Well we should actually have taken the 3 o'clock train but this is what it looked like when it pulled in. The only seats left were on the roof! So in the interests of health and safety we waited for the 3.06 which was much more suitable..
So, what are we up to today? After working all morning at the project we were treated to a train ride from the local station of Panadura down to Kalutura.
Here is team MC waiting by the information board.
It was very, very hot waiting on the platform so we amused ourselves by people watching.
A train came in from the other direction and passengers poured over the tracks.
These two kittens amused us with their antics.
When the 3.06 arrived there was plenty of standing room so we travelled third class.
The train doors remained open throughout the journey, a bit dangerous but at least we were kept cool!
The train followed the coast all the way down, the views were lovely.
We then marched through the bustling town of Kalutera, through the bus station.......
......along the busy road.....
.......past the collection boxes into which passing travellers, on foot or otherwise, throw offerings for a safe journey.........
....past the stalls selling lotus flowers which are purchased as offerings for the Buddha. The lotus flower is a symbol of enlightenment.
Finally we arrived at the Temple which is special as it has a Stupa within a Stupa.
The Buddha greeted us and we all removed our shoes.
This is the Stupa.
And here is the Stupa within.
Time for reflection.
And contemplation. The atmosphere was very special.
The paintings of the Buddha's life were beautiful.
Ethan, what happened to your sock?
Natacha was fascinated by it all.
We walked three times round the Bodhi tree and thanked the Buddha for allowing us to enjoy his Temple.
It was a day we will remember......
Posted with Blogsy
Yet another brilliant blog - and what looks like yet another interesting outing. I am surprised you are all still looking so excited to be going out and seeing more stuff. You must be just about full up by now after all those brilliant experiences. It looks equally exciting (train ride with open doors) and peaceful - the Temple. The kittens at the station are adorable - Tacha if you cant sneak home an elephant, can we have the kittens PLEEEEEASE?
ReplyDeleteKnuser,
Mor, Far og Rødemis xxxxx
Your 6.03 looked like my 0700 to Paddington this morning. Unfortunately for me there is no Stupa in MOD Main building in which to unwind. Maybe they should build one.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work with the building and the blog.
PS. Jimbo, do not even think about bringing those scabby cats home. We have enough problems dealing with our own pair of mogs
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOnly 1/2 day working on the project!!!! Slackers. The Stupa looked fantastic and worth the manic train journey. Emily - were you actually contemplating the meaning of life and everything, or were you actually taking the opportunity for a quick 40-winks?
ReplyDelete15 July 2014 09:33
What a very fascinating trip you have had today. Another excellent blog. The temple looks so amazingly serene and calm. A place to reflect on your achievements over the past week and all the incredible things you have seen and experienced. You should all feel very proud of yourselves. Joe, lovely pic. Thank you. Lots of love Dad, Julia, Hooba, Max and Lucy xxxxx
ReplyDeleteTotally terrific said the 'frequent commenter'/stalker/complete pain from sunny Andover. A really great day and I am v jealous of all of those sights and sounds - it really will be a time you'll never forget. Now, few points of order for Georgia: prepare for the blasting from nan because (a) you got on such a TOTALLY dangerous DEATH TRAP of a train and (b) when you did why did you not make 15 people stand in the doorway so you didn't fall out. Oh and (c) she has made the appointment for your rabies shots when you get back. Only joking, sort of. We are all good here. Lots of love from all of us. Xxxxx mum
ReplyDeleteAnother blog! Thank you. The train must have been a bit of an eye opener for you - so they still travel on the roof - I thought that was only for Michael Palin..... I trust you did not actually touch the kittens or indeed any other wildlife however appealing...please confirm. I must say, though we hear a lot about the heat and humidity you do all look to be taking it in your stride (quite literally in this last blog) - and the open train doors/windows etc must have provided a welcome breeze. It is a sultry 25 degrees here today. Also have you noticed the moon at all over the past few days - and especially at the weekend? Because it has been a 'Super Moon' - brighter and larger than usual on account of the orbit. Don't worry if you missed it because it will be doing the same again around August 10th. Nearly midnight for you now so I expect you are all asleep. Lots of love to Flora and thank you again to you all for keeping us posted and for all the super pictures - Mum, Dad, Archie and Sholto - still on the river (actually in it as he has abandoned waders in favour of espadrilles - the 'total immersion method of catching trout'.....) xxxxx
ReplyDeleteGreat to see team MC enjoying themselves and experiencing local life. Please feel free to check Becky's luggage for small pachyderms and felines! Life in Wherwell is very tame compared with the wildlife you have seen. Nero's missing hugs too. Love The Machins xxx
ReplyDeleteLooks like another good day. Another great blog and photos, you are all doing such a good job keeping us so we'll informed. No interesting train journeys or trips out here today but at least it's warm and sunny. Yas, dad, scarlett & stinks say hi x x
ReplyDeleteRobert,
ReplyDeleteYour trip continues to look fantastic! Amazing experiences all round. Certainly creating memories to treasure.
I am getting concerned about your Mum. She has bought the effigy inside and has dressed it in your clothes. I caught her chatting to it/him/you earlier. Disconcerting but understandable, I suppose. I have placed your tablet and headphones on it so it doesn't respond exactly as you would do if you were here.
The longboard speed racing is going very well. I am winning everything! They call me 'El Burro Gris' which apparently means The Cunning Fox - isn't that great? My first wager was successful too and I made a little money. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Keep smiling, big nose!
Love, Dad.
By the way, kitten kebabs are delicious!
ReplyDeleteBut a bit bony and need marinating.
DeleteGoodness, I didn't think you could top the last blog but this was a fantastic trip. I wondered who Pandora was until I got to my computer and realised that my phone is just too small to read the fine print! What an amazing day. And lovely to see Joseph smiling (in the same shirt I see). The train journey might put some of you off from commuting but the Buddha and the stupas were more than worth it. What wonderful photographs. Joseph I do hope you've made good use of your new camera. I can't wait to see your photos. I keep thinking that this is an awesome experience and I'm so glad that you've had the chance. Mr Knight and the other teachers have put together an awesome programme. Well done in bucket fulls. Please keep the blogs coming. They are brilliant. Lots of love Joseph, plus one and no returns. Mummy xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Robert! Nana and Gramps saying hello having arrived back from Prague today. We had problems accessing the Internet while away so have just been catching up on the Rookwood blog. Your experiences in Sri Lanka look truly AMAZING - what a fabulous trip - but are you really there?!! Haven't seen you in the photos?? Hope you are ok and enjoying your time - although it's probably pretty exhausting too. Thinking of you and sending lots of love from us and from Nanny (I don't think she will have a proper night's sleep until you are safely back!! Us oldies are such worriers Robert!). Take care. X
ReplyDeleteOnce again, terrific photos and commentary - thank you! It's good that you are making use of public transport - 3rd class, standing room only ... and doors open - a snapshot of life for so many of the locals. Unforgettable memories ... shared with your friends (if you hadn't guessed, deeply jealous here :) ).
ReplyDeleteNick, when I returned home this evening, I was accused of having been to Sri Lanka on account of my being in a photo wearing sunnys and a panama-ish hat!! What can i say ... I think I'm better looking than the subject in the photo ;) .Anyway, we're all really pleased that you'e having such a wonderful time there. We do, however, look forward to seeing you again on Sunday. Lots of love, Dad, Mum, Matt and Maria xxxx
Hello to all our children, to the parents of our children and to the staff,
ReplyDeleteTomorrow will be the opening ceremony… I want to say a massive well done to all our children, their fund-raising, their determination to make a difference, their perseverance on this journey. I have read the blog and beamed with pride seeing what you all are achieving.
But as I have read the blog I have also seen the updates from Mrs Speed to Hannah. It has made me realise that for our children to have this trip of a lifetime, others have given up so much to make this adventure happen.
So I want to say a massive thank to all of you that have organised this trip and accompanied our children on their adventure (and to those that have gone ahead to prepare the way!).
For our children to have this adventure of a lifetime, you have given up your own time, you have supported our children, looked after them and encouraged them when the going got tough. The organisation needed to arrange this trip must have been mind blowing!
So from the very bottom of my heart I say a massive thank you.
The Opening Ceremony will not just be a recognition of what our children have worked towards but it will also be a recognition of your hard work and dedication.
Bohoma sthuthi
Here, here. Beautifully stated. I couldn't agree more. Thank you for saying what all of us, I'm sure, are thinking.
Delete