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http://toursfromabove.com/
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
An escape
Every human being whom is really alive is constantly broadcasting his thoughts, feelings and emotions and all these can be transmitted through vibrations, even if one sits in silence.
The very presence of a person is communicative and radiates a certain vibrations to whomever around him. He carries his ambiences wherever and whenever he goes and does. When you sit, observe or talk in his presence, you are likely to absorb every emotive expression he transmitted. Happy or sad, regardless, you either feel the positive energy or feel like energy has been sucked out. At times, you may also feel nothing at all, just deadness, like a log of wood. I call them boring personality.
Therefore, I took myself very seriously; by making sure that anyone whom gets in contact with me will receive my positive vibes and if they have any problems, I’ll advise or offer something for them to consider, at times just listen, attentively. To certain extent, I absorb their negative energy and feel obligated to resolve their worries.
However this time, I need to release my own negative energy. So with my coming trip to India that coincidentally planned one year ago. I escape. (First time, I take traveling as an exit plan. Usually, it’s more of a liberation)
I decided to venture to the Himalayan Snow Mountains for an in depth up close and personal self to self-retreat with maybe a few tranquil sceneries to rejunvenate me, like Goa to cleanse and wipe away my sorrow just like the shore.
So this time, I escape knowing I can recover and return to exudes positive vibes to others...
The very presence of a person is communicative and radiates a certain vibrations to whomever around him. He carries his ambiences wherever and whenever he goes and does. When you sit, observe or talk in his presence, you are likely to absorb every emotive expression he transmitted. Happy or sad, regardless, you either feel the positive energy or feel like energy has been sucked out. At times, you may also feel nothing at all, just deadness, like a log of wood. I call them boring personality.
Therefore, I took myself very seriously; by making sure that anyone whom gets in contact with me will receive my positive vibes and if they have any problems, I’ll advise or offer something for them to consider, at times just listen, attentively. To certain extent, I absorb their negative energy and feel obligated to resolve their worries.
However this time, I need to release my own negative energy. So with my coming trip to India that coincidentally planned one year ago. I escape. (First time, I take traveling as an exit plan. Usually, it’s more of a liberation)
I decided to venture to the Himalayan Snow Mountains for an in depth up close and personal self to self-retreat with maybe a few tranquil sceneries to rejunvenate me, like Goa to cleanse and wipe away my sorrow just like the shore.
So this time, I escape knowing I can recover and return to exudes positive vibes to others...
"You are like a candle. Imagine you are sending light out all around you. All your words, thoughts and actions are going in many directions. If you say something kind, your kind words go in many directions, and you yourself go with them. We are ...transforming and continuing in a different form at every moment."-Thich Nhat Hanh-
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Soundtrack
01. Feeling Good – Nina Simone
Sitting at the fort facing the ocean in Galle
02. The Good Life – One Republic
On the bus trip to Nuwara ELiya
03. Born This Way – Lady GaGa
Singing on our way to Beach Hut with Sophie
04. I’ll remember you – Sarah Mclachlan
When leaving Arugam Bay
05. Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
On the journey
06. Someone Like You – Adele
On the journey
07. Linger – Cranberries
Trying to illustrate who Cranberries are to Sophie and Vicky in Horton’s Plain – Requested by Rob
08. Leave Right Now - Will Young
Leaving Colombo airport
09. Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine
All the time on the bus or train journey
10. All the world – Correatown
On the journey
11. Angel - Sarah Mclachlan
Singing on the bus to Badulla with Cat
12. Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer
On the journey
13. Beauty In The World – Macy Gray
On the journey
14. 独一无二 - Karen Mok
On my way down from Lipton’s Seat
15. 完美孤独 - Karen Mok
Sitting at the fort facing the ocean in Galle
16. Joga – Bjork
Trying to emulate Bjork to the Danish girls in Beach Hut
17. Fuck her gently – Tenacious D
Singing together at the long table in Beach Hut
18. And I’m telling you I’m not going - Jennifer Holiday
When Rob asks when I’m leaving Arugam Bay
Sitting at the fort facing the ocean in Galle
02. The Good Life – One Republic
On the bus trip to Nuwara ELiya
03. Born This Way – Lady GaGa
Singing on our way to Beach Hut with Sophie
04. I’ll remember you – Sarah Mclachlan
When leaving Arugam Bay
05. Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
On the journey
06. Someone Like You – Adele
On the journey
07. Linger – Cranberries
Trying to illustrate who Cranberries are to Sophie and Vicky in Horton’s Plain – Requested by Rob
08. Leave Right Now - Will Young
Leaving Colombo airport
09. Dog Days Are Over - Florence and the Machine
All the time on the bus or train journey
10. All the world – Correatown
On the journey
11. Angel - Sarah Mclachlan
Singing on the bus to Badulla with Cat
12. Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer
On the journey
13. Beauty In The World – Macy Gray
On the journey
14. 独一无二 - Karen Mok
On my way down from Lipton’s Seat
15. 完美孤独 - Karen Mok
Sitting at the fort facing the ocean in Galle
16. Joga – Bjork
Trying to emulate Bjork to the Danish girls in Beach Hut
17. Fuck her gently – Tenacious D
Singing together at the long table in Beach Hut
18. And I’m telling you I’m not going - Jennifer Holiday
When Rob asks when I’m leaving Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 26 – Negombo day trip to Colombo
Last minute shopping is on my mind today, Tea, tea and more tea. Oh and some gifts for my chums. I went to Colombo, hoping I can get a taste of fully blasted air condition shopping mall, I didn’t realize I miss cold air so much. To my horror, the shopping malls look like Lucky plaza 10 years ago. I can’t seem to get anything for my chums except some cute clothing for my godsons! Lots of pirated DVD, not even a Buddhist film I promise to get for my friend, PK.
So to make it easier, since Tea is one of the main exports in Sri Lanka, I might as well get more tea. Fortunately, I discover some flavored coffee powder, Caramel or Vanilla. Thus, that saves my brain from cracking! Seriously, this trip has been rewarding (I’ve know quite a lot of friends which I consider life-long), Insightful (the Buddhism history, arts and ancient sites that mesmerizes through the centuries) and delectable (I can’t have enough of curry and rice; it’s indeed more spicy than any countries I’ve ever eaten).
Nothing lasts forever, not even the mountain, Adams Peak in Sri Lanka. I just have to keep in mind of my experiences and how it can enrich and benefit me as an ordinary sentient being. I love Ceylon! You’ll always have a special place in my heart…
Transport
Tuk tuk from Marine Tourist Guesthouse to Negombo Bus station – Rps: 100
Bus from Negombo > Colombo – Rps: 100
Colombo Self-employed federation market to Majestic City – Rps: 300
Tuk tuk from Colombo > Marine Tourist guesthouse – Rps: 1500
Food
Curry and rice with Nectar cheery soft drink – Rps: 130
Mac Large fries with one medium coke – Rps: 290
So to make it easier, since Tea is one of the main exports in Sri Lanka, I might as well get more tea. Fortunately, I discover some flavored coffee powder, Caramel or Vanilla. Thus, that saves my brain from cracking! Seriously, this trip has been rewarding (I’ve know quite a lot of friends which I consider life-long), Insightful (the Buddhism history, arts and ancient sites that mesmerizes through the centuries) and delectable (I can’t have enough of curry and rice; it’s indeed more spicy than any countries I’ve ever eaten).
Nothing lasts forever, not even the mountain, Adams Peak in Sri Lanka. I just have to keep in mind of my experiences and how it can enrich and benefit me as an ordinary sentient being. I love Ceylon! You’ll always have a special place in my heart…
Transport
Tuk tuk from Marine Tourist Guesthouse to Negombo Bus station – Rps: 100
Bus from Negombo > Colombo – Rps: 100
Colombo Self-employed federation market to Majestic City – Rps: 300
Tuk tuk from Colombo > Marine Tourist guesthouse – Rps: 1500
Food
Curry and rice with Nectar cheery soft drink – Rps: 130
Mac Large fries with one medium coke – Rps: 290
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 25 – Anuradhapura > Negombo
I took an early train from Anuradhapura to Colombo, from then I change a bus to Negombo. I figure out it’s easier to stay near the airport so that I can catch my early flight to Kuala Lumpur. The train ride is hari-hari (okay okay in singhala) everyone seems dull on the train and nothing fantastic on the scenery. Since it’s the last 2 nights in Sri Lanka, I decided to splurge on my accommodation, of course by splurging, I don’t mean 5 stars hotel, just something clean, nice and cozy, free Wi-Fi and washing basin in a transparent bowl shape kind.
Most of the shops seem to be close on Sunday on Lewis place and it does smell fishy, literally as it’s very close to fishing port. The tuk tuk driver seems to be getting out of hand here waiting to get free commission just as long as they bring you to any guesthouse.
I decide today not to do anything except chillaxing on my hotel balcony and feel the sea breeze.
Sleep
Marine Tourist Guest house, 118 Lewis place, Negombo (Free Wifi)
http://www.marine-negombo.com/
Double room with attached toilet – Rps: 2000 (Special price, don’t quote from me)
2 male-dorm with toilet attached – Rps: 900
Good value and bargain! Clean and love the basin used in the toilet. A bit off the town but road nearby has all you need, food, beer, tattoo and massage. A bit like a hippy town!
Transport
Tuk tuk from my guesthouse > Anuphadurahara Railway station – Rps: 200
Train from Anuradphura > Colombo – Rps: 380 (Second class)
Bus from Colombo fort to nearby Negombo bus stand – Rps: 80 (Air-con private mini van)
There is a direct bus 240 from opposite of Colombo Fort Railways station but waiting is a chore so I take the airport route and change to Negombo in between.
Negombo bus stand to Negombo Bus station – Rps: 50 (Air-con private mini van)
Negombo Bus station > Lewis place (Bus 905) – Rps: 15
Food
Curry and Rice with Lime Soda – Rps: 300
Most of the shops seem to be close on Sunday on Lewis place and it does smell fishy, literally as it’s very close to fishing port. The tuk tuk driver seems to be getting out of hand here waiting to get free commission just as long as they bring you to any guesthouse.
I decide today not to do anything except chillaxing on my hotel balcony and feel the sea breeze.
Sleep
Marine Tourist Guest house, 118 Lewis place, Negombo (Free Wifi)
http://www.marine-negombo.com/
2 male-dorm with toilet attached – Rps: 900
Good value and bargain! Clean and love the basin used in the toilet. A bit off the town but road nearby has all you need, food, beer, tattoo and massage. A bit like a hippy town!
Transport
Tuk tuk from my guesthouse > Anuphadurahara Railway station – Rps: 200
Train from Anuradphura > Colombo – Rps: 380 (Second class)
Bus from Colombo fort to nearby Negombo bus stand – Rps: 80 (Air-con private mini van)
There is a direct bus 240 from opposite of Colombo Fort Railways station but waiting is a chore so I take the airport route and change to Negombo in between.
Negombo bus stand to Negombo Bus station – Rps: 50 (Air-con private mini van)
Negombo Bus station > Lewis place (Bus 905) – Rps: 15
Curry and Rice with Lime Soda – Rps: 300
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 24 – Another day in Anuradhapura
With all the ancient sites scattered around the city, it’s sensible to get a tuk tuk for half a day to go through the whole city. So with quite a bit to spend on transport, I’ll leisurely go through the various temples. It’s nonetheless not as enthralling as I would hope to. But at one moment seeing the whole community stacking up brick by brick to build the Stupa is inspiring. The team spirit is commendable!
Then, a group of Buddhist, perhaps one large family, bought a long piece of cloth in Buddhist flag color circumambulating the stupa and tie around it.
After the tour, I met Steve Roberts in a coffee shop, family baker, a nice chap from South Africa, making a day trip from Vavuniya, conducting training for the local teachers. I then initiate to have lunch beside a fancy supermarket. Having met someone casually is a bonus to the trip. We even went shopping for quite a bit. A cool and genuine friend.
Know more about Anuradhapura
Transport
Tuk Tuk – Rps: 1500 (half day tour from 8.30am – 1pm)
Food
Curry and Rice with orange juice – Rps: 250
Then, a group of Buddhist, perhaps one large family, bought a long piece of cloth in Buddhist flag color circumambulating the stupa and tie around it.
After the tour, I met Steve Roberts in a coffee shop, family baker, a nice chap from South Africa, making a day trip from Vavuniya, conducting training for the local teachers. I then initiate to have lunch beside a fancy supermarket. Having met someone casually is a bonus to the trip. We even went shopping for quite a bit. A cool and genuine friend.
Know more about Anuradhapura
Transport
Tuk Tuk – Rps: 1500 (half day tour from 8.30am – 1pm)
Food
Curry and Rice with orange juice – Rps: 250
Friday, September 2, 2011
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 23 – Dambulla > Anuradhapura
Making the most daytrips out from Dambulla, finally, its time to go. I left early by bus to the next ancient city, Anuradhapura. While waiting for the bus, the children on the school bus seems to be in good mood, singing and dancing on the bus, like a parade. I definitely don’t see this in Singapore; children were either quiet or relunctant to go to school. I think music is a good education. I sure grow with music.
Since it’s still early, I decided to make a day trip to Mihintale. A place where Mahinda, the son of King Asoka from India, brought Buddhism into Sri Lanka. On the bus to Mihintale, I saw a few salesmen, selling map, candy and toys. They seem really professional.
Since it’s still early, I decided to make a day trip to Mihintale. A place where Mahinda, the son of King Asoka from India, brought Buddhism into Sri Lanka. On the bus to Mihintale, I saw a few salesmen, selling map, candy and toys. They seem really professional.
On arrival, I’m already prepared to climb long stairs on the way up to the temple. It seems like there are quite a lot of temples that need stamina to climb. The temple is serene especially the white Buddha statue in vitarka mudra on top of the rock looks magnificent. The steep stairway on the rock seem scary but once you overcome your fear, the view on top and that strong gushes of wind that blows your face will be all worth it. It indeed is a place worth my pensive thoughts.
Know more about Mihintale
Transport
Bus from Anuraphudura New bus station > Mihintale – Rps: 30 and Rps: 27 (Return)
Food
Curry and Rice with orange juice – Rps: 340Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 22 – Dambulla day trip to Polonaruwa
I woke up feeling afresh; thinking that nothing is going to annoy me, not even the traffic in Dambulla road. With this new found mental formation, I set off from my guesthouse, waiting one hour for the bus to Polonnaruwa, thanks for some guys on the bus that lie to me that this bus isn’t going to Polonnaruwa when a huge signage on top of the bus said so. Also, with the guide books fail to mention only bus heading to Kutegarma and Baticola will drop off in Polonnaruwa, rather than the direct bus from Kandy. Thankfully, kind locals and a policeman told me and signal me to get on the bus. Kind people do exists in Sri Lanka, quite a lot actually except for tuk tuk driver.
I think I got my expectation too high on Polonnaruwa, especially an impressive picture I saw in a travel magazine, that haunted me quite a while but in the actual site, it’s smaller than I thought and with an ugly metal shield covering the Buddha statues as roof top. I was quite depressed for a moment. Nonetheless, Gal Vihara is still a great site and it's still a masterpiece, Buddha statutes craved out from granite rocks. It’s not an easy task, especially making a heartless solid rock into a serene Buddha with an exquisite expression. The weather is hot to the core; I regret not getting an ultra-big umbrella. Also, the guide book suggest a bike to explore around the sites which I found it ludicrous because from the furthest north to south is only 4km apart. I rather he recommend ice pack and perhaps a fully air-conditioned car to get the heat off. You have to remove your shoe entering the holy sites which is unbearable till to the heat, a sock will be highly recommended too. Tons of water is needed. After the ancient site, I went back to the old town where the bus drops me for lunch, curry and rice is amazing! And the visit to the museum after that is helpful; I saw some of the pictures of the sites that I miss.
On my bus journey back to Dambulla, a man whom seems to be rather eager to stop, which I presume maybe he needs to pee or poo, since I saw such incident happens in the bus before, to my astonishment, he alighted the bus and bought himself an water melon, I giggle so hard and really, despereate for an watermelon, while the whole bus witness his selection on a good melon. I’m marvel at the local’s request.
When I return to the guesthouse, the old lady whom tends the place is extremely cheerful and sweet, she asked me if I would like to have tea, I obliged. We then sat and have a heartfelt conversation, she told me her husband died 5 years ago, and her 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl are not helping much except for the 3rd son. I paid her the accommodation, a little more than I should, advises her to let go of her worries, burdens and be happy, take someday off to Kandy next month to see the tooth relic procession. She even told me the first pot of the tea to the guest is on the house, her late husband insisted that’s the rule or etiquette for the house which I though it’s very sweet. She said she’ll make me a pot of tea tomorrow before I leave to Anuradhapura. Just then, I think to myself, however annoying the traffic in Dambulla is, you can’t beat the tea especially brewed from the old lady at my guesthouse. All that annoyance has turned into gratitude at the end of the day.
Know more about Polonnaruwa
Bus from Polonnaruwa > Dambulla – Rps: 80
I think I got my expectation too high on Polonnaruwa, especially an impressive picture I saw in a travel magazine, that haunted me quite a while but in the actual site, it’s smaller than I thought and with an ugly metal shield covering the Buddha statues as roof top. I was quite depressed for a moment. Nonetheless, Gal Vihara is still a great site and it's still a masterpiece, Buddha statutes craved out from granite rocks. It’s not an easy task, especially making a heartless solid rock into a serene Buddha with an exquisite expression. The weather is hot to the core; I regret not getting an ultra-big umbrella. Also, the guide book suggest a bike to explore around the sites which I found it ludicrous because from the furthest north to south is only 4km apart. I rather he recommend ice pack and perhaps a fully air-conditioned car to get the heat off. You have to remove your shoe entering the holy sites which is unbearable till to the heat, a sock will be highly recommended too. Tons of water is needed. After the ancient site, I went back to the old town where the bus drops me for lunch, curry and rice is amazing! And the visit to the museum after that is helpful; I saw some of the pictures of the sites that I miss.
On my bus journey back to Dambulla, a man whom seems to be rather eager to stop, which I presume maybe he needs to pee or poo, since I saw such incident happens in the bus before, to my astonishment, he alighted the bus and bought himself an water melon, I giggle so hard and really, despereate for an watermelon, while the whole bus witness his selection on a good melon. I’m marvel at the local’s request.
When I return to the guesthouse, the old lady whom tends the place is extremely cheerful and sweet, she asked me if I would like to have tea, I obliged. We then sat and have a heartfelt conversation, she told me her husband died 5 years ago, and her 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl are not helping much except for the 3rd son. I paid her the accommodation, a little more than I should, advises her to let go of her worries, burdens and be happy, take someday off to Kandy next month to see the tooth relic procession. She even told me the first pot of the tea to the guest is on the house, her late husband insisted that’s the rule or etiquette for the house which I though it’s very sweet. She said she’ll make me a pot of tea tomorrow before I leave to Anuradhapura. Just then, I think to myself, however annoying the traffic in Dambulla is, you can’t beat the tea especially brewed from the old lady at my guesthouse. All that annoyance has turned into gratitude at the end of the day.
Know more about Polonnaruwa
Transport
Bus from Dambulla > Polonnaruwa – Rps: 73Bus from Polonnaruwa > Dambulla – Rps: 80
Food
Curry and Rice, ice-cream with sprite (500ml) – Rps 260Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 21 – Another day in Dambulla
Lazy me instead of making a daytrip to Polonnaruwa, I cross over to the temple opposite by guesthouse, The Golden temple. With the huge Buddha demonstrating the dharmachakra mudra, I’m fascinated by the exterior. There is a nearby Buddhist broadcasting station and a bookstore in the temple. That’s not all, the cave temples on top of the golden temples is enthralling. It reminds me of Ajanta cave in India except the wall murals and the statues are all in color.
Asisa (bestow blessing) instead of varada (also bestow blessing) mudra is very popularly used in the Buddha statues. All are in standing position which makes it interesting, looks as if Buddha is revealing his right hand sideways, concealing something with the other hand holding his robe. I bumped into Prue when she is about to leave the caves, how coincidental! Well, I’ve been reading a lot about the Caves so I thought maybe I can get to use my new found knowledge and explain to them the wall murals in cave 2 that I really like, which depicts the Buddha enlightenment under the Bodhi tree confronted by Mara.
I met Emma on my way back from the temple, I met her during my trip in Sigiriya, even though we are supposed to meet for dinner but it’s late and I want to take more rest before I venture to another ancient city tomorrow morning, Polonnaruwa.
Know more about Dambulla
Food
Vegetable noodles - The vegetables are fresh and the gravy on the noodles is delicious!
I’m intrigued by the Buddha statues carved on the rocks, but why are they all in dyhna (meditation) mudra where the bhumispara (earth-witness) mudra is always the popular one. I figure the cave used to be the dwellings of monks meditating perhaps that’s why they have that mudra.
The cave 2, temple of the great kings to me is the most amazing among all. The wall murals of Buddha life stories are magnificent especially the depiction of the Buddha great enlightenment except I’ve a question why the buddha’s palm is face outward in the earth witness mudra and why are the palm colored in red with funky graphic patterns? If someone has the answer, please email me. 
Asisa (bestow blessing) instead of varada (also bestow blessing) mudra is very popularly used in the Buddha statues. All are in standing position which makes it interesting, looks as if Buddha is revealing his right hand sideways, concealing something with the other hand holding his robe. I bumped into Prue when she is about to leave the caves, how coincidental! Well, I’ve been reading a lot about the Caves so I thought maybe I can get to use my new found knowledge and explain to them the wall murals in cave 2 that I really like, which depicts the Buddha enlightenment under the Bodhi tree confronted by Mara.
I met Emma on my way back from the temple, I met her during my trip in Sigiriya, even though we are supposed to meet for dinner but it’s late and I want to take more rest before I venture to another ancient city tomorrow morning, Polonnaruwa.
Know more about Dambulla
Food
Vegetable noodles - The vegetables are fresh and the gravy on the noodles is delicious!
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 20 – Dambulla day trip to Sigiriya
I work up feeling afresh for my first city of the cultural triangular ancient sites, Sigiriya. I’ve heard a lot about a palace built on a huge rock but I really don’t know what to expect. This world UNSECO heritage site is one of the Sri Lanka most famous.
Near the entrance there is a sign saying noise may provoke hornet attacks, I’m sure it’s directed to me as most of my friends know I can’t keep my voice down.
From afar, the rock looks stunning. Something like an alien ship landed on the earth except it’s an interesting odd looking rock. The steps to the summit palace is interesting, it’s definitely not for someone whom is scared of height. Nonetheless, it’s exhilarating as the steps extended slightly from the edge of the rock makes it like an Indian Jones movie. The cave painting is indeed enchanting, the tara image of Avalokitesvara consort is captivating, there are also poets visiting the rock vandalising their thoughts on the rock surface. The view is 360 with cool winds blowing your mind away. There’s nothing left on top except for the foundation of the palace.
I went to the museum after the fascinating hike to the top. I was really thirsty, hoping to find my way out. As it’s a different way from where I come from, I went to a different direction and find myself lost in the forest. Thankfully, a kind local gave me a free ride to the main road to catch a bus back to Dambulla. On our way out of the forest, I saw a couple of elephants crossing over the road. It’s intriguing, one elephant following one. To appreciate his kindness, I gave him my Ghandara Buddha Card, with Kalama Suta printed on the back of the card. He dropped me off at on local convenience stall, which Coca Cola quench my thirst.
I went back to my guesthouse, take a rest and hopefully tomorrow will be as fruitful.
Know more about Sigiriya
Opus
Ball shaped like pancake plain or comes with egg available through request. It’s spicy, the sauce to dip but it’s alright!
Near the entrance there is a sign saying noise may provoke hornet attacks, I’m sure it’s directed to me as most of my friends know I can’t keep my voice down.
From afar, the rock looks stunning. Something like an alien ship landed on the earth except it’s an interesting odd looking rock. The steps to the summit palace is interesting, it’s definitely not for someone whom is scared of height. Nonetheless, it’s exhilarating as the steps extended slightly from the edge of the rock makes it like an Indian Jones movie. The cave painting is indeed enchanting, the tara image of Avalokitesvara consort is captivating, there are also poets visiting the rock vandalising their thoughts on the rock surface. The view is 360 with cool winds blowing your mind away. There’s nothing left on top except for the foundation of the palace.
I went to the museum after the fascinating hike to the top. I was really thirsty, hoping to find my way out. As it’s a different way from where I come from, I went to a different direction and find myself lost in the forest. Thankfully, a kind local gave me a free ride to the main road to catch a bus back to Dambulla. On our way out of the forest, I saw a couple of elephants crossing over the road. It’s intriguing, one elephant following one. To appreciate his kindness, I gave him my Ghandara Buddha Card, with Kalama Suta printed on the back of the card. He dropped me off at on local convenience stall, which Coca Cola quench my thirst.
I went back to my guesthouse, take a rest and hopefully tomorrow will be as fruitful.
Know more about Sigiriya
Transport
Bus from Dambulla Bus station > Srigriya – Rps: 27 and Rps 30 (Return)
Food
Sordis & Ros – Rps: 30 eachIt looks like samosa fill with curry potatoes and egg. Absolutely the best snacks!
Opus
Ball shaped like pancake plain or comes with egg available through request. It’s spicy, the sauce to dip but it’s alright!
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 19 – Kandy > Dambulla
Cat and Kathy is heading to Sgriya by Dambulla, which is the same route to where I’m going except I won’t be going to Sgriya but Dambulla instead. We took a local private air-con bus from Kandy to Damulla, on our way, the bus passed by a huge golden Buddha statue, that’s where I know what’s in store for me. Nothing particular special about this town, it’s sandy and with a big wholesale vegetable market in the center of the town. Maybe it’s me or the town that is making me insecure especially after travelling for a week with a couple of girls. It started with Vicky and Sophie from Haputale to Arugam Bay, and then it was Cat and Kathy from Arugam bay to Dalhouise (Adam’s Peak) and later to Kandy. Now, I’m back in my solo travelling. It’s time for me to be alone with these ancient cities.
The road in Dambulla is sandy, with heavy traffic, walking on the side of the road is pretty irritating, with dogs barking at you and “long-lost relatives” coming up to you asking for money. It’s surely an unwanted factor choosing Dambulla as a base to the cultural triangle. Nonetheless, I make do with whatever geographical position has given me since it’s the center transport hub to the key ancient cities.
The tuk tuk driver is annoying me quite a bit. I needed internet connection quite urgently to reply an office email so I put my bag in the guesthouse and get out to the main road as soon as possible to search for an internet shop. When I ask him to bring me to the nearest internet shop, he said okay without realizing it’s only 2 mins walk from where I’m. My goodness, he really is something! After replying my office emails, I took a nap and did my laundry. I went to a local authorized Mobitel dealer to get a 3G SIM card after talking to the sales assistant in the I-Phone shop in Kandy that only Mobitel sim is compatible. After the activation, I feel like I’m back in the “real” world. I shouldn’t have just listen to Rob that my iphone is autolock by my telcom service provider in Singapore. Thankfully, I didn’t get a new phone just to use the local sim card just to make cheap phone calls to Singapore. Now I’m able to access Facebook and update my status wherever I’m in Sri Lanka.
As the day is early, I went to get a few DVDs to watch and relax myself before my day trip to Sgriya tomorrow.
FoodDhal Curry Mee Hoon – Rps: 150
Not absolutely fantastic, curry is cold. It tastes like Mutu Mayam with curry gravy. Simple but not memorable!
The road in Dambulla is sandy, with heavy traffic, walking on the side of the road is pretty irritating, with dogs barking at you and “long-lost relatives” coming up to you asking for money. It’s surely an unwanted factor choosing Dambulla as a base to the cultural triangle. Nonetheless, I make do with whatever geographical position has given me since it’s the center transport hub to the key ancient cities.
The tuk tuk driver is annoying me quite a bit. I needed internet connection quite urgently to reply an office email so I put my bag in the guesthouse and get out to the main road as soon as possible to search for an internet shop. When I ask him to bring me to the nearest internet shop, he said okay without realizing it’s only 2 mins walk from where I’m. My goodness, he really is something! After replying my office emails, I took a nap and did my laundry. I went to a local authorized Mobitel dealer to get a 3G SIM card after talking to the sales assistant in the I-Phone shop in Kandy that only Mobitel sim is compatible. After the activation, I feel like I’m back in the “real” world. I shouldn’t have just listen to Rob that my iphone is autolock by my telcom service provider in Singapore. Thankfully, I didn’t get a new phone just to use the local sim card just to make cheap phone calls to Singapore. Now I’m able to access Facebook and update my status wherever I’m in Sri Lanka.
As the day is early, I went to get a few DVDs to watch and relax myself before my day trip to Sgriya tomorrow.
Sleep
Oasis Tourist Inn – Double bed room for a Single – Rps: 650
I bargain for quite a while and finally get it for Rps: 650 just because I’m staying for 4 nights. It’s right across of the cave temples with a huge golden Buddha looking over. Rooms are slightly dark but clean and basic. Shared toilet but it’s not too far from my room just hoping Robert the guesthouse owner will not try hard to sell me “tour packages”. Transport
Private aircon local bus from Kandy > Dambulla – Rps: 160
Food
Not absolutely fantastic, curry is cold. It tastes like Mutu Mayam with curry gravy. Simple but not memorable!
Sri Lanka Curry and Rice Adventure - Day 18 – Another day in Kandy
Travelling with Cat and Kathy is absolutely delightful so far. Even though sometimes we are overly thoughtful to each other but that shows we don’t take anyone for granted. Our bills are always clear and transparent.
Food
Curry and Rice – Rps: 80
The cheapest meal I ever had in my whole life. It comes 5 different ingredients, lady’s finger, potato, peas, spinach with rice. Absolutely delicious, the variety mix with rice is fulfilling! Everything is cooked diligently with flavors!
Interestingly, after climbing the Adam’s peak together (by the way my feet are now sore and aching). Three of us today each have different agenda. Cat wants to go to the elephant orphanage; Katy wants to go to the tourist information center near Tooth Relic temple to find out more about the bus timings for tomorrow daytrip while exploring the city, I decided to visit the tooth relic temple. I got a free audio tour from the temple which is decent and suffice if you like to know the background of the temple. The bookstore near the entrance also comes with a good selection of English Dharma books. Even though, it’s not the most fascinating temple, also, the relic is enshrined and not to be seen only on special occasion. However, just seeing how the tooth relic and the elephant, Raja who carries the tooth relic passing on from one temple to another venerated by the locals so highly in Sri Lankan culture is impressive. Also, the amount of flowers offering piling up in front of the shrine can make a lot of bees drool. The museum also has a very clear explanation of how the tooth comes about. Nonetheless, Buddha said whoever sees my teaching sees me, whoever sees me see my teaching so doesn’t matter how the relic is venerated, just understand and practice the Buddha’s teaching, that’ll be the highest order for all Buddhist.
I went back to my guesthouse; sort out my travel itinerary as I left only about a week. In the evening, we sat and eat with a French family at the backyard of the guest house which is delightful to end the day.
I went back to my guesthouse; sort out my travel itinerary as I left only about a week. In the evening, we sat and eat with a French family at the backyard of the guest house which is delightful to end the day.
Entry Fee
Tooth Relic Temple - Rps: 1000
Food
Curry and Rice – Rps: 80
The cheapest meal I ever had in my whole life. It comes 5 different ingredients, lady’s finger, potato, peas, spinach with rice. Absolutely delicious, the variety mix with rice is fulfilling! Everything is cooked diligently with flavors!
Pink house Curry and Rice feast
Amazing settings at the backyard of Pink house. Different variety of dishes and interesting conversations with a Holland guy and French family. It feels like a family dinner and the food is delectable!
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