Resplendent Island - Serendip

Sailing Again

2010-07-10T15:31:00.000+01:00

Duardinez
Treburden harbour sill as tide comes in

Sailing again

2010-07-10T15:18:00.000+01:00

Alderney, the Zig Zag path
Alderney
Alderney
Alderney, Bray harbour
The Needles Isle of Wight

Cat Sitting in Wales again

2010-02-20T17:14:00.000Z

Ciaran who I met in Sri Lanka and I at Rhosilli beach, a long walk so you need a pint or two afterwards.

Returned Volunteer

2010-01-12T17:29:00.005Z

I have just been back through the blog whilst the weather is cold. I get enquiries through VSO about my experience from new volunteers. I have added a few bits about the VSO process and done a bit of housekeeping.

I have put retrospective comment or info in italics I hope that helps, I will continue to add as I think of things.

I hope any new volunteers find the information useful. A big part of the experience is finding out for yourself and everyone is different.

I cannot really go into detail about my placement other than to give general information and to say I had a great time and that I am currently on the VSO books looking to go again for a short term placement.

I am still in touch with lots of the people I met both from VSO and other voluntary organisations.

Red roof

2009-08-20T14:56:00.000+01:00

Flying lesson

2009-05-02T20:39:00.000+01:00

Took off from Shoreham airport in a PA28 Piper Warrior, we flew along the coast to Beachy Head Lighthouse, inland for a bit and then circled around Seaford taking photo's.

Cherbourg to Newhaven

2008-08-05T20:57:00.001+01:00

The journey home, ended up mainly a motor sail as the promised Force 4 wind never appeared. A long day but sunny and calm, not much freight to dodge along the way.

Granville

2008-07-31T20:38:00.001+01:00

Very tidal marina, + or - 3 hrs of High Tide. The area outside the Marina sill dries as you can see from the top picture. The first night there a motor boat tried to get out too near to the sill going dry and got stuck on it, made for a nights entertainment.

Ended up here for 2 days due to bad weather, pleasant town some beaches and a tidal pool which I had a swim in. On the way in we sailed through hundreds of jellyfish so I steered clear of the sea.

St Malo

2008-07-30T20:52:00.001+01:00

Busy port, historic walled city with vibrant night life, there was a live concert the night we were there. Just stayed for one night as pressing for home now.

St Quay Portrieux

2008-07-28T15:35:00.001+01:00

A bay I found walking between St Quay and Binic, about 5 miles. Loads of beaches to swim from, very nice tourist area, great for kids. Binic was for me a nicer port but tidal access is restricted, however you are in the centre of the town and some great restaurants.
The night we arrived at St Quay there was a spectacular fireworks display, not to welcome us I think.

Treguier

2008-07-26T15:34:00.001+01:00

Marina is on a river a few miles from the coast. Very old and historic town, good place for a wander round and some good eating to be had. Very tidal so access has to be timed well. Will visit again as had a good time there.

Lezardrieux

2008-07-22T15:30:00.001+01:00

Picture of the town centre. The marina is on the river and about 7 miles from the sea, you can actually sail further down the river. Great place to stay, will go again. Would love to live by the river there, very scenic and relaxing.

St Helier, Jersey

2008-07-21T15:20:00.002+01:00

The marina and the tall ship that delayed our exit from the harbour. On leaving the harbour the engine overheated and had to be switched off, think we collected a plastic bag over the water cooling feed. Had to sail away for a while and recheck the engine, fortunately it was ok.

Ambitious Alice

2008-07-20T15:13:00.001+01:00

Amitious Alice on a berth in St Helier, Jersey. Where we flew out to pick her up. Bavaria 34, 10.9m long max 8 berth but that would be a squeeze. A couple of nights in Jersey having a look around, Saturday night was lively.

Still Mumbling

2008-03-31T18:58:00.002+01:00

This walking is hard work!

Mumbles Again

2008-03-31T18:54:00.001+01:00

Two weeks cat sitting for Helen, a chance to sample the pubs aroung the Gower peninsula.

Hogmanay Wedding

2007-12-31T20:24:00.000Z

Beatrice and Tom after the ceremony in Rothesay, Bute, Scotland on New Years Eve

Hogmanay in Bute

2007-12-30T20:19:00.000Z

Adam breaking in just before Xmas without his key

2007-12-22T20:27:00.001Z

The big mistake, Adam!! was using my camera to take the photos and not deleting them!!

The Mumbles and Gower Peninsula

2007-12-15T11:52:00.000Z

At the end of a wind swept day a pub with a fire and good food is a welcome sight.

The Mumbles and Gower Peninsula

2007-12-14T11:46:00.000Z

Boudha Kathmandu

2007-11-07T10:57:00.000Z

Biggest stupor in Nepal, at dusk very busy with the faithful walking three times round and praying.

Swayambhu Kathmandu-the monkey temple

2007-10-29T09:54:00.000Z

Pashupatinath Kathmandu

2007-10-28T09:52:00.000Z

The ramp where the ladies are stood is where the ready to die and dead are laid. Their feet are dipped into the Ganges, the shock for the dying alows them to pas away.
A funeral pyre waiting.
The temples in line on the river bank.
View through the complex with the smoke of the funeral pyres in the background.

Kathmandu Town

2007-10-27T10:48:00.000+01:00

Rooftops of Kathmandu
Durbar square shopping

Thamel street, where all the tourists go.

Kathmandu Patan

2007-10-26T13:26:00.000+01:00

Mini Taj

2007-10-26T13:23:00.001+01:00

Stunningly beautiful, in a different way to the Taj. The detail skill and colours make this a must see. it is also quieter than the Taj or the fort so a bit of peace can be had.

Agra and The Taj

2007-10-26T13:17:00.000+01:00

I half expected to be disappointed with the Taj, such a build up. But I have to say it is an amazing place and truly magnificent.

Punctures on way to Jaipur

2007-10-20T21:00:00.000+01:00

Puncture 1, the tyre suddenly went flat, totally flat. we put on the spare and stopped at the next garage as the spare was a bit bald and not really good enough to drive on. I managed to burn my fingers taking the wheel nuts off, think his brakes were binding a bit.
Puncture 2, same garage that repaired puncture1, we got about 300m down the road before the repaired tyre went flat again!!! The two punctures cost us about two hours.

Udaipur...Octopussy country

2007-10-18T13:14:00.000+01:00

View of Udaipur from the Palace.
Waiting for a beer at the Palace, after viewing the crystal collection. Its the place to watch the sunset.

Delhi astronony bit

2007-10-17T13:37:00.000+01:00

Delhi the Red Fort

2007-10-16T13:07:00.000+01:00

Karaoke night in Kathmandu

2007-10-13T09:54:00.000+01:00

Tambourine Queen Ciara, with Tamsin and Tess.

Two Nepali boys who were watching through the window, then got to star, way past their bed time.

Kathmandu Karaoke

2007-10-13T09:44:00.000+01:00

After getting back from Langtang at 6.30pm I was sitting down to a meal when I was told I had time to eat my dinner and have a shower then we were off to a Karaoke night. It turned out to be a really great night even when the bar staff tried to charge us 30 rupees for the 46 songs we'd sung!

Nepal Langtang Trek

2007-10-11T09:37:00.000+01:00

Give way! the path we used is the same one the locals use and in this case a herd of goats needed to pass.
Rick about to negotiate another hazard on the path, a refreshing shower.

Group photo, we all met up on route. Last lunch together as we split up going different routes after.

A typical tea stop shop on route.

Chin my porter and guide.

Nepal - Langtang trek

2007-10-10T09:29:00.000+01:00

Kyanjin Gompa lodge, about 3500m ASL, had problem with altitude here, needed time to get used to height.
Langtang mountain and glacier, very spectacular
Climbed up to about 4700m, took ages but good call as am sure I would have struggled with altitude on Tserku Ri at 5200m. Found it hard to climb more than 10-15m vertically without stopping to get my breath.

Nepal - Langtang Trek

2007-10-09T09:34:00.000+01:00

Rick and I doing either 'swing low sweet charriot' or 'the irish rover'
Ricks porter sitting round the wood stove as we improvise some entertainment in Langtang village.

Jesse and I meet up just outside Langtang village. Neither of us knew the other was in Nepal. quite a shock to meet face to face on a footpath in the middle of the himalayas!!!

Nepal - Langtang Trek

2007-10-08T09:24:00.000+01:00

Nepal - Langtang Trek

2007-10-06T09:20:00.000+01:00

Start of the Trek to Langtang leaving Dunche

The first suspension bridge, a novelty at this time. The walk is pleasant and not too strenuous.

Nepal Langtang Trek

2007-10-05T11:04:00.000+01:00

what to do next

2007-09-24T20:47:00.001+01:00

I am up north at the moment doing a few odd jobs for my Dad. I will be on my way to Nepal soon and then to India.

Been an interesting last 3 months, not really gone as planned but that's life.

I'm not sure how the next few months will work out, bit of an unknown, been a very strange year so far, very twilight zone. Still having fun but getting a few challenges to deal with.

Maybe Kathmandu is the right place to go for a while, kama!

I will be trekking in the Himalayas and get to see the Taj so can't complain, but I probably will :-)

Places I walked to/from in Cornwall

2007-09-18T17:14:00.002+01:00

Polzeath Beach on a bank holiday weekend
Port Quinn
Port Isaac top and bottom
I managed to walk all the way from Tintagel to Newquay, not in one go but over a couple of weeks in August. The weather was good fortunately as I had no proper gear to wear, only shorts and a 'T' shirt. The worst bit is Tintagel to Port Isaac, very hilly and the coastal path is not that clear in places.

Cornwall sunsets

2007-09-18T17:11:00.001+01:00

Was fortunate to see some really great sunsets whilst sitting on the beach or in a bar. Miss the heat of Sri Lanka, as soon as the sun sets it's cold here, jumper on.

Cornwall Coastal Path

2007-09-18T17:07:00.000+01:00

Views of some of the coastal path north of Polzeath, did some tombstoning. That's jumping off the cliffs, not great heights only 3-4 metres but good fun. Water is freezing, Atlantic, really need a wet suit on.

A good friend from GOAL unfortunately died.

2007-09-12T16:35:00.000+01:00

Conor Lyons a good friend who I shared many a happy night with in Ampara drinking beer and having the craic.

Polzeath

2007-08-27T19:17:00.000+01:00

I am in Polzeath, Cornwall for the bank holiday w/e. Wishing I'd learned to surf in Aragum Bay, in the warm water. It's bloody freezing here.
I came to Port Isaac with Adam in April, stayed at my sisters. I had a good time and decided to do some more walking along the cliffs.
Have been blessed with a sunny w/e and some amazing sunsets, which I watched from the worryingly named DOOM bar! Whilst drinking Guiness, the sun is a tricky thing, keeps slowing down so I have to go and get another pint in before it sets.
Photos will follow, just in a B&B at the moment so not easy.

Return Home

2007-07-15T13:56:00.002+01:00

Decided to end my VSO experience early. I am not sure how Adam is coping and it is not easy keeping in touch from so far away. I think it will be better if I am around and giving support.

The reality of returning home when you can't live in your own house, is not fun. I am living out of a suitcase and staying at friends houses. Not the best situation and no immediate signs of any change.

Difficult to decide what is the best thing to do, but at least I am able to be there for Adam and keep in touch with Nicole too. There is a psychological effect of being able to be in contact within an hour, being a twelve hour flight away and a 32 hour total journey time isn't easy to do.

For volunteers, you need to think of what could go wrong, if you have to return early where will you live and how will you manage. Hopefully nothing goes wrong, but you can end up back early either for good or short term it is not always in your control. Also consider what you would do if someone close became ill or had an accident, communication may not be easy and travel not quick. These things are covered in VSO training and I can't praise VSO enough for their response when Adam was injured.

For Goonhavern

2007-06-25T10:07:00.000+01:00

The nursery school opposite pinky, the paper is supposed to say HELLO GOONHAVERN but it doesn't show very well. I tried.

Leaving Pinky

2007-06-25T10:02:00.001+01:00

The things I have left behind, amazing what you accumulate in a year.

For vols, some people have all their stuff boxed up and returned to the UK. That can be expensive and usually goes by ship so takes a while. Most just do what I did and give it to new volunteers, local staff or friends. It will disappear and be put to good use. I had acquired a lot of things and made life quite comfortable but it had to stay behind. Think of your home comforts as disposable as ultimately that is what they may be.

My neighbours and their grandson, he always waves hello and goodbye. They have kept me in coconuts, mango, jack fruit, tambeli, and assorted foods.

Goodbye and thanks

2007-06-24T08:27:00.001+01:00

Farewell Lunch and pair of wooden elephants, unfortunately most of the photos taken are blurred. As they say here 'Wot to do?'.
Sunday 24th: Just had my final blast on the motorbike and a swim in a local tank. Going to Chinese later, it's not really Chinese but it's the place to go in Ampara.
Have given away, packed or sold most of my stuff, it's amazing how much you accumulate.

For vols, life goes on for the local staff, I think it was in the VSO training that somebody said, there are people you work with who won't notice you arrive or leave. It is different for everyone, I was fortunate and had a good team to work with. But don't expect to be welcomed by all or appreciated, some may consider you more of a nuisance than asset.

River Crossing Task

2007-06-21T18:19:00.000+01:00

The river is defined by two rope lines, each team has 5 plywood squares about 300mm square. The squares have to be placed not thrown and the width of the river should be too far to just step from square to square. The teams are given 10 minutes to plan then have to get across as fast as possible. If you touch the ground you go back taking the squares and the team members on the river with you.
Planning and realising it isn't that easy.

Last games with the local staff

2007-06-21T18:11:00.000+01:00

Newspaper towers, 10 sheets of newspaper, 10 elastic bands and a small roll of sellotape, should be 10 minutes to plan and 3-5 to build but we did a straight 10 minutes to plan and build.
Final results, a very commendable 4m tower, well done!

New Homes for Tsunami affected people

2007-06-18T10:34:00.000+01:00

Not exactly typical of Sri Lankan layout, very western estate in appearance. Why are they all blue? Evidently that's to show which INGO built them.
The only slight problem apart from the regimented appearance and lack of shade, is that they are built on paddy land and as such flooding is likely.

Kalmunai Youth Forum

2007-06-17T16:23:00.000+01:00

There were about 40 young people at the forum, from different ethnicity. The idea is to discuss issues and encourage debate amongst the youth.
I was there to do some activities in between the talking. We started the day with people in circles and a ball. At first saying their own name when they threw the ball, then after a couple of minutes saying the name of the person they are throwing it too. Next activity was the birthday line and next as ever, the egg drop!

Bath time at Akeels party

2007-06-16T13:57:00.001+01:00

We all went for a swim in a local canal, not as scenic as some places I've been as right next to the road. But good fun, we played around with a tennis ball for a while. The current was quite strong so tiring.

The feast, Goat with rice and a selection of currys. Tasted good and not too hot for me.

Games at Akeels

2007-06-16T13:51:00.000+01:00

The Human Knott, you stand in a circle, even number of people, all put right hand in the air. You grab another hand but not of a person standing next to you. Then the same with left hands. The result is a human knott which can be unravelled.

Water balloon roulette, get a few balloons filled with water. Get two people to stand facing each other. Each time they throw the balloon to each other they take a step back. Two of the guys got about 20m apart.
Hula hoop ring, just a bit of fun, form a ring holding hands with the hoop over the arm. Then pass the hoop round the circle as quick as you can. You can use two rings and race with people in two lines. I have used bicycle tyres for this one, the hoops are actually mosquito net rings.

Quoits, just a few rope rings and a coke bottle filled with water, can be made more complicated.

Akeels Leaving Party

2007-06-16T13:42:00.000+01:00

Fahmi and Najma eating breakfast, we were supposed to be there at 8am, this was about 11am. We had half a loaf of bread and sambol. The sambol was hot but ok, I was starving by the time we ate!

Above is the kitchen, by the time we arrived the goat had been killed and sliced and most of the vegetables prepared. The pans were on the fire and the rice was being washed in the canal, picture below.
The cook at work, masterchef lookout.

Alms giving

2007-06-14T14:05:00.000+01:00

I was sitting in the office when the sound of a drum coming up the road got me to go and see what was happening. It was an Alms giving procession, the umberella is sheltering the gifts at the front and the student monks have been arranged in line by height.

Random Photos

2007-06-11T17:34:00.000+01:00

A pandol, used at wesak to celebrate the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. They look great at night, flashing lights and loud music.
Typical vegetable stall.
Get your smiling plastic flower here!

Fruit stop

2007-06-10T23:00:00.000+01:00

Jazeem the trader, getting a good deal from these roadside sellers.
The fruit peels revealing a white juicy flesh around a stone, bit like a lychee taste. Red and taste the same to me.

Working late

2007-06-10T04:57:00.000+01:00

Whilst I was with the Peoples Forum, The FCE Ampara, Human Security team were completing an exercise preparing the next 6 months expenditure forecast. Lots of flipchart paper and much calculating going on.

Evening activities

2007-06-10T02:52:00.001+01:00

This was a three island game, on one island everyone can talk, hear and see, on another only see and hear, the last hear only.

The island that can't speak have some tennis balls which they have to give to the blind island who can throw them into a basket placed in the middle of the islands.

You cannot leave your island defined by a ring of rope, could be chalk line outdoors.

The idea is to get communication going and underline the problems and difficulties of communication.

Chaos ensued but all had fun. This wasn't one of my games but I will give it a try. I think the group size needs to be 6 or less.

For vols, training can be a little more random than you may be used to and being there is probably more important than getting the point. So you have to be patient and tollerant, go with the flow.

Dropping Eggs again

2007-06-09T22:44:00.000+01:00

In a 5* hotel you have to drop the eggs outside. As ever this bit gets the most attention and people have lots of fun.

This lady was the second to attach the egg on a chain of elastic bands. we didn't allow it but on reflection we should have. I will next time.

Games Time

2007-06-09T20:37:00.000+01:00

The first activity, the birthday line. Played in total silence with no pens or paper, all have to form a line by day and month of birth. I steer clear of year for modesty and to avoid offence. So first of January at one end and 31st of December at the other. A good icebreaker, energiser or warm up activity. You can also do names in alphabetical order or shoe size.
The egg drop again! Well it works, especially if a few eggs are broken. This time most people wrapped the eggs. I had 12 teams of 4 so a big group, but it went well.

The Blue Wave Kalutra

2007-06-09T18:30:00.000+01:00

The hotel at the end of an epic 17 hour drive in a van. This was the morning after, and a lovely place to wake up in.

Last minute trip

2007-06-08T14:24:00.001+01:00

Decided at the last minute to go on a trip to Colombo. We set off at 4am from Ampara, the first problem we encounter in half an hour out of Ampara the road to Kandy is closed for security reasons and won't be open till 9am. So we turn back and try another route out of Ampara, this time the road is blocked by Elephants! After we get past the Elephants and to the bottom of the 17 hairpin bends that you climb to cross the mountains to Kandy, the clutch went!
It ended up taking 16 hours to get to our hotel south of Colombo another long day in paradise.

More random Pic's

2007-06-06T18:41:00.000+01:00

Pettah street stall in Colombo
Ice cream vendorNot much doing for a trishaw today!
Tambelli or king coconut. You drink the water inside it is supposed to be good for most things but definately good for avoiding dehydration.

Winning Drop and hot in here!

2007-06-05T14:47:00.000+01:00

The drop that worked! Out of six teams only one managed to drop the egg in one piece.

Missing the landing site was the cause of much ammusement to everyone there.
Jazeem and I congratulating the teams in English, Sinhala and Tamil. Yes that is sweat on my shirt, it's the hot season here and being in a room with thirty people isn't a great idea. Even with the fans going it is in the high 30's Celcius and very humid.

After lunch it transpires that it was the American Ambassador, however two people from the British High Commission arrive about 2.15 and stay for half an hour. In the end it is now getting late and last busses have to be caught so no time for any more games.
I head by the beer shop on the way home for a couple of bottles, then go for a swim in the lake. A busy day!

The Drop !!!!

2007-06-05T14:42:00.001+01:00

Somebody has to go first and Team 1 discovered that aiming for a small area isn't that easy.

Most teams have gone for a cushion approach, in some cases aided by a funnel, however dropping an egg from a height and hoping to hit a funnel is a tall order. Sure enough team one miss and we are 1 egg down. Team 2 are successful, team 3 went for wrapping the egg in sellotape and elastic bands but to no avail. Teams 4, 5 and 6 have aiming problems too.

Egg Drop Game

2007-06-05T14:35:00.001+01:00

Egg Drop Game

2007-06-05T14:26:00.001+01:00

A busy and confusing day. It started with a power cut before I got up, the fan stops and you try and think what to have for breakfast, toast is out. Then on the way to work I noticed the bike handling changing, that’s a puncture, this time the back wheel. So off to the repair shop, only takes half an hour here though but 430 rupees gone before 9am, about £2.
As far as I was aware, somebody from the British High Commission was due to visit at 9.30 for half an hour. Back at the office this has changed. Firstly I’m told 25 traders, all men, are coming in for training and can I do some activities/games with them. Also security reports are required and Vithy is sending me texts saying he is emailing me a draft presentation for tomorrow, can I edit it and add a bit about the weekends security problems. Meanwhile helping Jazeem with another urgent report.
By 9.15 the High Commission has become the British Ambassador and 9.30 has become 11am.
As they say in Sri Lanka, Wot to do?
I grab the truck and head off to my house to collect my games, I bring lots as I am not sure how much time I have to cover. I am planning on a hoop game and the planks as they work with all male groups. I get back to find its now 16 men and 9 women!
Back to the drawing board. I choose the egg drop game and lego towers as best for mixed groups and set about getting eggs, finding newspaper etc. The 11am arrival becomes a meeting at the GA’s office, Government Agent in Ampara. I am now sorting games and editing reports on the computer. I decide not to go to the GA’s office as now they will evidently now come to our office at 1.30!
The traders break for tea and I’m told the first game will happen now, I am told that a lot for the next 15-20 minutes. However I don’t waste time and continue editing and ensuring the troops know what the plan is. The equipment such as it is is laid out on the table, 1 egg, 5 double sheets of broadsheet newspaper, 1 roll sellotape, pair of scissors and about 50 elastic bands.
The plan is to split the group into 6 teams, each team then has 2 minutes to choose a leader. I then brief the leaders and give them a set time to do the task. Then the clock starts. The task in this case is to use only the materials provided to make something that will stop the egg breaking when dropped from about 2m, the time allowed is 20 minutes, and this includes planning time. I will stress that you only get 1 egg, take care of it.
Eventually I am summoned and the splitting into teams and leader bit is explained, in English by me then in Sinhala and Tamil. This is a game in itself but eventually we get there and I am briefing the six leaders, they are getting it translated again in Sinhala and Tamil. Then off we go. Within 2 minutes one team has broken their egg. My stance of you only get 1 egg causes shocked faces, I relent. As I do later as another gets broken at 15 minutes.
All credit to the teams they are all finished in the 20 minutes.

Pinkie goes green!

2007-06-04T14:19:00.001+01:00

When I set off for my Aragum Weekend work was underway to concrete my bit of earth. I wasn't really sure what was happening. I know I live there but that often doesn't mean a lot.
On returning from the bay grass had been individually planted and painting was underway. The result is interesting but where do I park the motorbike?

For vols, what you consider and expect for privacy in the west may not apply when in placement as a vol. Your space isn't always respected and people can mean well but cause chaos. You need to have a flexible attitude and understand that you can have something of a celebrity status without the ability to get away.

On the road home

2007-06-03T15:26:00.000+01:00

It's not uncommon to have a herd of cattle or goats to negotiate along the way.
Fishermen at Komari, looks idylic and probably is.
Walls put to educational use. Quite a lot of walls especially in schools and colleges have been painted with educational pictures. The most common is the map of Sri Lanka.

Ideal Homes?

2007-06-03T15:14:00.001+01:00

These are houses I keep meaning to photograph. The first, yes they are concrete igloos! In a country with an average temp of 32 celcius. I am sure there is a good reason to build this type of house here.....but it's beyond me!
The second lot of houses has been like this since I have been here, over a year. Again I am sure the intention was good, but they have been built in the middle of nowhere and nobody wants to live there.
I could get on a soapbox about money, time, etc. But......

Time to go!

2007-06-03T15:08:00.001+01:00

The waves got bigger each day, each time I went in on the last day took more care. You had to time getting in between the big ones and getting out wasn't easy. When you were in the water you had to ask yourself why you were there. The waves were 4m plus and bouncing off the shore. You have to know when to quit.

Yala North- hill top

2007-06-03T14:59:00.000+01:00

The long climb, steps cut in the rock and a wire rope handrail for the steep bits.

The views, my camera and the operator-me- can't do justice to the spectacle. It is like something from Lord of the Rings, or even a prehistoric set. It is a timeless landscape, stunningly beautiful, you have to be there.

Yala North-meditation

2007-06-03T14:52:00.000+01:00

The steps through the rocks leading to the tiny meditation places made from caves, totally peaceful and tranquil. We had to get permission from the Head Monk to visit, thanks to him.

It is the sea in the distance, this plateau is surrounded by small meditation huts and caves.

Yala North

2007-06-03T14:43:00.000+01:00

The Stupor at the bottom of the hill with it's stone steps evenly cut.
The rock temple and statue, a magical setting. Go left for meditation, go right for hill top and views.

This well is like something from a fairy tale, it is on a narrow path between rocks and trees which suddenly opens and there is this perfect little well.

Aragum Bay at sunset

2007-06-03T14:39:00.000+01:00

It was Poya day 31st may so full moon and fortunately clear skies too. You can see the milky way here, just sit on the beach and look up.

Aragum Bay weekend

2007-06-03T14:24:00.000+01:00

My beach hut at Rocco's and the view whilst I have breakfast, lunch or just read between swims.

Above the bay south of Rocco's and below looking north. The surfing takes place at the southern tip. There were about 30 surfers in town. It's very quiet because of the security situation at the moment.

Kandyan Dancing Photos

2007-05-30T06:59:00.000+01:00

Just a few photos of the traditional dancing costumes. I usually see the dancing at night as part of a procession or at an event so often difficult to get a good photo.

Kovil Lamp lighting and speeches

2007-05-28T08:58:00.000+01:00

The lighting of the lamp, all the important guests get to do it, then the speech. I did ask Vithy, the guy on my left if he had any trouble translating my speech and if I paused often enough. His answer led me to believe that he just said what he thought i should say....Sri Lanka!

Kovil opening ceremony

2007-05-28T08:51:00.001+01:00

The opening ceremony of the new Kovil in Kalmunai. It isn't finished yet but the ceremony went ahead anyway. In fact I don't think I have been to, or heard of anything where total completion has been achieved before the opening ceremony. The banner is a must and in this case we had to walk down the road to the Kovil as part of the ceremony. The garland was the biggest yet and was nice and fresh, they are beautiful and smell lovely, the white flowers are Frangipani I think.
The audience started out as mainly children but finished up as mostly adults and as we left the music started.
The ceremony was late in the afternoon and I ended up driving 30km back to Ampara on my motorbike after dark. Not the best idea, as I came along the flat plain where all the paddy fields are you could see the insects in your headlight like snow in winter. Being on a bike you could also feel them hitting you and going down your shirt. Every now and then a big insect hits your helmet, like a small stone. I also experienced a frog being exploded on my foot, nice! Add to that cyclists without lights, cattle, dogs and goats to be negotiated.

Random Photos

2007-05-26T15:55:00.001+01:00

Just some local kids watching us. I love the bicycles with their 'sit up and beg' handlebars and brakes operated by metal rods and levers, no cables here.

This is a Kovil we are rebuilding, the original was wiped out by the Tsunami. Eventually it will be very colourful and intricately painted. However it obviously needs a good orange undercoat to get things started.
When you get a few people arriving for tea you need to get a bucket on the boil. This is a common way of boiling water here, there are electric kettles but they are not always first choice.

Colours of Kalmunai 3

2007-05-26T15:31:00.000+01:00

Every time I visit Kalmunai and drive through the narrow streets I admire the occasional very colourful house and always plan to go back and take a photo. I have been planning for best part of a year, anyway made a special trip and spent an hour riding round on my motorbike. Taking the photos wasn't that easy as every time I stopped I got a crowd of children or adults coming to see what I was doing. I am sure there are plenty more houses but these give you a good idea.

Colours of Kalmunai 2

2007-05-26T15:26:00.000+01:00

Colours of Kalmunai 1

2007-05-26T15:10:00.000+01:00

Muslim Children

2007-05-23T16:00:00.000+01:00

These photos were taken when the film crew was at the Mosque, the above boys are in cultural dress and attend a religeous school.

Karativu Beach

2007-05-23T15:49:00.000+01:00

Found myself with another film crew, this time two girls making a film on post Tsunami construction work. Took them round the same religeous sites as the previous crew. They just turned up in the office at 9am and had to leave Ampara at 1.30pm! so did a quick trip. It is the dry season at the moment so baking hot, you burn your feet on the sand. Had a chat to some local fishermen so took some shots of them sorting their nets.

Film crews

2007-05-22T15:39:00.000+01:00

A film crew arrived to make a documentary about the work done rebuilding religeous buildings by FCE. We took them to three sites, this one a Mosque, then a Hindu Kovil and lastly an Anglican Church.

Youth Day

2007-05-20T14:59:00.000+01:00

Lego towers again, these cross the gender divide ok and seem to be enjoyed by all. Interesting the way planning time is used and the cultural design choices which can be seen.

Youth Day

2007-05-20T14:52:00.000+01:00

Scissors, paper, stone going down well. The old ones often work best.

Walking planks at youth forum

2007-05-20T13:50:00.000+01:00

Leading from the front? Alas not we were coming second.

Not everyone took part, not a game for the Muslim ladies, but I didn't really have much warning for this forum.

Listen to their voices

2007-05-19T14:14:00.000+01:00

Sri Lanka's Tom Jones alias Amal, singing a song at the end of the concert.

Listen to their voices

2007-05-19T14:05:00.001+01:00

Me arriving an hour late, always good for the guest of honour. But fortunately in Sri Lanka not a big issue, although the flowers in the garland had started to wilt. This was the regional part of this project to encourage children to express themselves through the arts. Afterwards we all went down to the local beach for lunch and I showed some of the kids how to build sandcastles, I had bought a few buckets in Ampara, alas no spades.

Crip still on a trip

2007-05-18T03:33:00.000+01:00

The guys in Unawatuna, just south of Galle, the beach resort. Adam managed to walk about a bit and swim, although the surf was strong as it's out of season now. The hammock at Shangrila proved difficult for adam but some fun. We made it to the stupour to watch the sunset and the big waves breaking on the rocks.

Crip on a trip

2007-05-18T03:27:00.000+01:00

A few pics, Adam, John and me by Biera Lake in Colombo. Then Pettah market looking for bargains. Nicole and me in the sea at Unawatuna and Adam walking back to Shangrila in Una.

Stilt Fishing

2007-05-11T15:06:00.000+01:00

Taken on SW coast, first time I have seen a fisherman on one of the wooden posts, when we came past later there were more fishing.

Back again

2007-05-10T10:42:00.001+01:00

Flew into Colombo again on 24th April, Nicole and Adam flew out on 28th, the trip had been arranged before Xmas and we decided not to cancel so Adam had something to aim for.

At the moment Adam is in Unawatuna on the beach and swimming each day. Started well but the level of pain he gets when using his legs a lot is high. He is starting to put some weight back on his legs, as there had been a lot of muscle wastage.

I went to Nuwra Eliya on the bus with Nicole, visited Yvonne, a VSO, and did Horton Plains and Worlds End, then on to Ella and caught the train back to Kandy. A bit hectic but very scenic, wait for pictures!

I left Nicole in Kandy yesterday to do some travelling on her own and am now back in Unawatuna with Adam and John, a family friend.

MESSAGE 4 lady in Clotted Cream house, if you are reading this, WELL DONE! :-)

What I came home to

2007-04-20T15:16:00.001+01:00

This was Adam as I found him, he asked for the photos, it's not me being gruesome.
At home about ten days later, he was discharged as it was considered safer with MRSA about and he had plenty of care available. I managed to get a bed in the living room, lucky there is a toilet on the same floor.