Set off up the rock at 9.45. Lots of touts offering help to take us up, which we declined. What's 1800 steps to a pair of oldies? Steps sheer and lots of people but made it relatively easily to the second stage - only the lions paws remain of the original. 
From here it was a metal staircase all the way up. Hard going but we weren't the worst. Up at the top very windy and amazing views. Here, the King had his town with swimming pools, harem hall, throne to watch his women! 
Also stopped to see an iguana eating fish - but it disappeared as we got out the car saving us 50p!
Down again, which was harder for me than going up cos steps were shiny, narrow and slippy! Met Mahesh in foreigners car park at 11.30 ish. He asked us if we'd been to the top? I asked him if he'd like to see our 153 photos! Think he got my message!
Off to Polonnaruwa, another WHS! Nice drive. Encountered an elephant ride travelling in the middle of the road.
Onto the 2nd ancient capital city, Polonnaruwa. A settlement of several kings' palaces over about 200 years. Another museum before going out on site. Totally amazing restoration work on a vast scale! 
Last stop and pleaded fatigue so we could get back to hotel for a bit of rest! On way back, cars screaming to a halt as there were wild elephants in a field and then a random male one walking at the side of the road! Amazing (sorry, said that already)!
Final stop was to see the three Buddhas - sitting, standing and reclining in classic Buddha positions. Amazing! No people in them to show scale but huge!
Tomorrow we leave here (early) and head for Kandy - the second largest city on the island.
Ayubowan!
No comments
Post a Comment