Anyway, we hit the road, to Dambulla. We stopped here because we went to another UNESCO site and Buddhist temple, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple. We parked CB,  and Jeff bought me some purple lilies. At the Golden Temple area, we went up to the big gold statue of Buddha. I did as before, leaving my flowers there, not as an offering, but as a prayer/wish to God – wanting Christianity for the Sri Lankan people, well… everyone. Then meandered and found the ticket booth. Jeff paid for us to go up and see the Royal Cave Temple.

 

We climbed the stairs up (passing a few entrepreneurs selling souvenir tokens, more flowers, and some snack food), deposited our shoes, and entered. The site opens to an open-air, galley-type setting where the caves are all lined up and connected by a “porch walkway”. We entered each cave starting at the furthest one, since there doesn't seem to be a numbering system. Inside, each cave has been lined up with many Buddha statues – reclining, sitting, standing, and different hand gestures, skin color, and dress. The ceilings and walls of each cave were painted intricately: some with picture stories, some rows of more Buddha's or listeners of Buddha, and some just geometric design. I took many pictures, as we wondered these caves – since it was allowed. As we finished, we picked up our shoes (paying for their safe storage), descend, stopping to buy a vanilla ice cream cone. Jeff also gave a contribution to a man with one leg. The whole site – tickets, flowers, shoe storage, a blessing of a string bracelet, ice cream, and the contribution came to 5,000 Rupees ($16.50). We were a bit underwhelmed, but glad we came.

 

Back at CB, we load up and drive on to Panwila. Panwila is a very small, sleepy village in the Knuckles Mountain Region, near Kandy. We arrived in town, around 1430 we were close, but could not find our accommodation. The caretaker, Pradeep, had to come, meet us, and lead us the last bit. Google maps failed! The way up was a very small and steep one lane “road” (that Google did not even have on their map). Jeff had to stay in first gear! But CB made it!! At our new place, Kandyan Secret Villa, we were checked in, paid and unloaded. Pradeep showed us about and our room, and welcomed us with an afternoon tea. The place is all ours with Pradeep staying onsite in a room. It has a very open two-story-type atrium front room, which makes for a grand feeling, but seems like a waste of space. The area stays open and blends into a dining area. Our room is on the second floor and we have an awesome balcony outside with views of some mountains here in Knuckles. There is also an indoor balcony overlooking the front room, but it is just a walkaround area – no seating, as it is not wide enough. Different style, but… nice.  

 

Anyway, Jeff brought up some big wooden chairs for the outdoor balcony, as it has no furniture at all (probably because of monkeys). I did a blog, on our great balcony, as it rained briefly. Jeff read. 1800 we had dinner of Chicken Curry and Noodles with ice cream dessert. Good meal! We sat some in the front room, actually felt like a normal, homey, evening! Bed by 2130.

 

Today, we woke having a… decent night's sleep. We don't have AC, but don't need it here as it gets to low 70's at night, but we forgot about the mosquitoes and closing up our room before sunset. Anyway, Jeff had my coffee ready when I came out on the balcony. Great way to start any morning – sitting on an outdoor balcony with a grand view, sipping coffee!! Pradeep came up and told us breakfast was ready. I'm feeling like royalty, now. Pradeep even pulled out my chair to seat me! Wowza!! The table was already set with String Hoppers, Dahl, and Sambal with tea and a pitcher of hot water. We were served with hot water at dinner last night as well. I don't mind hot water to drink, but Jeff is not a fan. 

 

We finished, did a load of laundry (with Pradeep starting the machine, so I did not have to figure it out). Then we just hung out on our balcony awhile – chillin'. We watched all manner of birds – coming and going, in particular, landing in a leafless dead tree. (What is up with that? Questions???)  We listened to all kinds of sounds – from the construction –  repetitive ones, to all kinds of nature ones. It can be fascinating just sitting still… (but as a human we need activity- the moment to moment.) I started this blog.   Then we had a light rain, which stopped almost as soon as it started. We decided to go for a walk in this one main street town. We had plenty of stares and found snacks, but no ice… as in ice cubes not ice cream. This culture, in general, just does not have ice cubes!! We walked up and back this main road about ten blocks… it is fascinating, but very small!

 

We went back to our place. Ate a light lunch as the rain came again, and we watched the dark clouds came in. And more rain occurred, which the weather men on Google had not predicted or proclaimed… so, we watched the rain until it became a thunderstorm downpour, and we had to go inside. Now we watched some You tube.

 

Around six we had supper of tea, egg hoppers (two each) and plain hoppers (I had five and Jeff had six) with set yogurt and honey. It was a simple but nicely prepared and appreciated meal. We finished and watched more You tube. Bed by 2230.