Sri Lanka Part 3

Supun, her family and I devoted a whole day to historical Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura

We started off early around 6am and rode up together in the family van.  We stopped for a breakfast picnic at a scenic lake.  There were many other Sri Lanka families enjoying the sights and warm sunny weather.  We had some tasty food.  I impressed Supun's family with my ability to enjoy spicy foods.  We then continued on to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first capital.  It's history was quite old as it was built around 500 B.C.  There we saw another one of Sri Lanka's most sacred spots.  It is a temple with a descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment.  A branch from the original tree was planted in 288 BC making it the oldest verified specimen of any angiosperm (type of tree).  At the temple we made an offering, lit incense, received a Buddhist string bracelet and made a wish.  If my wish comes true then I will have to return at some point to the Temple to give thanks.

We also saw the Ruwanmalisaya, which is a large white stupa dedicated to the Buddha.  It was a very impressive site an another important Buddhist site.

Sri Maha Bodi - descendant of the original bodi tree

Mihinthale

Our next stop was Mihinthale.  It's a great overlooking spot near Anuradhapura.  Supun said it was her favorite so despite being pressed for time we included it in our lengthy itinerary.  At the top of this scenic overlook were temples, stupas, and statues.  we raced up to the top and were rewarded with expansive views and a peaceful environment.  This was impressive but not as impressive as what was to come.

Minthale - a very pleaceful place

Authentic Sri Lankan lunch

For lunch we stopped at a local Sri Lankan restaurant.  We all sat down to eat and then Supun realized that they hadn't brought me silverware.  In most countries this would be noteworthy but in Sri Lanka everyone eats with their hands.  Well when in Rome... I didn't want to be an outsider so I joined in using my hands.  There's definitely a technique to it (using just the tips of the fingers, starting from the edge of the rice and using the thumb to push it into my mouth).  It was much easier to pickup than chopsticks.  I once again ate the spicy food and they joked that if I was a little tanner, I could almost past for a Sri Lankan (until I spoke of course).

Sigiriya

Our journey continued to Sigiriya, the Lion Rock.  I could best describe it as a mix of Machu Pichu and the Sphinx.  Sigiriya is a palace complex built on top of a mountain-boulder by a rogue Sri Lankan king.  The King had killed his father to usurp the throne and he feared revenge from the brother who was the rightful heir.  So he moved from the capital and build this vast complex to defend himself.  He created vast irrigation terraces for food, swimming pools and catchment pools.  He commisoined gorgeous cave paintings (still preserved) to distract any attackers.  He also built amazing walls, fortresses and statues.  The top had amazing views of the jungle, mountains and farmland of north central Sri Lanka.  It was an absolutely brilliant place that stimulate my senses and imagination.  A must see.

In front of the beautiful Sigiriya 

View from above - notice the beautiful landscape and the intricate irrigation

Supun at the entrance - it used to be a lions head but now is only the paws

View from the top of Sigiriya

Wall paintings meant to distract invaders and entertain tourists

Distracting paintings!

Panoramic of the beautiful scenery around Sigrirya

Enjoying the view

The Return

We returned back to Kandy through 1-lane roads and treacherous traffic.  It was an amazing day.  That night I stayed in St. Bridget's Guesthouse.  It was a homely guesthouse with great hospitality and authentic food.  I enjoyed the traditional dinner with some Sri Lankan beer.  After a solid night's rest I awoke for some meditation and early sustenance.  The house keepers made homemade pineapple and passion fruit jam that was deliciously sweet.  I then met up with Supun to explore the Botanical gardens.  We saw the bridge and sites and then toured the city in search of any Sri Lankan foods I hadn't tried.  We got an orange coconut thing, a fried pasty, and ice cream.  The inevitable goodbye was said and I was sad to leave.  I then took the train back to Colombo to catch my flight.  This ended the last of my Asian trips.

Lion Lager is a local beer - a light and crisp taste

Delicious homemade Sri Lankan meal at Bridget's Hostel

Thambili King Coconut like drink - delicious

Food Recap

So with Supun's help I came up with a list of foods I tried while in Sri Lanka.  It varies from the really exotic to the had-it-before-but-tasted-better in a tropical place:

• Fish Curry
• Sri Lankan Cream Soda
• Prawn Buiriyani 
• Thambili (king coconut)
• Hoppers - fluffy light pancake-like
• Koththu - noodle/egg dish
• String hoppers- iddi aapa
• Cutlets
• Malu paan - bun with marinated fish in it 
• Rolls
• Tropical fruits: mango, papaya, pineapple, white guvava
• Wade
• Extra sweet sri lankan tea
• Traditional Sweets- dodol, aluwa, milk toffee, kawum
• Poll sambal ( chiili coconut with salt and lemon)
• Daal
• rice and different curries
• papaya drink
• woodapple drink 
• Lunu Miris (chilli dip for aapa)