Ho Ho Ho and off we go

Our trip started from home in Perth, W.A. Our first flight took us to Singapore, after a delay in Perth as the plane had on board water issues. Our in flight entertainment was on the blink so no movies for some time. A dash between terminals in Singapore then on to Columbo. As we had booked an extra day, we were able to relax after arriving at 1am. The Kingsbury hotel pool very inviting. Next day we joined the tour and enjoyed the local sites in Columbo. From there to Galie with a boat trip on lake Maduganga on the way. Another top hotel, The Radison Blue. The fort in the city of Galie is amazing, we took a walk on the walls around the fort. Onwards to Yala via narrow roads, our bus driver very skilled, missed every cycalist and dogs sleeping on the road. We stopped and watched pole fishermen, dressed for the tourist but a traditional method of fishing. Next morning an early start for a game safari. W amoungst 60 plus other vehicles trying to get the best view of the elephants and other animals. On the way to our next hotel, The Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya we meandered through vegetable growing areas, tea plantations all on very steep country. Now it is Friday, mid way through our trip and we head to Horton plains national park for a 10Km woal. Some of the trail is ruff but most fine. No animals seen on the walk but a Samba deer resting at the end of our walk. Kandy, our next stop, a major city and bustling with people and activity. To get here we took a train, first class, and enjoyed the many rural sceens along the way. In the centre of Kandy is a man made lake, about 4Km walk around it. As we walked we enjoyed the sights of young people sharing a close moment and fruit bats in the trees. Many local busses roaring along, giant lizards on the water side full of fish and very content. After we head over to the Queens hotel for an afternoon drink before heading to watch tradional dancers and fire walking. In the early eavening we visited a massive temple, the Tooth temple,agin full of people, mostly local, viewing the wonderful sites inside. Next morning back on the coach and heading to Sigiriya and the Sigiriya Jungle Resort. In the afternoon another safari drive, this time in small utes with adapted seating for 6. These very rough and we felt every bump. More elephants to enjoy plus water buffalo and birds. Our next morning had us up at 5am to climb Lion Rock. A palace had been built on the top of the rock but now only ruins remain. The 1,200 steps to the top were very interesting, some even others large and sloped. The view from th top wodnerful well worth the climb. After returning to our resort, we adventures to the Sacret city and a bike ride for us. Again marvilious history but most buildings in decay or ruin. All hundreds of years old and many rulers have come and gone with different regard for the buildings. We are now close to the end of our trip and we head to our last resort, The Anantaya Resort in Chilaw.This resort by the sea with 16 hectares of grounds and 2 huge swimming pools. As our tour ended the next day we had happy hour together with our fellow adventurers. We are staying an extra day so more time to relax and prepare for our flight home. Our last organised tour, a walk around the Chilaw wet lands. Many birds including the Sri Lankan national bird and national animal an unusual squerrel. More monkeys who took off on our approach so not used to tourists. THe next day had us ready to leave Sri Lanka but as our flight at 11:30pm, a late check out and 2 hour drive to the air port. We returned home via Melbourne making the arrival at home more welcoming.