Jay was with me on this last temple run. I’ve been looking forward to visit Anuradhapura since the time I arrived in Sri Lanka.

The past few nights in the midlands have been hot and humid. But today, the weather has changed quite quickly. It was cloudy and windy so we had to make a quick pit stop to pick up some fabric to wrap myself in. It’s almost a 2-hour ride from Habarana to Anuradhapura. By the time we got there it was almost noon.

We should have been there for before 10am as this place is huge and has a lot to cover. Half a day is better than nothing I’d say! Charitha, our guide (a friend and contact of Rusty’s) met us at the ticketing office, which is attached to the museum. Have been told that Charitha is an excellent guide, and truth be told, he is exceptionally good! It’s about USD 25 to visit the site which also includes the fee for the museum.    

As I sat on the patio of my room and enjoyed my morning cup of tea, I took in all the sounds and watched the squirrels inch closer towards me. A wonderful way to start the day and reflect on the things I’ve got up too since my arrival in Sri Lanka.

Jay got in at almost noon from Colombo as I checked out and headed towards Kalum’s place. Kalum lives in a small village in Hiriwadunna, Habarana. He organises village tours or experiences rather, for those who wish to experience it. This was one of the gifts Jay gave me hence I don’t know how much it costs, but it’s an experience I wouldn’t forget so easily.

Kalum, who lives with his family, was kind enough to let us keep our bags at his home for the night as we both packed light for our over night stay in the village. 

GOOD MORNING!!

A hearty breakfast it was, and the local cuisine breakfast was an epic one. 

I have a suspicion that the staff at Nice Place is secretly plotting to make me fat! Last night, my order of curry (it said egg curry & rice) came with 5 other accompanied dished!! Here I am again feeling obliged to eat and trying not to waste too much food. Seriously, this stuffing-me business is getting a tad bit out of hand. Plus it's not like I'm a walking twig, I have sufficient meat in all the right places and I don't need stuffing! 

Checkered-shirt-white-pants-3-wheeler-dark-green’s name is Darkshana. He would be my little tuk tuk driver for my stay in the cultural triangle.

As I was told that my accommodation, Nice Place (how ironic), is just 7km away and we would be there in 20 minutes. Well that was the longest 20 minutes drive ever (it took almost twice as long). In Colombo, if it wasn’t for the traffic you’ll be there in no time but out here, I later discovered, there are many speed ‘cameras’ (you do see traffic police ever so often) hence the careful driving. To top it off my tuk tuk driver isn’t a driver at all, he’s actually a tailor and he was doing this as a favour to his cousin, Kalum (Rusty’s main contact in this part of the country).    

"It's 5.10am...Where's the tuk tuk guy?"

                  "Hmm...he's not answering, I'll try to call another a few others."

There I was... waiting... and finally at 5:30am a tuk tuk guy shows up at the front door! Off we speed to the Colombo Fort Railway station. I had a train to catch at 6.00am and I'm not sure if we would even make it! 

     "Counter, thaare. To Habarana" said my tuk tuk driver.

So off I ran to the counter to only be told there are no 1st class tickets only 2nd and 3rd class, plus the train leaves in less than 10 minutes! And the next train is only in just 12 hours time. Whatever, 2nd or no 2nd class I wasn't going to wait for 12 hours to get another train!