May 5, 2013

Finally, I have something interesting enough to blog about.

Things go on pretty much as they would anywhere, as you can imagine.  One of the big differences are all the holidays here.  May 1 is a holiday everywhere in the world except Canada and the US, being International Workers' Day.  There were big demonstrations in Colombo and even in Kandy.  Mostly paid for by the government.  The demonstrators get their transport and lunch paid.  Even so, the mood seems to be mostly pro-government.  People are still grateful for the defeat of the LTTE and the end of the war.

Good thing I do not advertise that I am a Canadian.  We are not too popular here at the moment, being outspoken about the human rights violations and about the scheduled Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.  Must be sheer dumb luck as our "illustrious" prime minister is not usually on the side of right.

Today is Sunday and on Thursday, I climbed Sigiriya.  It is the most prominent geological formation in Sri Lanka and the site of a city/monastery.  It is the most visited historical site in the country.  It is a rock pillar that stands 350 metres high.  There about 2000 steps leading up to the top.  Like an idiot, I climbed up there after having done no exercise for quite a while.  After 3 days, I can finally walk down stairs without having to go one at a time.  Of course, we were late leaving Kandy and started our climb at 1230, the hottest part of the day.  Mad dogs and Englishmen and us....

You can look up the history of the place.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so there is lots of information on-line.  Here are some pics so you can get an idea.  Amal did take a picture of me at the top, just to prove that I did it.  I will post it later when he sends it to me.

The rock from a distance.

The spiral staircase leading to some of the frescoes.  I am not good with heights, so I was quite proud of myself being able to get up here and other places.

Like here.  Just one of the iron staircases hanging off the side of the rock.

Start of the climb.

Some of those lovely staircases.

This dynasty was well known for their ability to manage water.  They built many water cisterns.

Reclining Buddha statue.  The folds of his robe are created by placing rope beneath the plaster.

See what I mean about the climb.

View of the gardens from the top.

Frescoes

One of the tanks.

More frescoes.  The lady's boobies are very famous.

Thankfully, there were very few people.  It is not the season yet, and now is supposed to be the hottest time of year.  The heat made the climb more difficult, but I would never have made it had it been full of people.  Some places, I was clutching the handrail for dear life.  If I had been jostled or been unable to stop and rest, there would have been no way.

Anyhow, I made it.  Having now climbed Sigiriya and having done Adam's Peak when I lived here before, I am all done with climbing here.

After the climb, we went to this great hotel called the Sigiriya Village.  Lunch and liquids went down very well.  There was a lovely pool that looked so tempting.  I was ready to go in with all my clothes on, but Amal said they would not appreciate it.

After that we went to the Dambulla Cave Temple.  I almost didn't go, as my legs really hurt, but it wasn't much of a climb and I am very glad I went.  It is beautiful.  It is the largest cave temple in Sri Lanka and is one the stops on the cultural triangle along with Anaradhapura, Sigirya, Pollanurwa, and Kandy.  Again, you can look it up, but here are some pics to give you an idea.  Anyone coming to visit me will be taken to Dambulla.  You can climb Sigiriya on your own!

This is called the Golden Temple and is what you see when you first arrive and where you have to buy your ticket.  It is horrible.  Like that crazy park in Hong Kong whose name I can't remember.  You don't even want to go in after seeing this thing.

However, if you persevere, this is what you see.

Fabulous frescoes depicting stories from the life of the Buddha.

Many Buddha images.  One of the most intriguing things were the frescoes you can see above the statues.  They are in geometric patterns and follow the contour of the rock.  They look like fabric.

This is the traditional reclining Buddha image.

Now here is the statue in the first cavern at Dambulla.  It is a reclining Buddha, but one not seen very often.  As you can see, the feet are slightly offset, the top knee is bent.

You can't see it very well, but the flames that usually appear above the Buddha's head, which signify his aura, are missing.  This is a statue of the Buddha as he lay dying.

Beautiful frescoe of the drunken elephant that was sent to kill the Buddha.  When he approached the Buddha, who was meditating under the bod hi tree, the Buddha raised his hand.  The elephant fell to his knees in worship.

The main cavern.

Galleries built outside the caves.

You can see the cut above the buildings.  This is a carved drip line, cut to direct the water over the building.

Chaitya in the main temple.

That was my big adventure.  Well worth it to do at least once.

At home, I am still working on the macrame.  It is almost done.  I don't know if I will have the patience to make another one. 

I am now also fully mosquito netted.  All windows have mosquito netting curtains and I have a huge frame over my bed with 2 layers of mosquito netting protecting me along with a bug light.  Can you believe that for the first time, a mosquito was under the nets this morning.  Unbelievable!!

Back to the hammock chair and then off to dinner at friends tonight.