Srilanka 2

 We did other things - like visiting an elephant orphanage - as can be expected, we Indians weren't too impressed or interested - we left in 15 minutes

 This was a trip to a water sports place near Bentota -  a beach. This was a 'banana boat'. Four people sit on it and its pulled - fast- by a speed boat. It promptly overturns providing the real sense of adventure.

Post the dip in the water , I have to pose being the only female who ventured on the water sports.

 This is a ski scooter. A driver'/guide sits behind and you 'drive' the scooter in zippy turns and whorls.

 Lunch at this idyllic resort.

A trip down mangrove lake - there are 125 islands- its huge . We got off at one island and the woman there demonstrated the making of cinnamon ( stripped from a tree) and we bought some. Of course Indians kept asking her the price of one island.

Yeah, yeah, there was the conference too! But the the hotel - GAladari - was 3*, right on the beach road. and provided sumptuous feasts - mostly Indian fare!

Sri Lanka - The Buddha

 As our Pillaiyaar koil, there are Buddha temples everywhere . Unlike our temples, they are not small and they come in all shapes as this boat shaped one. And he is very often in the plural

 This one is in Colombo

People actually sit and meditate or pray or chant all over the compound

 There is a queue but there is no pushing.. you can see they stand decently apart.

 The Hindu/ Indian motif is there too - this is Vishwakarma, brother of Ravanan who was crowned king after Ravana knew he was going to be defeated

 This is the temple at Kandy - the tooth was taken after Budha's demise from his body and is placed inside seven gold caskets - not on public display except once a year

sindu and haru

are u both alive .
both too immersed in marriage and work i think.
kapu

VANCOUVER PICTURES OF KALAI & APPA