Sri Lanka (the more optimistic post!)

In my other Sri Lanka post, I tried to explain why we often struggled during our two weeks there. As usual, in retrospect, it doesn't seem that bad, and the memories are almost all good ones.

Here are some highlights from our two weeks there:

1) Sigiriya. This was one of the best things we did there. Sigiriya is an ancient fortress built on a huge rock in the middle of the island. It was awe-inspiring. We climbed to the top of the 660 foot rock using the path and the stairs provided and couldn't get over the views along the way. I had never heard of Sigiriya before our trip to SL, and wouldn't have even gone if my dad hadn't convinced me that the kids  would love it.

2) Most of the Food. Spicy, but not too spicy. Lots of salads and condiments served with each meal. Food that appeals to picky kids and adults! We ate lots of roti, biryani (like Indian, but made differently apparently), and incredible curries.  Now, if only they could get it to the table a little faster….

3) The Wildlife. Our safari in Yala National Park in southern SL might not be on par with some of the African safaris where you see the Big 5, but was impressive nonetheless. Between the leopard, the elephants, crocodiles, peacocks and water buffalo, we were thrilled.  But the real treat was that we'd see animals everywhere we went.  On daily walks we'd see monkeys and elephants, bats in the trees, monitor lizards sunbathing near lakes.  Our hotel in Kandy was a bit overrun by monkeys, who would get a little too close in search of our breakfast.

4) The Beaches.  Sri Lanka has fabulous beaches and beach towns.  We spent 4 days in a town called Hikkaduwa where we were able to rent a fabulous villa for a great price.  Our villa was so big, in fact, that our British friends we met in our treehouse accommodation came and stayed for two nights with us!  The waves were varied on the beaches we spent our days at - one side had perfect snorkeling conditions, while a bit down the beach, we had ideal boogie-boarding and surfing conditions.  The snorkeling was amazing for 2 reasons - we could snorkel right off the beach (as in, there were fish 1 feet in) and the fish were so adjusted to humans that they let us swim with them. There was a huge school of at least 1000 fish that would let us just float with them - very surreal experience.  There were also huge sea turtles right off the beach (easily 100 lbs each) that clearly have become "tame" - they let us pet and feed them!

5) The Scenery.  We noticed right away that Sri Lanka is a gorgeous island country with incredible flora and fauna that overtakes all cities, towns, and villages. The possibilities for tourism here are endless - they have mountains, jungles, beaches, cities, national parks, etc. Our long drives were tedious but stunning.