May 5,

Yesterday, we awoke to another glorious view from our balcony – still not out early enough to see the sunrise sky. Around and to breakfast. I was actually a bit hungry this morning – which was good, as I think the spread was more! 🤯🤣 Seriously, there was enough food for three or four more people. We had a serving bowl of local, red rice; regular bowls of coconut sambal and dahl; a platter with X6 pieces of toast with butter and jam; plate of X4 roti; X2 two egg omelets; and our tea pot with milk and sugar!!! Oh me, oh my! Again we couldn't eat it all! It's a shame as it all is very good, but not realistic. (Maybe if we were both 20-something-old young men…)

Anyway, we set out for more exploration of this area and Ella. Our first place was to the Nine Arch Bridge. We had set out at 0915, for the 0930 train crossing. Arriving at an overview spot above this magnificent bridge just in time! We witnessed a train crossing it within a minute of our arrival! People are everywhere – down on the tracks going across the bridge; sitting on the sides of the bridge; and (the more sensible ones) are at worn vantage viewing spots. People on the train, crossing the bridge, are hanging out of the doorways for their photo ops on the bridge. This is a prime reason for tourists here in Ella!

The bridge is a viaduct bridge, aka, The Bridge in the Sky. It is 300 feet long and 80-100 feet high, and a great marvel of colonial-era railway ingenuity of Sri Lanka! The nine arches span across a valley, linking two mountains in a curved design. The bridge was designed by the British and slated for work; but WW1 broke out and Britain diverted the steel for it's construction – needing the steel for war purposes. So, the local populace took over building it with bricks, stones, and cement! The only steel is the rails and the pins for holding the rails!! It was completed in 1921. Amazing! As we were gazing at the bridge, we sipped sodas (me sprite, Jeff a lime soda). Our view point is on someone's property and they have a little juice soda stand. The 20-ish, young owner is very friendly and nice. The train pulled away and we loaded up and moved out.

We actually went back to our place because I forgot to take some of my medications.  Anyway, I also changed my top. I had put on a long sleeved one, but it is just too hot! We loaded back up on Scrapper and head to a local waterfall.

Arriving at Ravana or Rawana Waterfalls – we've seen both spellings and not sure which is correct – we muster through the tourists . It is a beautiful waterfall, right on the side of the road. You can hike up along side of it some, we went just a little way up. There are all kinds of warning signs, one said 37 people have died so use caution! We did not go beyond this sign. Again, I wonder how this waterfall looks during monsoon times or rainy season. This also made me wonder why humans are attracted to waterfalls so much. I can not think of anyone I know who doesn't like them. Jeff said maybe because of the whole nature, power, and peacefulness of them. I agreed. I know some cultures/religions do treat water as a god. Just some questions?? Anyway, we loaded up and moved on.

Next, we went to Ravana or Rawana Ella Cave and Temple. As we are going we saw more monkeys – people were leaving food for them. (We have seen the monkeys so rarely here – only when people are feeding them – as compared with India, where they are in the towns and really a nuisance.) Anyway, they don't seem aggressive; rather, shying away from people. Anyway, we arrived and parked Scrapper. Jeff paid the 200 Rupee (basically, 70 cents) each. We started the – 300m (984 feet) cement-built, stair ascent to the cave. Whew! It was breathtaking – as in we were huffing and puffing to catch our breath!! 😮‍💨🤭But the views were great too. The cave is known because a supposed 20,000 year old human skull was found here. The only thing of note for me, were the views and the crescent moon shaped opening, you notice once you are inside looking out. We descended and then went another 100m (about 330 feet) in a different direction to the temple. Inside the temple is a lying Buddha all painted in color with an adjoining wall of other painted statuary. It is pretty small and dark inside this temple – almost seeming to replicate a cave? Just a thought… Questions?? Anyway, we left here and get back on Scrapper. 

We head back into the main part/street of Ella, finding a supermarket. We bought our stuff and head back to our hotel, taking a little siesta and having a light snack/lunch – me an apple and Jeff some crackers. It is nice to just cool down in AC. Our weather app says it is 88 F, but feels like 99 F! I believe the latter!🥵🫠

After we cooled down and showered, we went out to go back to the Nine Arch Bridge, at the actual bridge level. We arrived and did a couple of photos. Then the whistle blew – a warning to those people on the bridge of the impending train, and to get off the rail tracks! The train came and this time stopped on the space of the bridge, allowing for many (sideline viewers like us, along the side of the rail-track people, and those on the train) to get their photo ops!! Someone asked for me to take their photo and they reciprocated getting ours. After this, we left, getting a jump start on the mass of people that would all soon be leaving. 

Back in town we stopped at Matey Hut Restaurant (they also do cooking classes here) and had dinner. We had battered, fried okra (Jeff normally doesn't like okra in any form but he actually liked it); cream of pumpkin soup: and pumpkin curry with coconut roti. It was a very nice meal! We went back to our place, and just relaxed. I blogged and Jeff read.

Today, was just a take it easy day! Breakfast was even more laid back, as in not as much! Still had a serving bowl of the red rice. But then regular bowls of sambal, and … pumpkin curry🤣; only X4 pieces of toast and X2 of coconut roti. When the cook (a different one today) offered eggs, I simply declined. Jeff had an omelet(not as good as yesterday). We still did not finish it all. I left before the Jeff's omelet arrived and missed the dessert pancake – which was fine.

Anyway, after breakfast we just hung out. I caught up on the blogging, and Jeff read. It is just so peaceful here and I needed the down time. My neck is a bit sore, probably from some whiplash, and my bruises are quite an angry purple. Jeff's knee is scabbing nicely, but a small place on his foot may have imbedded grit as it is a bit weepy. But all in all blessed and feeling fine.

We did a late lunch, around 1500. I had English Fish and Chips with a side of coleslaw. Jeff had Black Mutton Curry with a big round of toasted bread and side of spicy coconut sambal. We will just have a light snack later. Looking forward to catching up with you all later.