2018_01_01 HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ELLA

Woke up just after 6 and started today’s blog.  Getting better, it only took 5 tries to get it right.  Must be a new year or something!

We are on our own this morning until 9:00 when we will meet for breakfast and a 10:00 departure.

I hope to walk a bit but since it is New Moon Day - our scheduled walk thru the tea fields to see how the pickers work is cancelled.  They have the day off, fine with me.  

Infinity pool and one of the bungalows.

Jackfruit pod bursting open showing fruits inside.

Hindu Temple was playing music loudly.

Walking down steep trail to the 9 Arches Bridge.

This was as close as we got.

Luckily for us a tuk tuk was parked outside a small rooming house.  He agreed to take us back up the hill and to the hotel.

At one point both Connie and I had to get out - too steep for all of us in the tuk tuk!  You can see Connie leaning into the steep incline.

This guy invited into his house for some sticky rice and chill paste. No time but I tried a bit.  Tasty!

Bobi wanted to buy some incense she smelled as we walked by.  The young girl on the terrace came down to help.  Her English was impeccable.

After the buy we had a picture with 4 Grandmas and the interpreter who was 12.

Connie and I along with Roberta Steingart went on a 90 minute walk this morning.  Got closer to the 9 Arches Bridge and talked with a few locals and got some great people images.

Change to itinerary......  We are now leaving at noon to allow some to walk up Little Adam’s Peak.  Connie and I as well as the Steingart’s stayed back to enjoy this hotel.

Another 2 hour ride will get us to our next hotel were we will check in and get ready for a 3:00 safari. Elephants once again are the highlight.

Herd of water buffaloes.

Closeup of peacock.

Walking and eating.....

Pair of crocodiles.

Arrived around 3:00 and went on a safari at Uda Walawe National Park.  This safari was different than our last one.  Much larger park which allowed jeeps to spread out.  It seemed we saw animals in a more natural setting.  Lots of elephants were walking thru the forest eating and steadily moving forward.

Saw lots of birds, some monkeys and a small herd of deer.  At the end we spotted a few crocodiles as well.

Drove to our hotel for the night - ready for bed after a buffet dinner.  Up early for another safari - this time at a bird sanctuary.

The rest of the day will be spent at the beach!