Living for 100 years

Time for another update I feel, but before I start I can excitedly announce that my quest to find the differences between Sri Lanka and India Buddha has begun.. But ill come to that later.

We have reached the south of Sri Lanka and are staying in the beachside town of Unawatuna.
The biggest thing to mention here would be that less than 10 years ago, an earthquake occurred off the coast of Indonesia which was recorded at 9.1-9.3 in magnitude. This created a tsunami which hit many countries including Sri Lankans southern coastline. Many lives were lost and the beautiful coastal towns were mostly wiped out.

Today Unawatuna has no obvious signs of any such destruction and has been rebuilt to be a bustling tourist location however I am sure that if you scratched at the surface and went a short distance in land away from the glitz of the sun loungers and cheap cocktails it may be more apparent. Many restaurants have photos on the wall and in albums you can view to get an idea of what once was.

At the far end of the beach is a small hill and our destination should we feel any movements from below. It is also home to a 200 year old sacred site which consists of both a large white dagoba (undestroyed by tsunami) and a newer addition, a statue of Buddha himself. It was here that we decided to explore when the sun went away this afternoon.

We reached the top when a young Lankan boy came and offered us some tea with 'no charge' - a rarity in this country. It was here that my question was to be answered.

We sipped our tea and ate water crackers in the presence of another Spanish tourist (also got the tea invite) and a Buddhist monk who had lived at this site for 33 years. He explained many things about his culture when asked if I understood, I had to guiltly and unconvincingly reply 'sort of'.

I could of lied but to be honest, I was intrigued and and wanted to understand.. So I got, in lamens terms, a better explanation.
Now before I start, there is a lot I want and could write about this because I like the religion but I don't want you to all think I'm returning to the homeland in an orange robe so i will be restrained.

We learnt more about what it is to be a Buddha, and about Buddha aka Siddhartha Gautama himself. Just a Normal man born in nepal who found enlightenment and shared his way of living with others. No creator of the universe here people.. But what a guy! 

There are two branches of Buddhism existing in these modern times.
The Theravada Buddhists who are found in Sri Lanka and south east Asia and then Mahayana Buddhists in the Himalayas and east Asia.
The differences among these two groups are to be further defined on the next tea date.

We finished up with a blessing for each of us and the tying of a white cotton band around our right arm known as a baci which preservers good luck. I must say I was very moved by this.. And we've been blessed for 100 years! Hurrah!

My baci will be staying on as good luck is what I need, as I am soon to be visiting the home country of Buddha himself and flying into the infamous lukla. The young Spanish tourist who had just done the same trek delightfully informed me that about 200-300 metres above the runway, the engine gets cut for landing. ARE YOU LISTENING HANNAH? Cut. Shut off. So we just glide down onto the runway.

Fantastic news. Freaking out... Only slightly.

Anyway best bring this post to an end because poor joe is fallen asleep on his diary beside me. Bless.

Sleepy Ella

Here is part two of the Sri hill country series and I am boring joe to tears with all this blogging.
He is left drinking piña coladas on his lonesome.. How tough.

Yesterday we took the train from Kandy to Ella. Lovely, lovely Ella. Add it to your bucket list now people because it has unbeatable beauty. All train enthusiasts add this ride to your bucket list. We rode in third class and even then we couldn't fault it, or the price. $4 for a 7 hour ride.. Not bad!
We met lots of interesting types on the train and I almost thought a new Facebook friend was coming my way in the 19year old math enthusiasts Sri Lankan that goes by the name of Indunil. He also wanted to know at what age I wanted to get married, so perhaps more than just a friendly Facebook invite.

Ella itself is sensational. We are surrounded by tea fields in this tiny relaxed village where cocktails are the hefty price of 5NZD and apart from a morning walk to mini Adams peak, we have now been in the same restaurant for four hours indulging in these sweet treats. Not too mention the curries...
Ceylon tea may be number two in production - following India with Kenya coming in third. However it is number one in quality due to Ceylon tea leaves being 100% hand picked. You just can't beat that..
However when the beers this cheap.. You kinda can.

That's all from us for now.. Our next stop is unclear however we are thinking some nice beaches where we may even have the chance to spot the largest living creature on planet earth, the blue whale.

Subha gaman xxx

Days with Athula

We have now entered what is known as the hill country in Sri Lanka. It is incredible how diverse this country is. We are surrounded by lush green tea plantations where the temperatures have dropped to a manageable level by day and thermals by night. Yes, thermals.

And the days are only getting better...
We started in Kandy and little did we know at the time of stepping from the bus our fate was sealed. Athula, a keen tuktuk driver approached us ( as they all do ) and while at first he seemed like just another of the same he was most definitely different. If only you could write trip advisor reviews on drivers..
First he bargained a room rate down from 3,500Rs to 2,000 and then offered us the same price for a days tour of the surrounding region. A bloody good deal when dealing in rups.

We started with a spice garden, and while I have been to one in south India this one was much different. It was more about how they use herbs for Ayurvedic purposes. They have everything from beauty creams to weight loss to curing high blood pressure PERMANTLY..
After we had been around the garden it was time to trial these products, a pleasant surprise to both joe and I.
We had facial, head, back and leg massages with the special potions and lotions and all for free.
The catch being we were expected to spend up large in the shop.. amd with 30% off due to being in the low season - how could we not!

Next stop was pinnewala elephant orphange where 100+ elephant have been rescued and are now living it up with the mahouts as there keen carers.
The best part of this was the small 3metre wide lane which separates the river where they bath and the park itself. We were all lined up on either side of this lane with massive elephants trampling right pastus back to the park, nearly but never actually taking out everyone in their path.
And after being hit in the head and almost taken out by a flapping elephant ear we got some pretty good photos..

After this we visited a tea museum, where we learnt the processes of making tea but I won't talk to much about this because I am aware of the length of this blog and I'm not even half way through.. Stay with me people.

It was well past lunch time by this stage so Athula invited us to his home for lunch. It was such a kind gesture and an amazing opportunity for us to see a real Sri Lankan household. Athula lived with his family, his wife's parents and his many sisters and brothers in law. I loved the dynamics of the household and have already planned out a 'mills complex' which has both April, jack and myself living below mum and dad on the free sections with our future families. Mum, dad, April, jack.. How does that sound?

Last stop of the day was some kandy traditional dancing and fire walking.
This was interesting and the costumes amazing but the true stars of the show were the fire walkers who were not only walking but putting fire torches into their mouths and licking it.
Can somebody explain to me how this is possible?
I am quite sure it is not just in my mind that fire is absurdly hot. I can't even sit a half a metre from our lounge room fire at times, let alone put any part of my skin in direct contact.

And here's comes the end of the kandy tale. Cut short for readers best interest and put into a two part blog on the hill country.

Lotsa love xxxxx

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.