A Silent retreat at Haputale!

Dh had been praising wonders of this beautiful place he discovered entertaining clients, and we both got the opportunity to travel and stay a night at Haputale. The first thing that strikes you is the beauty of the resort which overlooks mountains and forests. The second thing is the silence, pin drop!

Melheim in the morning!

Melheim resort, Beragala Haputale.
http://www.melheimresort.com/

The service of the place managed by Mr. Dias and his crew is exceptional. The food (me being vegetarian) was divine.

The night we stayed they set out a candlelight dinner in the garden, and it was just one of the best ambience.

When I had thought that their culinary talents were spent for the dinner, they surprised us with a proper Sri Lankan Breakfast.

Melheim At Night!
 

The Bandarawela and Haputale area food are truly yummy, maybe for the climate or that they have some exceptionally good cooks in that area.

Delightful Experience!

This is one of the many names of the Strawberry place near the lake. The other name being No Vacancy. The chocolate coated strawberry and the Strawberry and cream was so delicious Yumm. I had quite a bit. Oh how I wish I could have some more now. So here goes some amateur pics of the trip.

The Long weekend!

Was in Nuwaraeliya with kids and their cousins. I started off very nervously since the responsibility of other peoples kids can be taxing to the nerves. Strangely a couple of the kids were knocked out on the way up and the others followed up closely behind. When i say knocked out they were sleeping, got up for breakfast at Ambepussa and slept again. I have not seen so much sleeping.

Its only later that I found out my cousin had given piriton to her kids so that they wont trouble and since a pair were out the others were snoozing as well. Went to Ramboda Hanuman temple. The temple was crowded since it was poya and ended up safely in the cool climes of Nuwara eliya. I cant say clean since it was so dusty and a bit polluted.

We did boating around the lake, horse riding and the visit to hakgala gardens where there were so many BLOOMING Flowers. It was well maintained and Crowded. After a long walk in and around the garden (must have walked for a good two hours) we were done for the day. Went into Humbug for the strawberry and cream and waited for half an hour and no order was taken. Decided to fore go the craving I had and went to the Grand Indian restaurant for lunch instead. It was such a bad meal. Seriously Nuwaraeliya needs some good restaurants, its miserable if you are vegetarian.

The confusion and my Vote!

In the last week alone every day i have changed my mind about my vote. Today DH was kind enough to point out that i should have decided my vote in December and ended the conversation with his views on the elections.

Friends, family, cousins, colleagues, tailor, maids, drivers all have so many different views on it.

My moms friend and my mom were having a conversation that went like.

Friend : You do realise we are the minorities.

Mom : U are not Tamil know, so u are not minority

Friend : at times of this all minorities should get together and vote as one

Mom : u are not Tamil know
did u notice how the conversational thread had no link. Yes this is how all the over fifties converse. Aunty is a burgher for all those who are confused.

I am going to vote surely since every vote makes a difference. R says lets go waste it. Why waste it, i have another five days to get confused more about it. Another coffee at barista and still not sure...

Katharagama 2010!

There I was on the annual pilgrimage to Katharagama. I was looking for signs of some sort to show me something about how my year is. Waiting at the entrance, we could not get in, there was huge crowds, was temporarily distracted by the kavadi dancers. They seemed so full of spirit dancing their cares away. A lady in front got posessed and started dancing. Kids were highly excited and wanted to join in the dance. Stopped them. The crowds were large in numbers due to the first weekend, no its always crowded. Two dogs started fighting and there was temporary panic. Held the kids tight. There was a two year old girl lost and crying for her parents. People from the temple led her away. So easy to lose yourself and belonging there. Went in with the crowds was pushed pulled was there for a few minutes. Still my mind was not at peace. It was just too short. I have so many things to ask for (although i know its not right that we should not ask god for things).

Next morning we went for the four thirty pooja. The gates were closed we were waiting with a small que. The weather was just right pleasantly cold. Yes katharagama was pleasant weather this weekend. It was not dry and hot as i always felt. We got into the temple just in time to wait for the five am pooja for the lord. I turned to look out, the crowds were there again. We had just made it on time. I looked at the beautiful face of Lord Muruga. I was going to start listing the things i wanted then i stopped. The clanging of the bells started. Suddenly i could not stay in there. The bells beating and the sound of the conch shell was making me dizzy. I was sweating maybe i should move out. But no i could not, the guy does the announcing was telling "dont move" repeatedly. For a moment i could understand how the women get possessed and lose their mind temporarily. It is so very easy. I stayed was feeling slighly ill, too much of heat and sound. looked again to the face of the lord. I felt he was looking at me. I just stayed with my prayers and a fear of fainting. Of course i did not faint and cause drama. I did not ask all the things i wanted. I realised that this year we will get the things we deserve. Isnt that always the case with life.

The last arathi and they gave us blessings turning around one of the priests smiled he gestured come forward and pray. That was the sign that I have been looking for...

Treasure Island!

Was on a day trip to kandy last week. In a specific area it was amazing to see tea plantation, and just parallel a small patch of cloves and pepper.

So this Island of ours has a gold mine of natural resources. Spanning from tea, rubber, gemstones to spices. In spices you get a variety like no other. Cloves, Black pepper, Cinnamon, Nutmegs, Mace. As if this wasnt enough we can also trade in coconut and cashew nut.

We also manage to produce some of the worlds brands like gap,M&S,Victoria secrets and Next to name a few.

I think i have not done justice to many other things that the country is blessed with. Hopefully the future will be bright and we will tide over our economic and political dilemmas in the coming years.

Pigeon Island - Trinco Diary

There is this tiny island that u can see right across the sea from nilaveli beach. The resort has its own boat but there are some private guys having their own boats u can negotiate a reasonable amount and make the trip. Early morning around eight is ideal time to get there. Sadly there are no pigeons only crows (wonder why its called pigeon island). u can walk around the island climb rocks and snorkell.

Snorkelling is best done on the other end of the island which is like a small walk. Since the end you get off is always having people being dropped off. I cant swim at all but I did try my hand at snorkeling and it was amazing.

There was so many coloured fish and beautiful corals... wow... Nothing like the hikkaduwa in the glass bottom boat. There are beautiful shades of corals. Nearly had a heartattack when there was a huge fish which appeared right at my face. I think the sea life looks huge with goggles. I screamed spluttered water and i think the fish had a fright too...

There was this one fish which i cant get out of my mind pure white and glass like. somehow stuck in my mind...

Had to stop the bit of snorkelling after friends started discussing different deaths in the sea.......

Koneswaram Temple- Trinco Diary

Thirukoneswaram Temple one of the oldest temple mentioned in a thevaram by the nayanmars( prayers sung by special poets). It is of great historical value.

Its situated in a beautiful rugged hill (which also has some history with relation to ravana) not really sure about the story.

Temple was full of people who had travelled from far away tangalle, matara, matale adn so on. I felt blessed to be there at this so powerful temple. Outside the temple we could look down at the sea. Boats going out to fish would come near this huge rock and break coconut to the temple and start their journey. I think the ten minutes I was there looking down at the sea saw many boats coming and leaving.

Monkeys were running around freely and grabbing things if not careful. Was worried that my bag would be taken away and clutched it tightly. Saw deer and almost screamed and scared the poor fellow away. He seemed to be enjoying the attention and was very close.

at the bottom of the hill we saw loads of tamil inscriptions on rocks and a fish symbol. Read up the history of it and it was very interesting..

Another temple where hindus and buddhists come in large numbers and pray together.

Nilaveli - Trinco Diary!

If someone talks about nilaveli beach dont think they are exaggerating.
White sands, green blue water (no justice to the colour) , pure white shells and maldives island locally. Thats what its all about...

Again a contrast in nature nothing like our beaches downsouth. You will find a difference in the way the waves hit you and the currents (which are pretty strong i must say)

Nilaveli beach resort- rest and recreation in one package. They light these bonfires by the beach and thats about it. There is no music or dancing or u know the party works. Very laid back and all about having a quite evening.

The resort is fully booked in the weekends.

The food is ok but the chefs are very friendly and willing to help us out if we need something made.
Everyone has access to the nilaveli beach right next to the resort. There are busloads of people coming in from colombo, matara, matale and so on. When u step out in the morning there is no body and then in a couple of hours its a load of people (literally thousands). They are littering the beach like no tomorrow (very worrying).

Kantale - Trinco Diary

Wow. Is all I can say about the beaches in trinco. The travel time is not bad but the roads from Habarana onwards are being done. I guess in the next six months when the carpeted roads are ready the travel time will be shorter. Did not see any wild elephants since road works going on they dont venture i guess. Loads of monkeys some deer and birds were all that i saw.

Kantale - stretch is amazing. One side of the road is the huge kantale dam and right across the road is amazing paddy fields. I mean the scenery is such a beautiful contrast in colour and nature. Blessed we are for such a scenic island.

More on trinco, nilaveli later....

Mid week holiday!

A mid week holiday throws everything into an unbalance. U are not here not there. Wish they had given it on friday would have been convenient.

Cousin calls up and says uncle was stopped in his car and asked why he did not have a flag in his car.. Hemm (he is indian).

Get another call that a bunch of people were boooed at.

D the nine year old says " i am part of history mummy. this is a day of making history. Our great grandkids will learn about it"

Flying Sri Lankan!

Went to chennai with the kids over the long weekend and added holidays cutting school and work. Was at airport and get approached by dodgy looking indian guy who wanted us to carry liquor to chennai for him. Just ignored and kept walking. ( i must be giving out the wrong signal with two kids in tow like a baggage carrier)

Get into the flight and sri lankan with its crappy service and attitude kept on announcing about their black label deal.

Six year old wanted to know what black label was and D wanted to know if we can get the deal and buy whatever is thrown free (she is picking up the tendency of hitting sales or an early interest towards liquor).

I was a bit put off with the non stop announcement in flight, then they push the cart across the aisle and are like do u want to buy the deal buy the deal (just like travelling in train in india where all the people come to sell their stuff).

The food is inedible to say the least i think they should just not bother giving out that crappy snack.

Last week!

The last one week has been an eye opener of sorts for many things. Sent some milk powder and biscuits for the IDP, with help from B. I am taken aback when I asked some people for help and they were disinterested.

In a turn of events talking to a very close friend I was shocked when she suddenly asked me " As an indian what is your view on the war"

Before i could open my mouth and answer hello i am sri lankan, she went on about how we (indians) should mind our own business. She also continued The IDPs who are crossing over if one gets shot in a family so what its not such a loss. The tamils in sri lanka have too many rights in holding properties and went on to attack that most of us are moral less and quoted gossip stories about different people who are having affairs blah blahs.

I should have opened my mouth and argued that gossip stories are there in every race. (can i really use the word race here) It does not make me moral less. But i didnt i kept quite. this is a one off story but i think i got very affected since its someone who i have been very close with...

Election Fever!

Everywhere its election talk. Collegues discussing who they are going to vote for.... Went to saravana stores, sea street (our south indian grocer) this afternoon to stack up for the long' ever so long weekend next week ( am not going anywhere :( ) and it was frantic since due to DD coming there i think not our dd the local one.

Most of our politicians are organising lunches, high teas and what nots asking for votes. I Am really surprised by the amount they spend. Got an invite for a high tea from a friend. Asking votes for her cousin.

Mentioned this to dad and he flipped advising me not to attend high teas and lunches. Wish i had the time. Its not right anyway to sip the tea and not vote.

wanted to irritate dad further and asked him who he was voting for. He looked a bit blank and most of my family seems to be not voting.

Me : dad i am patriotic i wont waste my vote.. i am voting

Dad : who are u voting for

Me : Rosy

Dad : What? she invited u too is it.

Me : Uhm no

Dad : why u voting for her?

Me : Since she is stylish and dresses well...

dad looked worried....

i dont want to waste my vote seriously. I think i ll give it to style and dress sense...

How about yours?

Living in a Bubble.........

Saw the little college going cousin online and asked her why she was on holiday and not in college. She said the colleges are closed in view of the protests held in Tamil Nadu. I really dont know if the protests held are right or wrong... i am not even sure why i am blogging about the topic for which i dont have a definite opinion.

There are so many refugees stuck in india crowded in so many camps. What did India do for those refugees who left these shores to go there? Are they really settled for better life or cramped and stamped into a refugee mark? You cant even open an account in India if u hold a Sri Lankan passport. Whats all these protests about really.......

I should stop pondering these thoughts and go back to living in a bubble of my usual work...

Bride Hunt Calls

My Sundays are very eventfull calling up people in india and asking them about their daughters. I 'd never have thought in my wildest dreams that i would be doing this anyways spoke to some very interesting characters with their perception of sri lanka.

I only said these words : Good morning i am calling your about so and so's horoscope from colombo

Bridal Dad 1 : Sri lanka, no no way. it wont work for us. (slams phone)

Bridal dad 2 : Sri lanka, how is the war situation there, do u have electricity. (mind u i already explained i am from colombo. after explaining whatever i knew the man was nice enough to say NO WAY)

Bridal dad 3 : Colombo we watch in the news all the time, do u guys have food to eat... ( i am not kidding here)

Bridal dad 4 : its very far away we have to discuss with our family for long time and tell u reply (long time man take your time)

Bridal Mum 5 : well we are a mix (meaning mixed caste) but not interested in sri lanka.

Bridal dad 6 : so u guys have your own house (hemm yeah dad does). So u mean to say they have enough money saved up to buy a house ( WTF is that question)

By this time i am slowly tiring myself out. I am tired of trying to sound friendly and beginning to sound desperate. It seems like i have turned it into a project where i want to finish it like a fairy tale .... and soon tooo........

The hunt continues...

OCI

We learn different lessons in life at various stages. The Indians are very patriotic. No, I am not saying that we Sri Lankans are not. My little niece was running around saying “jai Hind” and pasted about 20 little flags on her white shalwar on the Indian National day. I am still to see our Colombo kids do that. When I was in an Indian School I was very happily tortured whenever the India Sri Lanka match was on. Thank God that a couple of times we won or getting teased by a bunch of Indian kids all the time was no fun at all. The day Sri Lanka won the world cup I was the only one running around school saying Yes We won with 100 Indian faces looking clearly shell shocked.

The experience I got with studying there was I was always up fighting about Sri Lanka. Our chocolates are better was one of the lines that I was handing out. Even if anyone asked are you Indian I would jump up to say no I am Sri Lankan. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would apply to become a citizen of India. Now, the present situation and different experiences pushed me to apply and I have it now. My inner feeling with all this is did I just do that? I am Sri Lankan in every way I speak to breath. If that was true I should not have applied to hold both citizenship. It was upsetting as if I sold my sri lankaness to justify the Indianess in me. The Indians are going to be so proud and say we did tell you so………


OCI : Overseas Citizen of India