The Real Buddha

It is day five now of this particular journey and I have some sad news...

After weighing up the cost of heading to the kite camp and hiring gear we decided against it..

But dont despair!!! Instead we have spent the time exploring the ancient cities of Sri Lanka. Prepare yourselves.

First stop was a couple of nights in Anaradhapura (and yes, we are enjoying pronouncing the cities names to the locals here who kindly correct us 99% of the time). We hired bicycles and despite the heat set out in search of ancient dagobas and scared trees. My favourite part of the day was the sacred bodhi tree which is still used as a place of worship and worshipping was well under way by the time we arrived. Joe and I sat for what felt like hours taking in the scene. From the overhead speaker songs to the Sri Lankan prey flags to the orange robed monks and everyone else preying and singing it was all very overwelming and interesting!

That is one very loved tree. Just like na'vi tree on Avatar.

Next stop, Habarana which is a tiny village in the middle of the cultural triangle - therefore perfect for day trips. The locals refer to the village as ' habarana city' which I liked. It's like calling sumner a city.. Imagine. Here we stayed off the beaten track and our tuktuk had to do some serious 4wd'ing to get us through all the village dirt tracks to the beautiful lodge camp. Surrounded by villagers so if you hear yelling from your huts 'please just ignore' - its just the village men who have taken liquour and are yelling at their wife and kids. 'No problem for tourists'. 

From here we were able to access the dambulla cave temples where among other things, we found a 19metre Buddha reclining in a cave.  Buddhas got to have some down time too.. Tour guides say that when the plains below flooded the farmers couldn't work so they would come up to caves and create Buddha after Buddha after Buddha. If fact five whole caves filled with Buddhas. The biggest cave being 32 metres wide. 

This morning we tripped out to Sigiriya rock for the ultimate climb. If you don't know what Sigiriya is - I suggest you google it as it was one of the main reasons for my visit to this wonderful country. 

Well let me tell you, Sigiriya is NO easy stroll. 

However after 1x panic attack mid climb, 5mg diazepam and many tears I made it to the top only to collapse into a shaking, crying mess. I am talking a vertical rock face with some scaffolding bolted to the side... And I know your thinking 'whatevs' because that's what I thought too..  NO! It is some scary stuff. Fair to say, I will never be a rock climber. 

The top however was an excellent reward. The ruins of an ancient castle and 360' views of the country below. 

The king who ordered his decipals to build a gigantic palace a top a rock like sigiriya...well...what a d*ck! And of course he wanted a massive swimming pool that's two metres deep. 

That's all for now folks.. Is anybody reading this? Don't be afraid to leave a comment as a wee confidence booster.

But before I sign off let me ask one question I have not found the answer to here. 

Sri Lankan Buddha is a slim man with a head of hair, whilst Indian Buddha is a fat bald man with a rub-able belly.. Who is Buddha?!

Adios amigos x

A fishy experience

Here we are then.. My first entry from an overseas location.

Thanks to Mum for sharing the word on this.. I am really feeling the pressure to write something decent now. 

I've made it to the first stop of the itinerary. All shacked up writing this in an upstairs internet cafe in Negombo, Sri Lanka. Only had to pass 1 homeless man and two dogs on the way up the stairs to get here. Bonus!

The flight over was long but very comfortable aboard the business class *cough economy cough* of Singapore airlines. I don't know how I will fly on a low cost airline now without my hot towels, free gifts and free food/alcohol. Well ill probably manage secondary to funds.. The experience was nice anyway. After a hairy landing in Singapore which had us swerving all over the runway (has this happened to anyone else before?) we had completed the big flight and only had a 5 hour transit and 3 hour plane to Bandaranaike International Airport. 

We were welcomed to the airport by a shouting match between two old Indian men. I took that moment to steal a look at Joe and then welcome him to Sri Lanka. Tehehe. 

Otherwise customs was a breeze.. We literally breezed through. Mmmm safe. 

I don't know if I can even begin to describe the hustle and bustle that is a third world country to those who have never experienced it. One piece of advice - EXPERIENCE IT. My companion on this leg of the journey, Joe has never been to a third world country before and so far he has had no melt downs or pant pooing episodes so that should be reassuring to all first timers. He sort of just has a lost, overwelmed look on his face most of the time. 

The most different thing I have found so far on the trip is the lack of white people.. I know this may seem an obvious fact but in comparison to India, there are slim to none. This, however is the best thing though.. This wee town of Negombo is so truly Lankan (learnt that little bit of local slang from one of the 'Lankan' doctors at work). There aren't even (much to my disapointment) any tourist markets or stands. You heard me - no happy pants!!!!! So it feels very real. 

We have been to the morning fish market - a smelly, crazy experience where most people are walking around with a dirty machete.

And we have wandered through town.. however my Sri Lankan friend, Shanti tells me town doesn't 'get going' til 10am so we are currently eagerly awaiting the town to rip into action.. as if it wasn't already. I am counting a 'toot toot', 'meep meep' or 'BEEEEEP' approx every 5-10 seconds currently.  

Other than that, not much more to write. We are off to Kalpitiya in the morning to see what the Sri Lanka Kite Scene is all about.. 

Keep in touch. Love to all at home.

Gihilla enna xxxx

All aboard the bandwagon

I've created a blog. My first blog.

I have created it in hopes that I am going to spend the rest of my twenties traveling the world.. or in any case doing something to make you all insanely jealous. Mwahaha. 

Now that the blog is alive, so is the dream. Right?

First things first - if you are reading this, it is not okay to correct me on any spelling errors. This is the 21st century and text language rules. Mostly, it would just be embarrassing. Alryt? 

Departing on my next adventure in less than 20 days. Temporarily leaving the comfortable life in New Zealand for something slightly more raucous and unpredictable. Bring it on. 

The itinerary go as far as flights and visas.. And a voucher for an Everest Base Camp trek brought on a New Zealand daily deals website which is over $1000 cheaper than any and all other reputable adventure companies. Was that smart?

Down below is a photo of me at the Chinese Fishing Nets in Fort Cochin, Kerala. One of the most fascinating things about India is the pollutions ability to turn your boogers black. It's amazing. The lucky nose not only enjoys blackened snot but the aromas that is only India. Ones that cannot be described. Get ready nose!!! 

But first, Sri Lanka...

So stay tuned. Who knows what might happen? Hopefully my travel insurance has my back. 

In the background of my typing, my parents are watching the terminator.. So I feel its only appropriate to end this first almighty piece of fine literature with...

                       

                                                                Hasta la Vista, Baby.