Kandy
Pete Writes: We actually arrived in Kandy on our first day in Sri Lanka, but as the cricket was on a week later we decided it would be worth a visit back.
On our first few days of being here we decided to take a tuk tuk tour of the local area. This included an interesting insight into how the British cuppa is made at a tea factory - from plant to china cup. We also managed to find a couple of hungry elephants along the way, who enjoyed tucking into the big bunch of bananas that we had picked up for them 
We managed to get tickets for the cricket allot easier than we first thought. On the first day we paid for the best seats, which ended up to not being the best view although we did meet some sound guys (who we blagged our way in to see on the other days).
Not being a huge cricket fan, I was surprised as to how addictive it became (being amongst thousands of English, with a few beers inside me probably helped). During the final day the wind picked up, which in turn started to tear the corrugated roof from our stand.
I have never seen so many people move so fast and luckily no one was hurt. Although it did add some excitement to a very slow and disappointing morning.
Unfortunately we lost the first test, but the whole experience was great, so I am not too upset.
Chloe Writes: Spending the last 5 days (it was originally supposed to be 2) watching the cricket has been a really great experience and I have to say I’ve been converted. At first I was doubtful as to whether I could watch just one day of cricket, let alone a whole test (yes I know what that means), but I’ve learnt the rules, know some of the tactics, we’ve met some spot-on people and have probably (no definitely) drank far too much beer and ate too many hotdogs. It was worth it though. I will definitely go to a live cricket match again in the future but maybe not sit so close to the barmy army, their songs have an unfortunate tendency to stay with you for the rest of the day.
We did soak in some Kandian culture in our first few days when we watched traditional drummers and dancers which were superb. At the end of the performance we watched them fire breathing and fire walking which was pretty amazing.
Chloe’s Brithday
Pete Writes: Chloe had decided that for her birthday she wanted to stay in a swanky hotel, eat nice food and drink wine. Not being one to disappoint the birthday girl, I started to scour the lonely planet for some where that would suit.
We didn’t actually end up in any of the choices we short listed, instead on Jeet’s advice (a nice man we met in Ella) we stayed in a really nice hotel in Colombo (it may also be the fact that he sorted us out some hefty discount).
Everything was impeccable from the massive Arabian buffet for dinner to the top end service.
It was also nice to have my first hot bath in 3 months (although the hot springs in Tatopani was close).
Chloe Writes: Although we felt really out of place in this hotel when we arrived with our backpacks and tatty clothes, the hotel staff were really friendly and even delivered a cake and flowers to our room. It was a shame it was 11:30 at night and we had just had a massive buffet with a choice of at least 60-70 dishes - I’ve never seen anything like it and breakfast wasn’t much different.
It’s back to the beach for us for some well deserved R&R (yeah right).
Page Gallery
Fire Eating
Differents types of Tea
Lots of Tea
Pete Feeding the Elephant
The England Team warming up
The roof hanging off in the stands
Our Hotel
Tags: Sri Lanka
December 8th, 2007 at 12:21 am
so will you be buying a season ticket for Somerset or Gloucestershire when you get home?!!
Did you see the swarm of bees, and the dog lying on the pitch - not something you would see in the UK I am sure! These were shown on the BBC news!
Glad you had a great birthday Chloe.
mum & dad xx
December 8th, 2007 at 4:17 am
Hellooo my dears!
Sounds like you had a great birthday Clo. It must have been excellent to have some Western delights at the buffet.
I can’t believe you have both been converted into cricket fans! I guess its different watching it live (yes Im making excuses for you).
6 weeks to go! 6 weeks to go! Im sooooo fed up of the rain we are having. The Thai sun is very much needed
Lots of love
Tash
December 8th, 2007 at 4:53 am
Hi Babes,It was great to speak to you Chloe and glad you both ejoyed a luxurious dip in the bath.
What a lovely suprise, the hotel looks fab.Seems like you’re hooked on the cricket and I have been following it on the news…England lost as per usual.
Pete, you look over the moon with the beers. Does’nt take much to make you happy!!!As well as the elephant. It looks all banana’d out.
Super pics as usual.
Mum Exxx
December 8th, 2007 at 10:03 am
So glad you enjoyed the cricket. Very jealous you got to watch the game live. See its not such a boring game after all!!
We’ll have to go see some games when you get back.
Not sure if you know but you saw history in the making, during the game Muralitharan beat the record for the most wickets taken in test matches. “woohoo we are so lucky” i hear you cry..
Big happy birthday wishes to Chloe. It sounds like you had a lovely day..
Hugz to you both,
Sim xx
December 9th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Hi Mum & Dad C,
Yes we saw the bee swarm & the dogs (there were a few). Our concern was where the bees were headed to next. It was a great 5 days and we will definitley go to an international game in the future.
Lots of Love x
December 9th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Hi Tash,
It was a good birthday and overall Sri Lanka has been fantastic. Although it’s not over yet. Were at the beach at the moment and sorry to rub it in but it is HOT HOT HOT!!!
We cant wait till Thailand either… we will be there in exactly 2 weeks today.. very much looking forward to some Thai food.
Lots of Love xx
December 9th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Hi Mum E,
It was fantastic to have a bit of luxuary for a night. We are staying in really nice guesthouse at the moment on the beach so cant complain.
Take Care xx
December 9th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
Hi Sim,
We did see history in the making and we were very lucky to be there - we even got a little film. We enjoyed the cricket so much we were considering watching more of it but thought we should see some of Sri Lanka as we are here.
Good to hear from you & Congrats on the new job,
Lots of Love xx
December 11th, 2007 at 3:37 am
All that beer for you Pete?
Happy belated birthday wishes Chloe; being well looked after I see.
December 13th, 2007 at 2:59 am
Hi Rupert,
Yes all that beer was for Pete, I had my own rack.
Thanks for the birthday wishes,
lots of love,
chloex