Perehera Evening and weekend

Manjoo sent his driver at 7.30 so that we could get to our 'good' seats for the start of the procession at 8. At 8.45 we're still waiting and watching Manoo's friends stop by - it's very odd to watch as the men here all hold hands when they are talking to each other or put theirs arms around each other's shoulders. The girls and I laughed. By 9.45 the actual parade started - there's no rushing them but it was worth waiting for. The costumes and dancers were really amazing. There were elephants and men twirling rings of fire, the young sri lankan girls looked beautiful in their costumes and the mens dancing was brilliant. It's a shame that I couldn't get any really good photos because of the light.
At the end of the evening Neel picked us up and drove like a demon to get out of the town. There were queues of traffic but he just tooted his horn, overtook, weaved in and out. We were driving along the small round which runs around the tank (reservoir)and Jenny Rowena and I were sure we were going for a late evening swim. Jenny got the hiccups and we laughed all the way home.

Friday morning - there was no school because of the Perahera so we mad kites for the orpanage in the afternoon and just spent the morning chatting. The kids loved the kites as much as we'd enjoyed making them.

Saturday we went to a market in a place I can't pronounce or spell, to buy souvenirs and presents for the family. On the way back we stopped at a wood carving place where they made beautiful furniture, elephants, wall mountings, trays and masks. It was interesting to watch the craftsmen at work.
I can't get over how cheap things are here. I bought a teapot, tea and biscuits, bracelets, a pair of earrings, a bottle of Arrack local alcohol) a wooden wall plaque,a bottle of coke, a chilled nescafe coffee and sun tan lotion plus body lotion and some sweets - all for 2 pounds. The secret too is to say 'Not tourist - teacher!' and then they will sell at the local price as the teachers are regarded with a great deal of respect. I'm waiting for them to bow to my feet as that's what the children do with the resident teachers.
Saturday afternoon was spent at the local hotel pool and on our way back one of the drink sellers on the side of the road, showed us around the ruins and then gave us a hot toddy to drink (medicinal purposes apparently)and when we offered money - he said no, which is a first here and has restored my faith in human kindness. He was also hand carving flutes - so may well buy one next week for all of 1 pound 50p

All in all a really good day.

Over and out now. Love Sue xx