Went to Badulla, up in the mountains for the weekend, I was going on the bike but went in a van in the end, with Claudi. Took about 4 hours but through some really spectacular country. Badullah is a tea plantation area and after a town called Bibile you just climb all the time, following a valley most of the way. The climate there is much cooler than Ampara so easier to move around. Stayed with Beatrice one of the VSO vols I came with, she is very isolated and being a woman it is difficult to go out alone. Anyway we went to a waterfall on the Saturday afternoon, then a rock temple and famous wooden bridge with 'no nails' on Sunday morning. The temple was very beautiful and tranquil, we were first there in the morning so got special treatment from the head monk and a guided tour. It is quite good not having lots of tourists around, you have these places to yourself. Will go again and perhaps visit Ella just up the road.
For Vols, Beatrice was the only westerner in Badulla, so only company is those she works with and her landlady in an adjoining house. It is difficult for a woman alone, you can't go out and buy a beer. So I advise female vols to chat to a female returned vol to get the right advice and perspective. I personally would not have liked being the only westerner in a town and only having local company. I did get the chance during the VSO process to specify my preferences. Being isolated may have its attractions but be sure you know how isolated you can get in a developing country.
