~ ~ ~
tirsdag den 22. september 2009
mandag den 21. september 2009
Locked on the outside...
... of the apartment! Not the best place to be, when I should be well on my way to yoga !!!! Gives me good time to provide a small up-date though, so I guess it's not all bad :)This weekend had another excursion on the program. I left Colombo on Friday to go to Nuwara Eliya - A place I've really been looking forward to seeing. The Brits used N.E. to escape the smothering summer heat of Colombo in the colonial times. N.E. is situated in the hill country and is around 2000 meters above sea level. This really isn't the right time to go, because it is now the rainy season on this part of the island, but hey.... a little rain never hurt anyone, right!
Supposedly, it is a five hour drive there. That only applies if you take the main road though.... That was our intention, but since they're not really very big on road signs here, it can be VERY diffucult to know when to turn!!! We took our first detour, when we were tying to get out of the city...Only a small one though, and I feel confident that the detour only led us roud the crazy Friday afternoon traffic!!!
For the next 100 km's we knew the way, so no problems. I should add that the journey is only around 170 kms or so, but measuring a trip in kms is not really provinding a very accurate time estimate! Roads here are small, and it seems that the Sri Lankan drivers have their own traffic rules ie four lanes on a two lane road is a very common sight. Not for the faint hearted, when you driving on a steep mountain side!!!
Anyways, at some point shortly after Kandy the otherwise very competent co-driver must have read the map slightly wrong (again, I cannot be held totally responsible considering the lacking sign situation :). In any case, after some time we found our selves on a VERY small, narrow, steep, hairpin bended road - more like a path!. It was after 8 and pitch black - but we took the whole lot with our heads held high - we set out for adventure, and that's what we got! At one point, in the middle of absolutely no where, we came to a checkpoint, which you normally only find in and around the cities - at that point, I must admit, the adrenalin started pumping a bit. I have been a scout and all, but I haven't ever been on some random, deserted mountain side back-road in Sri Lanka, not having a clue about my whereabouts.... For all we knew, we could have been on our way into some kind of forbidden military land or something!!!
But, we weren't.
The sleepy soldier, whom we woke up from his nap, told us that we were, after all, on the road to Nuwara Elyia.... So the journey steadily proceeded. Still another hour on the smaller-than-reality-roads, but all of a sudden we saw a three-wheeler - and that was a welcomed sight, because we had been the only ones on the road for almost 2 1/2 hours. He was very helpfull, told us we only had 23 kms to Nuwara Elyia. Quite the relief, since Jill had been driving since 4 Pm, and we were approaching 10 pm at that time. The almost compolsurary and ever present Sri Lankan friendly- and helpfulness came to our rescue, as the tuc tuc driver went out of his way, drove infront of us for 3 kms, until we were safe on the main road to Nuwara Eliya. Within an hour we made it to there, but again the lack of signs brougt us in a hole.
Where to find the hotel ?
We asked another tuc tuc driver, who said we were close; straight ahead and turn left by the church. Well, we went straight - soon we found ourselves on a gravel road, narrower and steeper than ever, and that's when we thought: "this seems a little off!" All that was left to do was to turn the car around and go back....
Easier said than done, though!
Jill's car is BIG, road inhumanly steep and narrow!!!? To our left, we had a drive way going down to a house (this was steep in the other direction!) Jill tried to make her way around it, but we had to see ourselves defeated. There we were; stuck in a drive way - couldn't go neither ahead nor back. At this point, the couple living in the house came out to see, who was doing all that wheel spinning in their drive way. After gesturing our situation from a distance and apologising, the man living there came up to the car, offering to take the wheels, which we gladly accepted. Navil once again proved the genuine interest and hospitality that characterises the Sri Lankans, and before we knew it, we were sitting on their couch having several servings of their dessert! Just amazing really, not as much the dessert (eventhough that was nice too),as the whole experience itself! They drew up a map for us, so that we could find the hotel, but in the end they decided that we couldn't find it, and so their friend, Sri, offered to escort us there in his car :) Really not a lot to say, apart from fact that, I'm still amazed over the heartfelt help and interest shown by perfect strangers.
Our hotel, St. Andrews (http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingstandrews/) is an old colonial retreat, and it really did feel like we were entering a different world. Very British and historical. It took a few GT's to bring us down after, finally, arriving there !
Early morning Saterday, we got up, had breakfast and drove of the Hakgala, which is a botanical garden outside N.E. Not park'ish as the one in Kandy. It is situated on a mountain side and you're really able break a sweat, while at the same time getting the most amazing view of mountains and again LOTS of GREEN!
Because it is the rainy season, the view wasn't as nice as it could have been, we were told. To me though, there wasn't anything to complain about - just to put in a nice understated term! It was still early when we left from there. So we we still had the rest of the day. We went back to N.E. and walked around a bit, not the most spectacular place, but I guess the city itself is not the reason for coming here. What makes the place so unique, is the surrounding nature and tea plantations. This really is a magnificent spectacle, though ! We descended the mountain at a slow pace, stopping every other minute to take yet another picture of the view and scenery. The further down we came, the more the temperature rose and with that, so too did the vegetation change. In N.W. pine trees were all around. I'm sure the temperature there was just around 10-12 degrees at night and in the morning.
To Sri Lankan's this is COLD, so everyone were wearing BIG leatherjackets or coats, long pants, beanies.... and a lot of them no shoes?!? I did feel cold, but not to the extent were I felt the need to put on THAT much clothes ;)
We stopped at the Rampoda falls, which was quite nice sight too - adding to the whole waterfall experience though, was the sweet and smiling down-syndrome woman, who just wanted to be in the picture !!!
We visited yet another city, which we, accidentally, had drving through the night before, before we drove to Kandy and then made it the rest of the way back to Colombo. Only after stopping at a road side joint to have dinner. THE spiciest fish-curry and cocnut sambol I've have so far. Good, but OMG it was hot!!!
I'm pretty sure that what we manage to do, see and experience in 28 hours falls under the category of getting the most out things :)
So, Sunday I woke up in my own bed, and really just felt like getting out - NOT in a car, because admittedly 12+ hours in a car is long time within such a short period! So, I put on my running shoes, packed a bag, and went out on, what turned out to be, a 17 kms walk around Colombo! I know my own 'hood' pretty well by now, but I still tend to loose my sense of direction somewhat, when I go to other parts of the city. Walking around helps to solve the puzzle though!
Today, I had another first. For lunch, I went to the celebrate the end of the Ramadan at the home of the Indonesian High Commissioner - all thanks to Michelle though. Because of her work and life here, she's able to show me places that I wouldn't ever be able to go on my own. I really do consider myself very lucky, to be able to get such a varied and diverse picture of Sri Lanka.
fredag den 18. september 2009
P E A C E O N E D A Y
One day of P E A C E - What a great, inspirational and admirable cause!
Eventhough, it is highly unlikely that no arms will be fired, the thought behind it, the moments spent by people all over the world reflecting on the matter and its positive impact and the efforts that will be put into the cause, this day will make a difference ! At least for ONE day!
mandag den 14. september 2009
Kalutara, Bentota, Brief Garden = Superb Sunday SightSeeing
8.30 Sunday morning my phone rang and there was Jill in the other end, asking me, if I felt adventurous ? Only one way of answering this question on a Sunday where nothing was on the carpet! 25 minutes later, Jill was waiting for me in her 4x4 and we headed south and out of Colombo. No particulat destination, just exploring ! We were driving on Galle Road, which is a main road that pretty much goes all around the country, I think, and within 30 minutes we made our first stop in Kalutara. I've passed this city several times, but never had the chance to stop there.
The Buddhist temple was built in the 1960s and houses the only hollow stupa in the world, as well as the Kalutara Bodiya. It is one is one of the countries most holy places of worship. What really made it quite a special visit for me, was that a man in the temple approached us just before we were going to offer some flowers we had bought. He asked us, if we knew the proper way of making an offering, and to that question the answer was no. This resulted in him of course, showing us the right was of cleaning the flowers, explaining to us how we had to take a minute to empty ous minds before offering the flowers. From there he, I guess he saw an opportunity to make earn a little money, beacuse he took us around the place and explained a lot of things to us. Normally, I might have founded a tad irritating, but he was very knowledgable, and he was capable of answering a lot of the questions that have been whirring in my mind after visting quite a few temples by now. I learned, for example, that the offering of flowers, water, the colored flags with writing on them and lighting the coconut-oil candles all serves the same purpose. I thougt it might have been different offerings for different purposes - I guess, I got a little wiser.
From here we headed further south. Just driving along on Galle Road is actually quite the adventure of it self. When you're driving south, the ocean is on your right, just next to the road a lot of the time. This means that the view is something of it's own... also along the road you find a lot of different small stalls selling FRESH fish, dried fish (looks nice, smells interesting, and tastes....well that's still up for investigation!). Different stretches also specializes in different things. On our drive we came through a broom and wicker work stretch! That meant that all the road side stalls sold pretty much the same thing for a kilometer or two. I guess, you'ld know where to buy your brooms & wicker work, but I can't really see how it gives anyone a competitive advantage!
Driving on we came to Bentota. This is yet another place that is famous for its lovely beaches. Along the beach side, you find a lot of high end resorts, and not a lot of guesthouses, as you would further south. We decided to go down a small side road, and see where it would lead us (we were hoping to find a nice place for lunch, where we could get some tasty sea food - being right on the beach and all). We drove for a little while, and soon we saw a big metal gate and a looooong driveway. Jill has an almost magic sign on her windscreen saying DPL, which is short for diplomat. That silly little sticker really clears the way - up went the metal gates and on with us ! It proves to be the Taj Exotic - a 5 star resort in Bentota (http://www.tajhotels.com/Leisure/Taj%20Exotica,BENTOTA/). We figured that this would be a proper lunch place for us; we've had some food for the mind, so treating ourselves with some nice food for the body seemed appropriate! The place was nice of course. Personally, I found it a bit too grand and enormous. But the food was nice, suprisingly cheap considering the place, and the surroundings were beautiful.
From here we headed further south. Just driving along on Galle Road is actually quite the adventure of it self. When you're driving south, the ocean is on your right, just next to the road a lot of the time. This means that the view is something of it's own... also along the road you find a lot of different small stalls selling FRESH fish, dried fish (looks nice, smells interesting, and tastes....well that's still up for investigation!). Different stretches also specializes in different things. On our drive we came through a broom and wicker work stretch! That meant that all the road side stalls sold pretty much the same thing for a kilometer or two. I guess, you'ld know where to buy your brooms & wicker work, but I can't really see how it gives anyone a competitive advantage!
Driving on we came to Bentota. This is yet another place that is famous for its lovely beaches. Along the beach side, you find a lot of high end resorts, and not a lot of guesthouses, as you would further south. We decided to go down a small side road, and see where it would lead us (we were hoping to find a nice place for lunch, where we could get some tasty sea food - being right on the beach and all). We drove for a little while, and soon we saw a big metal gate and a looooong driveway. Jill has an almost magic sign on her windscreen saying DPL, which is short for diplomat. That silly little sticker really clears the way - up went the metal gates and on with us ! It proves to be the Taj Exotic - a 5 star resort in Bentota (http://www.tajhotels.com/Leisure/Taj%20Exotica,BENTOTA/). We figured that this would be a proper lunch place for us; we've had some food for the mind, so treating ourselves with some nice food for the body seemed appropriate! The place was nice of course. Personally, I found it a bit too grand and enormous. But the food was nice, suprisingly cheap considering the place, and the surroundings were beautiful.
From there we headed in-lands. I'd seen in the Rough Guide that there should be some kind of lovely garden'ish not too far away form where we had lunch. We had no map, but the one the book, and that really isn't all that detailed. There really is a limit to how lost one could get though, since the road system (at least the bigger roads) isn't very extensive. So the adventure proceeded, and lead us right to where we wanted to be.
Before long we were driving down the smallest of roads, getting deeper and deeper into the landside, densely covered with palmtrees, rubber plant, banana trees and heaps of other kinds of plants, and at once the sign that we had been looking for was right in front of us.
We were going to 'Brief Garden', which is the life's work of Bevis Bawa, a renowned Sri Lankan landscape artist, sculptur and gardener.( http://cerno.wordpress.com/2007/04/10/a-highly-tentative-map-to-bevis-bawas-brief/ link that offers road directions and even a map to get there! http://cerno.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/bawa-gardens-of-sri-lanka-book-a-long-wait-ends/ Detailed description of the garden and house)
If anyone should ever find themselves in Colombo, Galle or anywhere else on the westcoast in Sri Lanka, I would highly recommend that you visit the place. Bawa has spent his whole life creating a 5 acres garden and coloniol manison on the same piece of land. He stayed there and continously worked on it for 60 years, and both the garden and house bear the stamp of a incredible creative and artistic soul, who has thought about every little detail. Just before he passed away in 1992, I think, he gave the place to his head gardener, who runs the place today - this means that he maintains the garden and house, but pretty much leaves it, as it was when Bawa was alive. He had no family, and after seeing just a few of the amazing pieces of art in the house, I asked the man who tells Bawa's and the garden's history, if he was gay. The answer came swiftly, almost automatically; "He might have been".... Not the slightest chance that he wasn't, that's for sure! In Sri Lanka it is not accepted - not then, not now. So even though every one knows it, it's kept out of public light.
This experience came as such a surprise, and that might have been the reason for it making such a lasting impression on me. I cannot emphasize enough though, that it really is a hidden gem!
High on what we had seen, we started moving in the direction of Colombo, but instead of going back the way we came down, of Galle Road, we took a smaller road in-lands.
Time for some serious country side and rural living!
Amazing really, that you only need to get out of Colombo by around 50 Km's to find yourself in what feels like a totally different world: goats climbing the road sides, skinny cows all over the place, people spreading rice to dry it in the sun, and mountains peaking up in the distance. Such a contrast to the hustle and bustle that surrounds me during the week.
On the outskirts of colombo 'harsh' reality confronted us again, leaving us in chaotic traffic, beacause all the people, who had spend their weekend out of Colombo, were driving back.
We made it back around 6 pm. and eventhough it hadn't been a high impact day physically, I was just totally worn out - I guess it's hard work to cope with all the excitement and strikingly beautiful sights, even on a sunday!
torsdag den 10. september 2009
D E L I C I O U S L U N C H
And Another one :)
Biryani rice
Green lentil coconut dahl
Pumpkin curry
Mint sambol
Nameless but good:)
This tasty dish is what I was blessed with for lunch:Red raw rice
Spicy chickpea curry
Gotu Kola
Mint sambol
Lime & Date chutney
And it was GOOOOOOOOD :) All freshly made except from the chutney!
I really will need to learn how to cook some of all the amazing food I get here, before I leave for DK again. The mint sambol is a very fresh and tasty side dish, which I'm sure could go well with a lot of the food cooked that is cooked under Danish skies.
I've found a recipe that seems to add up to the same I had today:
Mint sambol
150 g mint leaves
1 tsp sugar
1 slice ginger
1 clove of garlic
pinch pepper powder
2 tbsp vinegar
salt
1/2 chopped onion
2 tsp dried, shreded coconut
Chili at pleasure
***E N J O Y***
mandag den 7. september 2009
Candidly on Kandy
Where even to begin... This weekend, I got to open up a yet another window to Sri Lanka - and what a view!
Friday early morning, the sweet Dellani, who is a fellow yoga practitioner, had kindly offered me a ride to Kandy, since she was visitng her father there. We left Colombo around 8.30 headed towards Kandy. The drive was around five hours, but felt like so much less- chit chatting all the way, while at the same time just letting the changing scenery sink in. Kandy is about 500 meter above sea level, so after some time hills, turned in to mountains and the green turned even greener! Just after 1 o'clock we drove up to Mr. Nugawela's house, where I had been invited to stay for lunch. How can you not accept such an offer?! Mr. Nugawela is a man who have lived a very interesting life as both a tea planter, army officer, and a banker, and whom I'm sure you could listen to for days without it being tiresome.
Such a interesting, kind and helpfull man. (http://www.island.lk/2008/01/20/features3.html - article about him and his memoirs)
After lunch, Dellani drove me up up up the moutain side to the place, I had arranged to stay for the weekend. Turned out to be not very nice - basement room with a view straight into a wall!!! So, I quickly left, and went to the place next to it, and found a quaint little guest house called 'BlinkBonnie inn'. Cheap, PINK room, with a priceless view. Quite the hike to go to town, but a nice hike - both on the way down and up!
From there, I went to Temple of the Tooth, which is the main attraction of the city. It's from the 17th century and a very holy and spiritual because one of Lord Buddha's teeth is kept in a shrine there. It was a crowded day to go there, because of Poya, but also a good day to go in the sense that, you really got to experience why people go, what they do when they go, and in short really, just gain an insight in how major part of their life Buddhism plays - I guess because Buddhism essentially IS a way to live ones life. I spent a few hours there trying to merge into the ambiance. It might only offer you a short glimpse, but it truly felt like an enlightening experience.
From this point, I just strolled around, after a while making my way up-hill again. Had late afternoon tea at Castle Hill, which is a 75 year old mansion that has been turned into a guest house with only 4 rooms. Really a nice place, where I would like to stay another time.
Saterday morning, I woke up early, sipping morning tea on my balcony, and enjoying the morning sun (only sun of the whole weekend pretty much. It's monsoon time, so it rained on and of the whole time) I took a three-wheeler to the Botanical Garden outside of Kandy, where I spent almost 2,5 hours walking around, and I didn't even see it all. Quite the LARGE garden,as you can imagine. Beautiful, tropical plants, trees and everything that falls under these catagories. Coming back, I went to the Central Market, where you could buy pretty much every kind of daily commodities.
And then - time for yet another hike!
This time to climb 'mountain' where the Giant Buddha is seated overview Kandy town and looking towards the Temple of the Tooth. When I made it to the top, it started raining again, and I had to run for shelter swiftly. It really only takes an instant to get SOAKING wet. But being on temple ground, I wasn't wearing any shoes, and faith would have it that I stepped on a rock. This darn rock cut my toe and then got stuck inside of it - ouch! But I guess one event just leads you to the next.... I asked a man in the temple book shop, if they had somewhere, I could rinse my toe, and right at that momement, I met Reverend Buddhaththa Thero Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya Bahiruara Kanda. I ended up staying there for an hour or so, talking to him about all and nothing, asking him the questions I dared. For some reason, I felt somewhat struck by awe by this holy man. He has been a munk for 16 years, studied Buddhism in Colombo and hopes to maybe do a post-graduate in Europe. He can only go, if someone invites him though - so the invitation has hereby been passed. Even just for a visit.
I left there with a bandage on my toe, with two of the string 'bracelets' that the Buddhist's wear (and I'm affraid, I don't know what they're called...) accompained by a chanting given by him. I swear, I was almost floating all the way down. I would love to tell the story in detail, but I'm sure it would be much too long to go here, and maybe it is better kept within myself.
Strolled around town some more in the afternoon. Kandy isn't very big, but it sure was busy!
Sunday morning I spent on my balcony again, checked out of the inn, and walked down to have lunch with Dellani, her father and his wife again. Also a story that could easily take up a lot of space, but I'll leave it at: the ideal end to my stay in Kandy.
Well, it wasn't the END - that was my train ride back to Colombo!
Mr. Nugawela had arranged for a ticket in the 'Observation Salon', which is train carriage with BIG windows. So, ending this journey, I was overwhelmed by the richness of the descend from the Kandyan hill country. I'm aware that I use a lot of superlative's, but there's no other way, because it is truly something special. The train ride was on the bumpy side, so I was pretty much rocking to my music, without even moving, all the way to Colombo !
And now it's Monday... But not just any Monday - a Monday where I still have that darn piece of rock in my toe, reminding me though, of a marvelous weekend that offered me another peek into the Sri Lanka, I still have SO much left of to discover!
Friday early morning, the sweet Dellani, who is a fellow yoga practitioner, had kindly offered me a ride to Kandy, since she was visitng her father there. We left Colombo around 8.30 headed towards Kandy. The drive was around five hours, but felt like so much less- chit chatting all the way, while at the same time just letting the changing scenery sink in. Kandy is about 500 meter above sea level, so after some time hills, turned in to mountains and the green turned even greener! Just after 1 o'clock we drove up to Mr. Nugawela's house, where I had been invited to stay for lunch. How can you not accept such an offer?! Mr. Nugawela is a man who have lived a very interesting life as both a tea planter, army officer, and a banker, and whom I'm sure you could listen to for days without it being tiresome.
Such a interesting, kind and helpfull man. (http://www.island.lk/2008/01/20/features3.html - article about him and his memoirs)
After lunch, Dellani drove me up up up the moutain side to the place, I had arranged to stay for the weekend. Turned out to be not very nice - basement room with a view straight into a wall!!! So, I quickly left, and went to the place next to it, and found a quaint little guest house called 'BlinkBonnie inn'. Cheap, PINK room, with a priceless view. Quite the hike to go to town, but a nice hike - both on the way down and up!
From there, I went to Temple of the Tooth, which is the main attraction of the city. It's from the 17th century and a very holy and spiritual because one of Lord Buddha's teeth is kept in a shrine there. It was a crowded day to go there, because of Poya, but also a good day to go in the sense that, you really got to experience why people go, what they do when they go, and in short really, just gain an insight in how major part of their life Buddhism plays - I guess because Buddhism essentially IS a way to live ones life. I spent a few hours there trying to merge into the ambiance. It might only offer you a short glimpse, but it truly felt like an enlightening experience.
From this point, I just strolled around, after a while making my way up-hill again. Had late afternoon tea at Castle Hill, which is a 75 year old mansion that has been turned into a guest house with only 4 rooms. Really a nice place, where I would like to stay another time.
Saterday morning, I woke up early, sipping morning tea on my balcony, and enjoying the morning sun (only sun of the whole weekend pretty much. It's monsoon time, so it rained on and of the whole time) I took a three-wheeler to the Botanical Garden outside of Kandy, where I spent almost 2,5 hours walking around, and I didn't even see it all. Quite the LARGE garden,as you can imagine. Beautiful, tropical plants, trees and everything that falls under these catagories. Coming back, I went to the Central Market, where you could buy pretty much every kind of daily commodities.
And then - time for yet another hike!
This time to climb 'mountain' where the Giant Buddha is seated overview Kandy town and looking towards the Temple of the Tooth. When I made it to the top, it started raining again, and I had to run for shelter swiftly. It really only takes an instant to get SOAKING wet. But being on temple ground, I wasn't wearing any shoes, and faith would have it that I stepped on a rock. This darn rock cut my toe and then got stuck inside of it - ouch! But I guess one event just leads you to the next.... I asked a man in the temple book shop, if they had somewhere, I could rinse my toe, and right at that momement, I met Reverend Buddhaththa Thero Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya Bahiruara Kanda. I ended up staying there for an hour or so, talking to him about all and nothing, asking him the questions I dared. For some reason, I felt somewhat struck by awe by this holy man. He has been a munk for 16 years, studied Buddhism in Colombo and hopes to maybe do a post-graduate in Europe. He can only go, if someone invites him though - so the invitation has hereby been passed. Even just for a visit.
I left there with a bandage on my toe, with two of the string 'bracelets' that the Buddhist's wear (and I'm affraid, I don't know what they're called...) accompained by a chanting given by him. I swear, I was almost floating all the way down. I would love to tell the story in detail, but I'm sure it would be much too long to go here, and maybe it is better kept within myself.
Strolled around town some more in the afternoon. Kandy isn't very big, but it sure was busy!
Sunday morning I spent on my balcony again, checked out of the inn, and walked down to have lunch with Dellani, her father and his wife again. Also a story that could easily take up a lot of space, but I'll leave it at: the ideal end to my stay in Kandy.
Well, it wasn't the END - that was my train ride back to Colombo!
Mr. Nugawela had arranged for a ticket in the 'Observation Salon', which is train carriage with BIG windows. So, ending this journey, I was overwhelmed by the richness of the descend from the Kandyan hill country. I'm aware that I use a lot of superlative's, but there's no other way, because it is truly something special. The train ride was on the bumpy side, so I was pretty much rocking to my music, without even moving, all the way to Colombo !
And now it's Monday... But not just any Monday - a Monday where I still have that darn piece of rock in my toe, reminding me though, of a marvelous weekend that offered me another peek into the Sri Lanka, I still have SO much left of to discover!
torsdag den 3. september 2009
- Det onde blogindlæg -
Jeg har lidt på fornemmelsen, at vejret i Danmark i dag viser sig fra en af de rigtigt trælse sider... Efteråret kommer snigende.... koldt, mørkt og vådt!
Hvis det er nogen trøst, så regner det også her - ikke lige nu - men de sidste to uger har budt på rigtigt tropisk regnvejr ca. én gang dagligt.
Det gode ved regnvejr på de her kanter er jo bare at:
1. Der er stadigt DEJLIGT varmt. 2. Luften bliver renset og der dufter skønt og tropisk bagefter og 3. I det fleste tilfælde står det på 15 min +/- og så er det overstået - tilgengæld vælter det også ud af himlen i en sådan grad, at man næsten begynder at tvivle på, om der er mere tilbage bagefter :)
Nu kommer det ONDE.....
Jeg er lige kommet hjem efter en tæt på optimal forkælelses-eftermiddag.
Jeg tænkte; "det har jeg da fortjent", så afsted med mig.
Efter at have spist en skøn hjemmelavet frokost bestående af raw red rice, Gotu Kola, Dhal og Polos..... Hov...., må hellere lige knytte en kort kommentar her: røde ris, er upolerede grove ris, som Sri Lankaneserne selv spiser meget, de er gode og sunde! Gotu Kola er min nye yndlingsspise. Det er en af de få rå ting jeg er stødt på indtil videre. Faktisk ku' man nok godt kalde det for en salat. Den består af en urt (Gotu Kola), lidt løg, frisk chili, frisk revet kokos, lidt tomat, lime og et eller andet krydderi jeg ikke kan få lokket ud af Parames :)
Ikke bare smager det rigtigt godt og frisk, men det er eftersigende UFATTELIGT sundt. Gotu Kola virker på hjernevævet og betragtes i Østen som effektiv til styrkelse af hukommelsen og de intellektuelle funktioner (dens navn på sanskrit er brahmi - Brahma er i hinduismen verdens skaber og den kosmiske bevidsthed). Oven i det er det konstateret, at planten indeholder substanser, som styrker blodgennemløbningen, virker blodrensende og betændelseshæmmende. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-gotu-kola.html
(Det kan fåes i pilleform derhjemme har jeg google't mig frem til. Om man kan få det frisk må stå hen i det uvisse indtil videre)
Dhal ja, det er jo dhal, og Polos er en ikke helt moden Jack Fruit,der er tilberedt i en curry med chilli og andre gode sager. Det er en grøntsag, men har en meget speciel "struktur", så det virker lidt kød agtigt, men det smager bare super godt!
Nå, men det var så lige et lille kulinarisk sidespring.
Efterfrokost gik jeg ca. 10 min til en lille salon jeg har fundet. Her mødte jeg Dilahni, som de næste 2 timer tog sig kærligt at min fødder, som nu er så fine og bløde som ALDRIG før. Dernæst mine hænder, så også de er i total tip top form; fil'et, buff'et, masseret og lakeret. Man kunne jo frygte et indhug i budgetet, der ikke ville være så rart, men da jeg gik derfra, var jeg rundt regnet 130 ,- "fattigere" og det er medregnet en velfortjent bonus til Dilahni, der ikke kunne forstå at mine fødder kunne se sådan ud! Ja, det var ret pinligt!
Derfra gik turen et par gader tilbage igen. Først forbi et lille juicested, hvor jeg fik en dejlig frisklavet 5-kroners appelsin/gulrodsjuice, og derefter ned af De Foneska Avenue, hvor jeg har fundet et lille massagested. Det kan på ingen måde kategoriseres som et spa, men stedet ligger i et lille hus, med en fin og GRØN have. En lille vindeltrappe fører én op på første sal, hvor jeg tror, der er tre massagerum, en reception og en lille thestue (må det jo næsten være her), hvor man kan høre snik snak og latter fra personalet.
Efter en times afslappende, og til tider lidt hårdhændet, varm urteolie massage, betalte jeg under en flad 50'er og gik derfra med knap så ømme muskler (yoga'en som jeg fortalte om den anden har for alvor efterladt mine muskler i en..... lad mig bare sige...... lettere øm tilstand!), et smil om munden og egentlig bare ren og skær vel tilpas. Hvordan kan man tillade sig at være andet?
Skulle jeg ønske mig én ting, som det skarn man nu er, så ville jeg ønske, at jeg kunne få lov at gentage turen med samtlige af mine dejlig veninder! For forkælelse og "pampering", er dejligt, men at dele det med jer, ville gøre det hele så meget bedre!
Jeg håber min lille opturs-eftermiddag, kan bringe lidt varme og 'feel-good' ind i den våde danske eftermiddag.
Hvis det er nogen trøst, så regner det også her - ikke lige nu - men de sidste to uger har budt på rigtigt tropisk regnvejr ca. én gang dagligt.
Det gode ved regnvejr på de her kanter er jo bare at:
1. Der er stadigt DEJLIGT varmt. 2. Luften bliver renset og der dufter skønt og tropisk bagefter og 3. I det fleste tilfælde står det på 15 min +/- og så er det overstået - tilgengæld vælter det også ud af himlen i en sådan grad, at man næsten begynder at tvivle på, om der er mere tilbage bagefter :)
Nu kommer det ONDE.....
Jeg er lige kommet hjem efter en tæt på optimal forkælelses-eftermiddag.
Jeg tænkte; "det har jeg da fortjent", så afsted med mig.
Efter at have spist en skøn hjemmelavet frokost bestående af raw red rice, Gotu Kola, Dhal og Polos..... Hov...., må hellere lige knytte en kort kommentar her: røde ris, er upolerede grove ris, som Sri Lankaneserne selv spiser meget, de er gode og sunde! Gotu Kola er min nye yndlingsspise. Det er en af de få rå ting jeg er stødt på indtil videre. Faktisk ku' man nok godt kalde det for en salat. Den består af en urt (Gotu Kola), lidt løg, frisk chili, frisk revet kokos, lidt tomat, lime og et eller andet krydderi jeg ikke kan få lokket ud af Parames :)
Ikke bare smager det rigtigt godt og frisk, men det er eftersigende UFATTELIGT sundt. Gotu Kola virker på hjernevævet og betragtes i Østen som effektiv til styrkelse af hukommelsen og de intellektuelle funktioner (dens navn på sanskrit er brahmi - Brahma er i hinduismen verdens skaber og den kosmiske bevidsthed). Oven i det er det konstateret, at planten indeholder substanser, som styrker blodgennemløbningen, virker blodrensende og betændelseshæmmende. http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-gotu-kola.html
(Det kan fåes i pilleform derhjemme har jeg google't mig frem til. Om man kan få det frisk må stå hen i det uvisse indtil videre)
Dhal ja, det er jo dhal, og Polos er en ikke helt moden Jack Fruit,der er tilberedt i en curry med chilli og andre gode sager. Det er en grøntsag, men har en meget speciel "struktur", så det virker lidt kød agtigt, men det smager bare super godt!
Nå, men det var så lige et lille kulinarisk sidespring.
Efterfrokost gik jeg ca. 10 min til en lille salon jeg har fundet. Her mødte jeg Dilahni, som de næste 2 timer tog sig kærligt at min fødder, som nu er så fine og bløde som ALDRIG før. Dernæst mine hænder, så også de er i total tip top form; fil'et, buff'et, masseret og lakeret. Man kunne jo frygte et indhug i budgetet, der ikke ville være så rart, men da jeg gik derfra, var jeg rundt regnet 130 ,- "fattigere" og det er medregnet en velfortjent bonus til Dilahni, der ikke kunne forstå at mine fødder kunne se sådan ud! Ja, det var ret pinligt!
Derfra gik turen et par gader tilbage igen. Først forbi et lille juicested, hvor jeg fik en dejlig frisklavet 5-kroners appelsin/gulrodsjuice, og derefter ned af De Foneska Avenue, hvor jeg har fundet et lille massagested. Det kan på ingen måde kategoriseres som et spa, men stedet ligger i et lille hus, med en fin og GRØN have. En lille vindeltrappe fører én op på første sal, hvor jeg tror, der er tre massagerum, en reception og en lille thestue (må det jo næsten være her), hvor man kan høre snik snak og latter fra personalet.
Efter en times afslappende, og til tider lidt hårdhændet, varm urteolie massage, betalte jeg under en flad 50'er og gik derfra med knap så ømme muskler (yoga'en som jeg fortalte om den anden har for alvor efterladt mine muskler i en..... lad mig bare sige...... lettere øm tilstand!), et smil om munden og egentlig bare ren og skær vel tilpas. Hvordan kan man tillade sig at være andet?
Skulle jeg ønske mig én ting, som det skarn man nu er, så ville jeg ønske, at jeg kunne få lov at gentage turen med samtlige af mine dejlig veninder! For forkælelse og "pampering", er dejligt, men at dele det med jer, ville gøre det hele så meget bedre!
Jeg håber min lille opturs-eftermiddag, kan bringe lidt varme og 'feel-good' ind i den våde danske eftermiddag.
tirsdag den 1. september 2009
Come Friday, come Kandy !
"The majesty and splendour of Kandy
Kandy - The Hill Capital of Sri Lanka nestling among the misty hills in the central region of this paradise island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was here once the Sinhala kings ruled majestically. The shrine holding the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha is placed in the heart of the city, is the reason for the city being the most venerated in Sri Lanka. Because of the history, pageantry and veneration associated with this exquisite city, Kandy is classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO.
Kandy is a reflection of the variety, harmony and diversity of the people and cultures that make Sri Lanka a great nation. It was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom, the last bastion of resistance to the colonial domination of the nation. This royal city fell to the British in 1815 sealing the fate of Sri Lanka's long cherished independence.
This last seat of the Sinhalese kings, who ceded power to the Britishin in 1815 after many a battle with the western colonial forces, still retains much of the old charm and tradition of the truly Sri Lankan life style.
Among the most picturesque cities in the island, the importance of Kandy is mainly due to it being the home of the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth - which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. .
The city is a monastic centre of Buddhism with the two biggest monasteries - the Malwatte and Asgiriya temples located here. The numerous smaller temples that dot the Kandyan landscape are places of unusual calm and peace, where one could still discover the close link between the temple and the village, which was the mainstay of Sinhalese social organization.
The Kandyan areas are where the crafts of the Sinhalese have been kept alive. From the art of mat weaving at Dumbara, to the silver craftsmen of Nattaranpotha, and wood carvers of Embekke.
Your progress through the winding streets of Kandy could often be obstructed by a tame elephant, carrying its load of palm leaves for the daily lunch, or an elephant stopping at the wayside tea kiosk for a lunch of bananas. The Elephant Bath, at the Mahaweli River near Katugastota is where the many domesticated elephants of Kandy come for their daily bath, a must to keep the elephants happy.
After the Temple of the Tooth, the most famous landmark of Kandy is its lake, in the centre of the city. The old building at its edge near the Temple of the Tooth was the Queen's Bath.
The Kandy Market is a great bazaar full of the sounds of exciting trade and bargaining. The stalls are full to overflowing with fresh vegetables, spices and fruits.
Nearby Kandy, at Peradeniya is the Royal Botanical Gardens, part of which was the pleasure garden of the last Queen of Kandy.
The Peradeniya Gardesn is easily one of the best ofits kind in the world. The many beautiful avenues will lead one to sections which provide a burst of tropical colour. The great lawns highligth huge tropical trees, while you will be surprised at the variety of bamboo that can be found in one place.
A spice garden gives you a first hand introduction to the trees, plants and creepers that produce the special spices of Sri Lanka. The Herbarium grows many of the plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia."
(http://members.lycos.co.uk/withanage/kandy.htm)
I am very excited about going here - leaving Friday early morning (another Poya day, so work's off), returning Sunday. I have heard that it should be an extraordinary picturesque place with mountains, lakes, waterfalls and SO green! Going by train 7 O'clock friday and I'm sure the train ride will be something on its own.
Come on already Friday :)
Kandy - The Hill Capital of Sri Lanka nestling among the misty hills in the central region of this paradise island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was here once the Sinhala kings ruled majestically. The shrine holding the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha is placed in the heart of the city, is the reason for the city being the most venerated in Sri Lanka. Because of the history, pageantry and veneration associated with this exquisite city, Kandy is classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO.
Kandy is a reflection of the variety, harmony and diversity of the people and cultures that make Sri Lanka a great nation. It was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom, the last bastion of resistance to the colonial domination of the nation. This royal city fell to the British in 1815 sealing the fate of Sri Lanka's long cherished independence.
This last seat of the Sinhalese kings, who ceded power to the Britishin in 1815 after many a battle with the western colonial forces, still retains much of the old charm and tradition of the truly Sri Lankan life style.
Among the most picturesque cities in the island, the importance of Kandy is mainly due to it being the home of the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth - which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. .
The city is a monastic centre of Buddhism with the two biggest monasteries - the Malwatte and Asgiriya temples located here. The numerous smaller temples that dot the Kandyan landscape are places of unusual calm and peace, where one could still discover the close link between the temple and the village, which was the mainstay of Sinhalese social organization.
The Kandyan areas are where the crafts of the Sinhalese have been kept alive. From the art of mat weaving at Dumbara, to the silver craftsmen of Nattaranpotha, and wood carvers of Embekke.
Your progress through the winding streets of Kandy could often be obstructed by a tame elephant, carrying its load of palm leaves for the daily lunch, or an elephant stopping at the wayside tea kiosk for a lunch of bananas. The Elephant Bath, at the Mahaweli River near Katugastota is where the many domesticated elephants of Kandy come for their daily bath, a must to keep the elephants happy.
After the Temple of the Tooth, the most famous landmark of Kandy is its lake, in the centre of the city. The old building at its edge near the Temple of the Tooth was the Queen's Bath.
The Kandy Market is a great bazaar full of the sounds of exciting trade and bargaining. The stalls are full to overflowing with fresh vegetables, spices and fruits.
Nearby Kandy, at Peradeniya is the Royal Botanical Gardens, part of which was the pleasure garden of the last Queen of Kandy.
The Peradeniya Gardesn is easily one of the best ofits kind in the world. The many beautiful avenues will lead one to sections which provide a burst of tropical colour. The great lawns highligth huge tropical trees, while you will be surprised at the variety of bamboo that can be found in one place.
A spice garden gives you a first hand introduction to the trees, plants and creepers that produce the special spices of Sri Lanka. The Herbarium grows many of the plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia."
(http://members.lycos.co.uk/withanage/kandy.htm)
I am very excited about going here - leaving Friday early morning (another Poya day, so work's off), returning Sunday. I have heard that it should be an extraordinary picturesque place with mountains, lakes, waterfalls and SO green! Going by train 7 O'clock friday and I'm sure the train ride will be something on its own.
Come on already Friday :)
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