I was at 6am at the monks office to receive final blessings and say good-bye. Heading for the city of Kandy, which is not only a world heritage city under the UNESCO but also my first stage destination. With the altitude and cloud coverage both increasing, temperature slowly starts to drop.
Fair winds…
Mr. Mangala insisted on a farewell photo, which now forms part of his very extensive guestbook and photo library. We are happy to be part of both.
Living alone makes him living for his guests and the level of warmth and attention was outstanding. Thank you!
A short ride took us back to the Silver Temple to absorb more of the Buddhist culture. Vijitha and Mama are taking care of me based on the approval granted by the chief monk for my overnight stay.
Enjoying the sunset from the top of the temple cave was one of the highlights of the day. It is an area under development and the chief monk joined us during this evening ceremony. It offers a 360° circular view.
A unique experience in a place of pure serenity! More than 2000 years old.
Fair winds…
Over a cup of herbal tea and ginger cookies, I met the chief monk and he invited me to stay in one of their guest units, which I happily confirmed immediately and without a second thought. Slight change in travel plans but shall be interesting. Go with the flow and see how destiny plays out. 🤔
On the way back, I got my hair cut at 500LKR before the monks get onto it. 😂
Fair winds…
I got on the road at 7am this morning and was greeted by the first clock tower not even 30 minutes after that. Left overs from the Brits. Well maintained and ticking precisely on Greenwich Mean Time, but showing the 5.5hours time difference.
Leaving this early means biking before breakfast, which is a perfect regime to start the day and escape from some of the heat. Not considering water, my first intake was a handpicked banana at one of the numerous stalls along the roads, cut out from a trunk. There are so many stalls offering all you need. After 40km plus I passed one of the “Family Friendly” restaurants and I added a cup of tea alongside with the most universal dish you can get: omelette!😋 Made to your own specification. Custom made so to say. 350LKR. Including the tea.
We have started our approach towards the mountains. The pedalling itself today was split and took us partly through some nice backroads presenting palm trees and paddy fields. It was quiet and the tarmac felt untouched.
A nice day in the saddle.
Fair winds…
Finally I got on the way around 8am and left Colombo without much traffic on a Sunday morning. The ride was all about the sea, to be precise: The Indian Ocean. Especially Negombo is a vibrant fishing village, seven days a week. Each and every family must somehow be associated with the sea. The northern outskirts along the beach have developed into gentle tourism.
The coastal road even further north has become one of my favourite stretches since 2019, when I cycled it first time.
Amazing place to live and the relaxed and friendly locals seem to be perfectly aware of it. No dreaming, hardship in paradise!
Need to get some fresh seafood now.😋
Fair winds…
It became a very pleasant brain-wash-ride today while exploring some more areas of the city of Colombo. Pretty green and divers including the holy cows on the road.
There is an active biking scene in this country and today I met one of its absolute nerds – Hinni. His shop running out of his home is museum same time. Hard to find. The gear he got is top notch. Interesting combo.
We are now all set to leave Colombo.
Fair winds…
Today’s maiden ride took us out of Colombo town along the railway track, which is heading in southern direction. Setting off at around 9am, heat & humidity had already kicked in without grace period. It generally adds around 15 to 20 bpm to my heartbeat, steadily increasing over the time of the ride – my observation. Water and speed are the two primary controlling factors.
Enjoyed it! Good to be back.
Fair winds…
After a very pleasant flight with Sri Lankan Airlines, we have arrived back in Asia. My mental arrival took a while but after a short walk, I can clearly feel, that Bike & Brain are grounded by now.
Strolling around, I was picked up by one of the dubious tourist guides, who insisted to show me around. Still a bit tired from the jet lag, I followed the flow knowing it will be a hard negotiation at the end… Nevertheless I got blessed by a monk and my travel in Sri Lanka shall now be sweet & safe.
On our 90 minutes plus tour the highlight was without any doubt the Gangaramaya Tempel. It is not only the oldest temple in Colombo but also one of the most important. Donations from all over the world merges temple with museum and more. It also exhibits the smallest Buddah in Sri Lanka (perhaps in the world?), 2mm in height, pure gold, viewed through a magnifying glass. Wow!
The slogan of the temple is a nice analogy towards the sailing part of this logbook:
“A temple is a beacon, a lighthouse for the storm-tossed.”
I am ready for my Sri Lanka Adventure although planning is lacking big time… Perhaps I shall keep going with the flow.
Fair winds…
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