DAMBULLA
We had a great time in Dambulla at the cricket. New Zealand outplayed Pakistan in their first match then lost a close one to Sri Lanka a few days later. In the rest day we went to see the impressive Cave Temples in town and then climbed the ancient fortress atop a massive rock in Sigiriya, 22km from Dambulla. After climbing Adams Peak a few days earlier, Sigiriya didn't seem that much of a challenge but with tight calves in the midday heat it was still very difficult. The ascent takes you past some well preserved erotic frescoes of Sigiriya damsels, a shiny wall with 1500 year old graffiti and through a giant set of lions paws carved from rock. The summit was blustery but being a strong Wellington lad I was able to cope with the wind better than my Hawkes Bay and Auckland companions. The views were fantastic despite the low lying cloud.
Dambulla is nestled in an area known as the 'Golden Triangle' because of the abundance of natural wonders and ancient ruins. After the loss to Sri Lanka we created our own golden triangle of 15 bottles of Carlsberg's at the local 'Arrack and Parrott' pub.
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| NZ & Pakistan flags at the cricket in Sri Lanka |
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| Plantains |
CINNAMON GARDENS
Now I find myself in Sri Lanka's bustling capital city, Colombo. With attractive suburb names like Hulftsdorp, Slave Island and Cinnamon Gardens it always sounded somewhat romantic. And it is in a way. I'm staying at a house next door to the French Embassy in Cinnamon Gardens - a quiet leafy part of town with some lovely stately homes. The house is a wonderful example of modern architecture with large open spaces, long horizontal lines and sweeping staircases. One entire wall of my room is windowed with views over the garden and courtyard below. The opposite wall is only three quarters of the height of the ceiling but high enough to allow complete privacy. It's like something Frank Lloyd Wright could of dreamed up. I'm not long there though as this afternoon I catch the train to Hikkaduwa to have a few days on the beach before returning to Dambulla for the last of the cricket matches.
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