Blogs from Sri Lanka, Asia - page 130

We got up to the dawn chorus and headed off to Nuwara Eliya for two nights. Sandra, Karen and I headed off to the mountains to try and cool off. The drive was beautiful, the scenery was out of this world, so tranquil yet in its own little way, so busy - watching the tea pickers at work and the children selling flowers on the side of the road, chasing our car to make a few rupees. We did actually buy some on the way home for our Sri Lankan mum. As we arrived at our hotel, The Glen Dower we were just in awe - the flowers, the buildings, the weather - it was if we had stepped back in time. It was how I imagined England would have looked some 100 years ago. The ... read more

I have returned to Sri Lanka, having visited as a tourist , a few years ago. Something drew me back to this beautiful island and I'm sure it was the people. I am living in Polonnaruwa with a host family who are adorable, friendly, so accommodating and nothing is too much trouble for them. Work wise I am working in a girls orphanage. They are aged between eight and nineteen and we are with them to teach them English, help them clean, play and generally spending time with them which is an absolute pleasure. The orphanage is set on the edge of a reservoir and they have a vegetable garden and go to school everyday. Their enthusiasm for learning is a joy and their laughter and sense of fun infectious and also humbling. I have ... read more

Another early morning start, mainly to beat the heat, and the crowds, Gill, Sandra, Katie and I, joined by our Sri Lankan family set off for the day. Our first stop, Sigiriya, which is the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with all its buildings and gardens with their trees, paths and water gardens. Actually climbing to the top of this rock was so rewarding. When I saw how many steps I had to climb, I thought oh no, not a chance, but once you get going it does get easier, and to actually reach the top was fantastic, the views were spectacular. The worst part was having to climb a metal spiral staircase to have a look into some caves which the most spectacular wall paintings. The whole thing consists of ... read more

This why I came to Sri Lanka to offer a "Hand of Hope". I arrived in Sri Lanka on the 31st of August - it was a hard decision for me giving everying up to come over here and try and help out in some of the orphanages here. It has been quite an experience, back home I dont think any of us have much idea about how these children actually live. In the first orphanage, it was Gillian McAlister, Katie Chester, Hannah K and myself, that went to Pollonaruwa, their days were always the same, up at the same each day to prepare for school, come home at the same time and have lunch, then.......what do we do until bed time, other than do our homework and play? play with what is the question, they ... read more

Having left India and now in Sri Lanka I just wanted to pause for thought before I tell you about this next leg of the journey. Every now and again on my journey I'll be walking along and I'll forget where I am until I see something that reminds me of which place I'm in. In India this has happened a few times, until I look up and see a cow in the middle of the road or walking along the beach! At first these things are a novelty or, like the poverty, a bit of a shock and then after a while you start to ignore or get used to these images. However I never want to feel comfortable or use to the sight of a child being fed off of the road from ... read more