When I had to take deep breathes and count to ten in order to hold back tears, I mentally checked off the bus ride from Tangalle to Wellawaya as (one of) our worst yet. Standing at the bus stop in Tangalle we saw a bus overflowing with people and when a man told us it was going to Wellawaya we figured we would have to wait for the next one, but he squished us on much to my dismay. Trying desperately not to get pushed to the back where I was sure to have a claustrophobic-breakdown, Nick found me a thin bar that circled the driver where I sat for the next 3 hours causing all circulation to my legs to be cut off. Nick remained standing but eventually shuffled himself to a small corner where he was able to sit on my backpack for the rest of the journey. A quick switch in Wellawaya and we began to climb the mountain roads towards Ella.
When we arrived in Ella we were pleasantly surprised by how quaint the village was. We walked up a bit of a steep hill with our backpacks to arrive at the Hill Top Guesthouse where we stayed for three nights. Hill Top is run by a very friendly family, and we met up with some friends we had spent time with in Mirissa and again in Tangalle, which made the stay even better. The home cooked food and warmth of the owner and his family really made our stay here very special.
Nick and I woke up the next morning at a good hour and did the hike to Little Adam’s Peak which took about an hour stopping for pictures all along the way. Not a difficult hike, but very rewarding with workers picking leaves in tea plantations, and beautiful views at the top if you arrive before the clouds do.
We had some very lovely curries at our guesthouse but the four of us decided to take the advice from Lonely Planet and get some garlic curry at Rawana Hotel on our second evening. If you arrive 2 hours early you can sit in on the cooks and get a step by step Sri Lankan cooking lesson with an extremely enthusiastic chef, along with a recipe to bring home. We sat in amazement as we watched them cook up a mound of garlic that we were told was the equivalent of 100 grams per person! My dad would have had his eyes popping out of his head if he smelt that much garlic cooking. Other dishes served included sweet and sour aubergine, mint potatoes, dhal, beetroot, pineapple chutney, tamarind, spicy coconut sambal and an alien looking vegetable called a bitter gourd which was very tasty. The entire meal was absolutely delicious and we agreed it was our best in Sri Lanka thus far.
The following morning Nick hiked up to Ella Rock which is a much more grueling hike, taking 3-4 hours. I stayed back partly because I didn’t feel well and partly because we needed to get our train tickets at 9am. Nick returned covered in sweat and with some amazing pictures giving a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. It comes highly recommended from Nick although use of a local guide would have been useful to him as he did get turned around on some of the trails but still made it back in 3 hours.
Leaving the beach can be hard, but we knew we couldn’t go all the way to Sri Lanka and only see beach, especially knowing that our next destination will be the Philippines, home to some of Asia’s best. Saying that, we were very glad that we did leave once we reached Ella because it is a very different side of the country that would be a shame to miss. Continuing with this theme we are on our way to see more of the Sri Lankan hill country.
Congratulations on your trip so far Lianna and Nick. Your articles are great to read with spectacular pics. John and I really enjoyed Sri Lanka – It’s a beautiful country. I hope that you can get a chance to climb the Sigirya.
John, Michelle and I are looking forward to your visit in Philippines. You are really going enjoy Boracay – nice beaches – cheap beer. We can take you to Taal Volcano for visit. Since you are both adventurous – you can take the boat ride across to the Volcano and ride the donkey up to the rim of the volcano.
Looking forward to your visit – take care!!
All the best!
Wow, Sri Lanka looks amazing! Great photo from the tea plantation!
We just changed our flights around a bit and are going to be there for an extra 6 weeks now, adding the Philippines and most likely Burma in as well!
Glad you guys are having a great time!
I like your new t shirt Nick…….you look great. I miss you
love Alicia
What a bus ride Lianna, I do not know how you did not have a panic attack. Absolutely fabulous pictures. You both book great.
Maureen
I would never think negative about Brampton transit again.
I’ve officially started using your pictures as my desktops at work. Totally makes the day easier when you have a something nice to look at. Looking forward to hearing what’s to come next.
xo
hey Lianna, remember when you only ate Kraft dinner and Hot dogs??? lol… times sure have changed.
How amazing is it that you have friends over there that you’re meeting up with. Also, you will LOVE Boracay. That’s where Elly went for her Christmas break from work. She said it was heaven!
xoxo
Funny that you say that…I have been having a bit of a hard time with Sri Lankan food, but two nights ago our awesome guesthouse owner let me make Kraft dinner (that I bought for like $5) in his kitchen….it was DELICIOUS.
Ha, Ha! Lianna, that gave me my chuckle for the day but it wasn’t entirely true that you only ate Kraft dinner and hot dogs – you also ate Chicken strips, but they had to be from M & M’s, but look at you now, even eating fruit these days! – and you both look the picture of health – BIG hugs to both! – Mum
Kraft dinner $5 wow Linna what a price to pay for a good meal. I don’t suppose we could send you a care pacakage. The photos are amazing as is your detailed story telling. I have news that your Mom does not know is confirmed yet. I am going on a cruise with my mom and sisters on Feb 21. We are celebrating mom’s 80th birthday on the 22nd Feb. Thought you might like some news before everyone else hears.
Mary
Sounds nice mary. Where’s the cruise go??