Ella Means ‘Waterfall’

We take the train from Kandy to Ella. We almost don’t make it – we are issued tickets for the wrong date. In the end, Maria saves the day.

Ride on the Peace Train…’

It’s a five or six hour journey.

Schoolgirls on the tracks

The cars are comfortable enough.

Second-class passenger

We journey through Sri Lanka’s hilly tea country.

Tea-pickers at work

Sri Lanka Railways has been serving the country since 1864.

Ghost of an old train

It’s a rainy day in these hills.

We arrive in Ella. Our hotel looks out on the mountains.

Afternoon coffee

A short hike brings us to the Nine Arch Bridge.

Not all those who wander are lost‘ – J. R. R. Tolkien

The bridge soon comes into view.

We look down into the valley.

This bridge attracts all types of locals and visitors.

A motley crew

Maria does her ‘Damsel in Distress’ imitation.

From the days of silent film

A coconut vendor offers refreshment.

I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts…’

Next we hike to Little Adam’s Peak.

Also surrounded by tea estates.

More tea-pickers at work.

Tea bags

Sight or Insight of the Day

Maria, Pete, and Judith attend a Sri Lankan cooking class in town.

Potato curry in the making

The raw ingredients.

The instructor promises to reveal a useful website for further Sri Lankan recipes. They’re all ears. ‘Now take this down – w-w-w-dot-g-o-o-g-l…’

He has a sense of humour.

The alumni, Class of 10-23-2019