Buddha, elephants and spices. * Sixtyexpress

We have a full day today. No complaining, I know it’s hot but that’s why we are getting up early and going. First stop…..herbal medicines and spices of Sri Lanka.

He is knowledgeable but he is a little like a snake oil doctor selling cures. The vine is pepper.

Cocoa pods , who knew they grew through the bark.

Did you enjoy the herbal tea and shoulder massage? I liked the tea but no I won’t buy any. I was thinking the diffuser oils were pleasant. Any purchases?

Next stop;- the Golden Temple of Dambula. It is a bit of a climb

Inside you are surrounded by Buddha statues

The second cave has roof paintings as well as statues

The design on Buddha’s pillow is beautiful but did he get lots of money for the teeth that has gone to the many tooth fairy temples

If I leave an offering and a note, will one of the Buddhas answer.

Are you excited? I am! We are going(hopefully) to see elephants. There are herds of elephants in the park.

There are so many … and babies of all ages

The females all move closely around the mother and baby to protect it.

Two mails had a slight head butting incident and knocked over another elephant but it was over in seconds and the herd headed into the forest

That was so exciting, don’t you think. Look that is Lion Rock. We are going to climb that in a few days. You managed 550 today so you can do it! Tomorrow we going to visit an ancient settlement ruins. Another early start to avoid the heat and crowds.