Monday, November 17, 2003
More Bride Suggestions
In encouraging us to get out of Colombo before the wedding, here's some descriptions she emailed us:
#
In encouraging us to get out of Colombo before the wedding, here's some descriptions she emailed us:
- NEGUMBO- nice seaside town close to the airport where you can spend the first night and get your bearings.
- SIGIRIYA ---Amazing, unbelievable-place- you HAVE to go- check your guide book!- about 5-6 hours by car from Colombo/Negumbo. Make sure you climb the rock and check out the ruins of the fortress at the top. I have heard that the best time to do this climb is early evening- less people. I haven't done this climb for about 10 years- it used to be somewhat precarious but from all accounts it's much easier now that they've installed hand rails etc.
- DAMBULLA- if you have time go to the Dambulla caves before or after Sigiriya- these are ancient Buddhist caves- completely decorated by forest monks about 2 thousand years ago.
- UPCOUNTRY-Kandy and Nuwara Eliya- these two towns are reached by car or train that head up gorgeous tea estate mountains etc. Kandy holds the famous Buddhist Temple of the Tooth which is supposed to have a piece of the tooth of the Buddha- this is extremely important to Sri Lankans because they believe whoever possesses the Tooth has the authority to rule the island-
this led to a back and forth game with the Brits! (Vippassana folks- the Center is also in Kandy) - Nuwara Eliya is one of the highest points and an old British playground. Lots of grizzled old guys in sarongs and sweaters- yes its a bit chilly- definetly take a sweater. Make sure to check out Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on your way up or down to Colombo.
#
Updates from the Bride
I had a really great conversation with the Bride at the final Dhamaal party of the year. First, she assured me that the political situation shouldn't stop us from coming. She also went over several things, which I share now with you.
#
I had a really great conversation with the Bride at the final Dhamaal party of the year. First, she assured me that the political situation shouldn't stop us from coming. She also went over several things, which I share now with you.
- The wedding will be in Colombo at the Galle Face Hotel.
- In Sri Lankan weddings, the groom gets more gussied up than the bride. The Groom will be wearing the traditional garb of Kandyan kings complete with stomach stuffings (obesity reflected wealth) and three pointed crown!
- The attendees will reflect a diverse population of Sri Lankan dignitaries (the Groom's father was an Ambassador), village people, and us random internationalists.
- The wedding date was chosen based on auspicious astrological alignment!
- After the wedding, there is a group trip down south to HIKKADUWA, known for its great beaches and surfing. We'll be staying at the Famous Chill Spot Surf Cafe.
- I also learned that bikinis will raise eyebrows (as will bare shoulders). Many local women swim in a sarong or a one-piece.
#
Friday, November 07, 2003
Assurance
Also, our groom assures us that the truce will not break into war. There is too much invested in peace and whoever makes the first move will have the ire of the international community. This BBC article helps explain what was going on.
And here's more background info.
#
Also, our groom assures us that the truce will not break into war. There is too much invested in peace and whoever makes the first move will have the ire of the international community. This BBC article helps explain what was going on.
And here's more background info.
#
Background
Here's a nice background page from the BBC. There's good info about Sri Lankan media. "Voice of Tigers" has such a cool name.
It also links to a helpful timeline.
#
Here's a nice background page from the BBC. There's good info about Sri Lankan media. "Voice of Tigers" has such a cool name.
It also links to a helpful timeline.
#
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Immunizations
Ok, so I got my shots and basically followed Nayomi's advice: Tetnus (ouch!), Hepatatis A (A for apple; you get Hep A through food and water), I already have Hep B, Diptheria pills, and a prescription for the more expensive malaria pills (not the ones that will give you lucid dreams).
I'm a wimp and my arm was killing me for the next few days. Boyfriend advice paid off, which is to MOVE the affected arm; don't baby it. That gets the blood flowing and the muscles moving for a quicker recovery. Another friend was affected for a week!
Oh, and I decided against rabies shots. I'll just avoid the animals.
#
Ok, so I got my shots and basically followed Nayomi's advice: Tetnus (ouch!), Hepatatis A (A for apple; you get Hep A through food and water), I already have Hep B, Diptheria pills, and a prescription for the more expensive malaria pills (not the ones that will give you lucid dreams).
I'm a wimp and my arm was killing me for the next few days. Boyfriend advice paid off, which is to MOVE the affected arm; don't baby it. That gets the blood flowing and the muscles moving for a quicker recovery. Another friend was affected for a week!
Oh, and I decided against rabies shots. I'll just avoid the animals.
#
Political Drama
Oh no. My friend Thy sent me this New York Times article about Sri Lanka. From listening to news reports, my understanding is that there is disagreement between the President and the Prime Minister with regard to the peace negotiations with the Tamil.
So far, the truce is still on, but we shall see how this develops.
#
Oh no. My friend Thy sent me this New York Times article about Sri Lanka. From listening to news reports, my understanding is that there is disagreement between the President and the Prime Minister with regard to the peace negotiations with the Tamil.
So far, the truce is still on, but we shall see how this develops.
#
