Still filled with the "Safari Buzz" we headed to Ella, one of the most scenic spots in all of Sri Lanka. We had hardly unpacked our bags before we heard the sound of elephants coming into to town for Poson, a event held every year on the 3 days leading up to the June full moon to commemerate the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka. We asked around and found out that it was tonight, at last we were in the right place at the right time.

We popped into town for a quick curry and met Steve (Mr Suddu) and Fiona, the first other tourists we had met in Sri Lanka. We were not alone! We said we'd look out for them at the parade that night and went for a quick walk up Little Adams Peak a nice guided stroll with fantastic views.
We returned, had a nap and went down to see the parade, having been awoken by the noise from the street. We spotted Steve and Fiona (the only other tourists in the crowd) and watched the parade go past. We knew it was supposed to come back down with more lights attached in about an hour so we went for a drink with Steve and Fi to kill some time (and brain-cells). Half a bottle of Arrack later (the local coconut based rot-gut) and we were getting along quite nicely thank you very much, but there was trouble looming on the horizon. We had finished off Steve and Fi's bottle of Arrack and all the local pubs were closed for the three days of the festival (I know, not particularly festive eh?). At last we had a mission! For the last couple of weeks we had put up with people approaching us, making small talk and then asking for money. Tonight the boot was on the other foot, we were approaching people, making small talk and then asking them for booze...... revenge is a dish best served drunk. All our hard work paid off, we had a great time, met some locals and apparently there was a parade as well.
Someone got some photo's of it (I think it was me), there were Drummers, monkeys, Scary masks, Fire Twirlers, fire breathers, dancers, Bikes with lights and of course Dancing Elephants in Drag. What a night!