Saturday 21 September - Habarana

We were up and out of the hotel before 8, all of us sorry to leave such a comfortable, interesting place.  There was a photography session around the pool for a large and beautiful wedding, so shot a few photos ourselves.

First stop of the day was the Negombo sea food market.  We picked our way between mats covered with drying salted fish 

and into the hustle and bustle of the very busy market.  Around the outside were other vendors with many kinds of fruit and veggies and some permanent set-ups with convenience-store type items.
At Pinnawela we visited an elephant sanctuary where Maria-Angelica, Lar and I watched Cathy and Sally-Jo enjoy a ride on one of the elephants, and other people helping with the elephant baths. 

The lunch we were served at the owner's home was delicious.
At Sigiriya, only Larry thought the climb to the top [1000 steps] had any appeal.  Sally-Jo and I decided to go part way, while Cathy and Maria-Angelica went for a photo of the site from another vantage point and to have a tea.
When Sal and I reached our limit, Lar decided to turn back too. [now off the hook for the 1000 steps]. 

We had seen so much already - water gardens, grottoes used by monks for living and meditation, wall frescoes, 2 defensive moats ( with a few surviving crocodiles that we didn't see) and a huge bathing pool.  It's a vast and intriguing complex dating from 1600 years ago.
We made a roadside stop to eat mangoes and plantains from the market visit, then on to the very lovely Cinnamon Lodge at Habarana.  Another fabulous place to stay.  We all stopped for a bit, some taking baths or showers before we headed to the dining room for an excellent buffet.  Then it was early to bed.      All Photos of the Day

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