued on to Ella via Nuwara Eliya passing awesome waterfalls and visiting a tea factory on the way. This is a very pretty part of Sri Lanka where a majority of the tea bushes are grown and touring through the factory, where old manual driven machinery is still the norm, it was incredible to see how hard the Sri Lankan men and women are willing to work. This includes the pickers who go out in all weathers to pluck those little green leaves. Anyone heard of "White Tea"? Well it is gorgeous and by far the best tasting tea ever!
And now to the highlight of our trip - our Safari in Yala National Park, Tissa. Soooo exciting, not just for us but for Lucky, our guide, and our tracker too. Man that van was rocking with all the high fives and everyone trying to get closer to capture our luck on camera and video. And lucky we were to see; 3 leopards (unusual to see 1 let alone 3); 1 Sloth Bear (very rarely seen at all); Mother Elephants with babies (so cute); Grey Langur monkeys; Mongoose; Spotted and Sambhur Deer; Wild boar; Crocodiles with their mouths wide open sunbathing (saw so many of those we thought maybe they were concrete); Horn-bills, White Egret, Little Green Pea eaters and many many more beautiful birds. The weather too was sunny and warm. This is a wild park where inhabitants fend for themselves so our experience here was extremely memorable. In our hotel that night we were the only guests and were thoroughly spoiled.
Next day, passing through Galle we visited the walled fort city which, to our surprise, was very English with obvious Dutch influences. Some of the buildings were quite amazing but our next two, and last, nights were spent at a beachside guest house in Hikkaduwa where we hoped to chill out on the beach, swim in the sea and catch some sun. Unfortunately this was not to be as the monsoon rain seemed to be following behind us causing flooding and huge mud slides in the Kandy and Colombo regions. Before this caught up with us again however, we did manage a brief swim in the pool and a long walk on the beach but the sea was unusually rough for this part of Sri Lanka.
So to finalize Sri Lanka - we loved it!!!!! Thank you Lucky for our amazing 8 days, for all your effort and your friendship. We didn't eat for a while after we left - what we ate in Sri Lanka carried us for a good few days. Yes, good food is cheap in local restaurants (5$ to feed 3 for lunch), very tasty, very fresh and a lot of it. It is of course our kind of food .........Curry, rice and String Hoppers!!!
Sadly on our way to the airport we witnessed first hand the plight of the people in the Colombo region with many houses flooded up to their roof line. We understand you are a resilient people but our hearts went out to you and we hope you life has by now returned to some sort of normality.
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