THURSDAY - FRIDAY
It's train ride time in Sri Lanka! We originally thought we might be riding on an older-fashioned train but once we arrived at the train station, we quickly realized were were riding in an air-conditioned coach for four hours making our way to Nuwara Eliya which is a city at about 6200 feet.
This is how the British used to travel during the colonial times in the late 1800's. The entire route presented us with stunning vistas as we climbed higher and higher. Tea plantations covered the mountains for as far as our eyes could see. The lush green of the hillsides was absolutely wonderful to view!
We went through forest, villages and saw many waterfall along the way. The pine trees are not indigenous to this area but were planted by the British and have flourished and spread so much that they are now clearing them out to plant tea because nothing will grow under them .
We had a few stops along the way to gather up or drop off passengers. One stop was almost an hour because we had to wait for another train coming down to get by us. But I got lots of writing done during this stop.
Red or green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes and hotels with lovely flower gardens gives Nuwara Eliya a decidedly British character.
Along the way, different vendors would board the train and offer us their goodies. Some had fresh cut fruit, others offered samosas and yet others offered cold water and pop. Our favorite (and only) purchase was fresh roasted peanuts slightly salted and warm. Such a treat they were !
The ticket man on the train was dressed impeccably in navy and white and the whistle blower at the stations (indicates the train is moving out) is in all white.
Everywhere we looked on this journey up to the Grand Hotel was a sight to behold.
We arrived at the train station and our trusty bus and driver were waiting for us. Off to the Grand Hotel , N'Eliya we went. Do google this hotel... is is nothing short of grand splendour!
The hotel is over 100 years old. Joe was playing snooker on a 100 year old table and totally enjoyed the experience! The attendant in the snooker room was quite a lot of fun to visit with and play snooker with! There were pool cues on the display that were also 100 years old. The room attendant did tell us there was a ghost in that particular room!
Upon awakening Friday morning, we were off to tour a tea estate and production factory. After 30 minutes of driving on a very windy road through the countryside and tea plantations, we arrived at the Damro Tea facility.
We were greeted by a lovely hostess who explained the tea growing process to us and offered us a tea collection backpack to wear as we walked down to an area where we could try our hand at picking tea. Only the first three tender leaves at the top of the bush are picked for the tea. Tea leaf picking is ongoing year round as a result.
The tea production factory was so interesting. Rather than me typing about it, I will post some photos and provide you with a good link to learn about this amazing process.
www.teaclass.com/lesson_0106.html
After the tour, we sat and enjoyed a cup of freshly made tea before enjoying a bit of tea shopping! It was time to hop back on the bus and make our way back to the hotel. High tea was on the agenda for the afternoon as well as a therapeutic massage in the spa. A lovely way to end a lovely day !
While the ladies were enjoying high tea - the boys decided to play some golf at a nearby course.
The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia and probably the world. It is an institution, rich in tradition, history and carries an ambience unparalleled in this country.
Founded, primarily for their rest and recreation, by the British planters who cultivated the land for tea in the Nuwara Eliya district, to this day it caters to some of the customs and traditions of the country’s colonial past. Everyone had their own caddy, who I am told, had them clubbed very quickly!
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