Sri Lanka is so full of historical sites.

TUESDAY

A long day full of exploring and entertainment.  

We were off to Polonnaruwa - a medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It rose to fame as the capital in the 10th to 12th century AD after the decline of Anuradhapura.  The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by  huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour.  The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past.  Highlights were the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, but from a single slab or granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving.

We were impressed by the incredible size of this area and all of the remaining ruins that were intact.  What I found to be so beautiful was the stunning green mosses growing on the brick.  The brilliant green against the black coloration of the bricks was amazing.   I got a kick out of the outdoor sewage collection hole that was used by the soldiers and staff of the palace.  Of course, the royalty would have their own quarters and as usual, their own swimming pool !

Parliament

The moss on the bricks is stunning

 This is the catch hole for the soldiers and helpers toilet and bathing area.

After enjoying these grounds, we were off to enjoy a village visit --- Hiriwaduna Village.  It was only 15 minutes from the hotel but like stepping back in time to see the way they lived all those years ago.

We were greeted by one of the ladies of the village with the usual "Ayubowan" which means 'long life'.   The hands are positioned as in the greeting of "Namaste" to someone.  Prayer position in front of chest.

Then we were invited into their mud hut where we were given a wonderful demonstration on how they make the thatched/woven palm leaves that they use on their roofs.  They have be replaced every year and a half we were told.

After this, we learned how to separate the rice from the husk.  As well, how they grind their own rice flour with a home-made rock like pumice grinder.  

After this, she demonstrated how they peel their root which is like a potatoe when cooked and most often is served with a coconut curry sauce.  She also demonstrated how they grate a fresh coconut into a fine grate, squeeze it repeatedly to get the milk out of it. and then add onion and spices .  Our hosts tone our meals down as out group are not accustomed to the level of spice these Sri Lankan people enjoy!   We ate on a hand woven plate that was lined with a lotus blossom leaf - yet one more way of living off the land and limiting garbage.  WE did have forks but the locals as well as our bus diver ate with their hands.  

Once the demonstration was over, we were treated to an amazing Sri Lankan meal of which all ingredients came from their gardens or woods.  Certainly one of my favorite meals .

When lunch was over, we walked back towards the road where oxen carts were awaiting us to take us on a 15 minute ride around the village property.  It was NOT my favorite thing to do because it was very muddy and I was terrified of our cart slipping off the road over the hill!  My eyes were closed tight and buried on Joe's back the entire trip until we got close to the start point and were on the road again.  

I was  quite happy to get off this ride at which time we made our way to another open air hut where we were served some tea and sang our National Anthem to our Sri Lankan host who was also the village chief.   There are 200 homes in the village and most of the residents live off the land as much as they can.  They live a simple yet healthy life which was wonderful for us to observe.

After tea, we were walking once again down towards the reservoir where we were greeted by two small catarman boats with paddlers who would take us on a lovey float through the reservoir.  Our 'captain' guided the boat into the middle of the lotus blossom and reached down into the water pulling the blossom and stem up.. in seconds he had it turned into a necklace for the ladies in the boat.  

Later on he reached over and grabbed a lotus leaf and fashioned a hat for us from it..   with the blossom popping out of the top of the hat... very fashionable !  

Upon reaching the edge of the reservoir, we were met by a group of tuk tuks that drove us up to where the bus was parked.

As soon as we reached the hotel, we were off to the elephant walk.  It was great fun meeting our sweet elephant and going for a 20 minute ride along the lagoon.  At one point, I got to ride up on her neck behind her big beautiful ears.  I talked to her the entire ride and told her how beautiful and special she was.   This 20 minutes was certainly a highlight for me and had been on my bucket list ~ Once we had dismounted, her handler let me stroke her trunk and listen into it ...  what an amazing feeling to have this moment of communication with this magnificent beast!  I'll never forget it.

Back to the hotel, a light dinner and off to bed..  Our time in Habarana is over.