Sri Lanka (Part 2)- Safari and Colombo City Life

 When we left Amba hotel, Kapali (local taxi man) drove us to Udawalawe National Park.  Udawalawe is a sanctuary for over 250 elephants who roam 119 square miles of protected grasslands surrounded by rivers and forests.  

We experienced a surreal Safari adventure in an uncovered private jeep with a "tracker." 

Scoots prepared with his safari hat and camera gear

A few kilometers into the ride, the tracker (local Sri Lankan with a keen eye) was pointing out herds of buffalo, sambal deer, jungle cats, monkeys, crocodiles, and elephants!

Elephants are classified as "mega herbivores" and consume around 300 pounds of plant matter each day!

Scoots, Me, and buffalo snoozing in the background

We were super excited to see such happy elephants!

This particular elephant reminded me of a trip to the National Zoo when my cousin Michael asked "Why does the elephant have 5 legs?"

Peacocks are native to Sri Lanka and India and at one time were considered a delicacy

After the safari, Kapali drove us to the city of Colombo.  It is located in a strategic position on the coast with a harbor frequented by ancient spice traders 2,000 years ago.  

Me & Scoots along Galle Face Green

We enjoyed Colombo even though many people advised us to "skip it" (perhaps because it is crowded and not touristy).

Scoots concerned by the random fire in the middle of the street

The Pettah Market was packed with vendors and local citizens.

Notice the giant Buddha above the building in the background - we saw hundreds of Buddah statues

Vendors from Bombay and Dehli, Indian sold spicy and salty snacks.

A snack stand with fried peas, lentils, crackers, and potato chips (purchased by Scoots)

Yummy eggplants and strange looking green vegetable

An assortment of dried fish, some with creepy fangs 

Sri Lanka has numerous rice varietals, while gluten free, they are also considered a sacred staple of Sri Lankan culture.

I bought a bag of dried red chili so I can try to recreate a few of our favorite meals

Negotiating at the market proved comical since they obviously jacked up the prices when they saw us (we did not exactly blend in) but we had fun trying to negotiate since everyone was friendly and spoke English.

Scoots bought 3 sweet bananas for less than 1$ (locals might pay 5 cents)

When we walked into a "hole in the wall" vegetarian place for lunch, the "regulars" looked surprised to see us but we were quickly seated and ordered hoppers.
 This server walked around to each table and poured different curries into bowls.

We dipped the hoppers (bundles of rice noodles) into the succulent curries. 

Delicious fried chickpea cakes, lentil cakes, and string hoppers 

I had read that everyone eats with their hands (even the president) so I eagerly embraced this utensil free meal.

Prior to our trip, Scott discovered a website called www.withlocals.com.  We arranged a "city tour" for the afternoon with a local named Humaid.

Humaid and Scott in front of the famous Old Dutch Fort

Humaid said he feels safer in Colombo since the 26 year Civil War between the Tamils and Sinhalese ended in 2009. 

Is Humaid grabbing this solider's bum?  Or perhaps a butt pat is just a friendly greeting in Sri Lanka

Humaid brought us to see famous Hindu and Buddhist temples and historic churches.

Old Anglican Church built by the British when Sri Lanka was known as "Ceylon" and colonized by England

Humaid described Sri Lanka's complex history of colonialism and brought us to Independence Square in Cinnamon Gardens.

Sri Lanka gained independence from the British in 1948.

We noticed a random boyscout statue in Viharamahadevi Park.

Scott reminiscing about his days as a Cub Scout 

The National Museum was surrounded by huge old trees.

 Ginormous tree

Humaid showed us the sites and took some photos for us like one above

Humaid took us on the train to the beaches of Mount Lavinia.  It was a wild crowded ride on an old doorless locomotive with men hanging on by one arm (photos were not clear due to crowded chaotic situation).  

Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka (thanks Brits) and we got to witness Sri Lankan's cheer on their team in the Asia World Cup Cricket Finals (Superbowl of cricket)

Mt Lavinia's trendy beach bars reminded me of Miami with techno music and people sipping cockatils

I ordered a refreshing drink called "Spicy Girl" with rum, lime, soda water, hot green chilis, and mint.  Humaid had a Sri Lankan Ginger Beer (he does not drink alcohol or eat pork).

Flash fried garlic, chili peppers, cashews and a tasty curry leaves was a superb bar app

When we said "goodbye" to Humaid, we promised to keep in touch.  He truly added wisdom and excitement to the last day of our trip.

Humaid insisted on a few "Selfies" before he departed and quickly "friended" me on Facebook

Last stop before the airport was Pilawoos for traditional Sri Lankan fast food called "kottu rotti."  The owner informed us that Anthony Bourdain dined there for this specialty.

Tired Scoots with plate of Kottu Rotti (stir fried and finely chopped roti bread, eggs, onions, peppers, and spices)