After a real night of sleep we had breakfast and out the door to explore Nuwara Eliya. We went to a tea factory to take a tour but they were unfortunately closed. However, there was a path that lead us through the village where the workers of the factory live. It was beautiful scenery so we decided to walk a bit. We were hearing yelling on and off and finally figured out what it where it was coming from. There were a group of children yelling for us. Once we responded with a big waive they got very excited and ran up the path to us. Andy taught one of the kids how to high-five and then Saylor and Hudson started teaching the others. It was a very special connection with the locals. They all had big smiles and were so excited. The adults started approaching too. One woman gave us fresh tea leaves that she picked. Another showed us her tools she used to harvest. She also had her bag of leaves on her back that was held on by a band connected to the bag that wrapped around her forehead. It was obvious these people had a very hard life, yet so happy to connect with us. It was definitely one of those moments that made an impression on all of us.
Time for the train to Ella. Our driver got us tickets the day before so we were all set. We had reserved seats in 2nd class where the windows open. You don't want to sit in 1st class because the windows do not open. It is much cooler here in the mountains. Of course not Seattle cool, but finally our shirts were not wet. A nice relief! This is supposed to be the most beautiful train ride in the world. It goes through the tea fields of Sri Lanka. There are rice fields, waterfalls and so many fields of tea..beautiful, rich with all shades of green. It was a beautiful ride, but if someone were to ask me if it is worth the 6+ hours to get there, 3 hours on the train and then 4 hours after to get ultimately down to the beach I would have to really pause before recommending it.
Upul picked us up at the train station and we drove to Yala (2 hours). Along the way we stoped at the Rawana Waterfall. It is about 100 feet long with lots of rushing white water so it is very dramatic. They were selling cooked ears of corn at a stand. Lots of monkeys pulling the tossed cobs out of the garbage and having a snack. Down the road a bit more and we saw majestic peacocks fanning their feathers. What a fun sight to see. They also have elephant crossing signs here which is pretty funny to me. Just a little more interesting than the deer crossing signs we have seen back home. Just short of getting to Yala there is a herd of water buffalo in the middle of the road that we just drove around like they were some speed bumps back home that we were trying to avoid.
We made it to Yala Peace Cottages which is no small task. It is off the beaten path. As we pull up they are lighting the torches. We are truly in the middle of nowhere! A bunch of bugs going in every direction - just like the drivers in Hanoi. Saylor and I did a quick change into long pants and long sleeves. The owner greeted us and was so sweet. He made flower necklaces for Saylor and I from flowers he grows himself.
Saylor and I have our own bungalow and the boys have theirs. As we enter we see my bed covered in tropical flowers and the fragrance of sweet flowers fills the room. At this point I'm trying so hard to enjoy the beauty of it but all I can think of is.....I wonder if there are any bugs on those flowers that are now in my bed! Both beds in the room have mosquito nets. We have to be out the door and ready for safari at 5:00 am tomorrow so I jump under, hoping I'm safe from critters and finish this entry for the night.
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