From TukTuks to Temples: A right Barmy Journey of Sobriety, the Poya Moon and the Sacred Tooth!

All aboard another TukTuk! Getting in is one thing, but getting out is quite another, at least for one half of Two’s Company. Once he’s in, he’s in; we’ll leave the rest to your imagination.

Zipping through the streets of North East Colombo to the local Buddhist temple was thrilling. Shoes off, the floor felt warm.

While the cobbles played havoc with our ankles, the marble was joyous—almost caressing the soles of our feet. The grand, ornate stairs led us to the first floor, where the Buddha sat magnificent and silent, a portrait of contemplation.

The setting was immensely reflective; four floors of simple yet lavish imagery that promoted a rare sense of serenity.

Later that evening, we were fortunate to catch up with Hannah and Callum. Connecting with a dear old friend’s daughter some 5,000 miles from Barlick was a special encounter to say the least.

As for the cricket, England v New Zealand, it was a slow affair. As Hannah’s dad, Ian Scothern, would say: “The Black Caps snatched a loss from the jaws of victory!”

The stadium was impressive, but the organisation not so much. Running out of beer in the first innings was madness, sending the Barmy Army into a state of sobriety for perhaps the first time in history! The outcome was nonetheless surprising: an England win with us watching!

Then came the elephants. Arriving at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, we were struck by their scale.

These Sri Lankan giants, with their unique mottled trunks were magnificent to see first hand, taking everything in one huge stride after another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOa4kujm4fY

Our adventure then took us onward to Kandy. It was here we took a moment to truly appreciate the incredible hospitality shown to us by our dear friends, the Kulatunga family. It has been a wonderful experience; seeing Sri Lanka through local eyes and embracing a glimpse of day-to-day life has been super special.

In Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was deeply impressive, made more so as it was Poya (the full moon national holiday) enabling us to witness the spiritual side of Sri Lanka.

The temple remains simple and serene despite being damaged by the Tamil Tigers back in 1998, since then it has been restored and perfectly keeps its original feel.

We also wandered through Royal Palace Park which seemed to be the local "Lovers' Lane." Young couples sat chatting, evenly spaced across the grass. Spring was in the air, even if it wasn't spring at all, the climate being tropical all year round. The famous movie line, “Beware the moon,” springs to mind!

From Kandy, we headed back to Colombo to depart. A change of course was necessary; Two’s Company were due to travel home via Abu Dhabi, but yet again, world events caused a change in plan.

Next stop: Hong Kong.

A final note of thanks to our hosts, Jeevantha, Upeka, Thineth, and Danindu, for your kindness and hospitality.

ඔබගේ කරුණාවට ස්තූතියි, අපගේ මාර්ග නැවත හමුවන තුරු, අපි ඔබට සුභ පතමු, ආරක්ෂිතව සිටින්න!