Tagged With "Sri"
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 1a) Colombo
Ah Galle Face Green! Many a delightful stroll taken with my folks on a Sunday afternoon in the 1960s, then home for tea at 42 Galle Face Court, the flats opposite the hotel. Ah sweet memories Ouch that seems a long time ago.....
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 1a) Colombo
DrFumblefinger your photos are amazing. I can see why you love the country so much.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 1a) Colombo
Originally Posted by Mac: Ah Galle Face Green! Many a delightful stroll taken with my folks on a Sunday afternoon in the 1960s, then home for tea at 42 Galle Face Court, the flats opposite the hotel. Ah sweet memories Ouch that seems a long time ago..... I was told the Galle Face Green was actually green until the pope showed up and a massive crowd destroyed the grass. After that it became the Galle Face Brown. The green is slowly trying to make a comeback, though. I actually visited someone...
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
These elephants are great. Would be a good movie location, what with the jungle and elephants and stuff!
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
I'm becoming more intrigued by the day. On the practical side of things, specifically how to get there, what's your usual route, DrF, or is there a best way. From the US west coast. I'm thinking about using miles and I haven't found a cheap way yet for an onward flight from, say, BKK or HKG to Colombo. India is the obvious closest but costs more miles to get to than BKK. Any ideas? AA miles if have any experience with that alliance.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
Thanks, PortMoresby! And we've not even been to the sacred tooth relic in Kandy, the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa, the beautiful hill country filled with tea plantations and "The World's End", a wildlife safari at Yala National Park, nor any of the nice beaches (but keep reading -- reports on these are coming). Sri Lanka is a great destination, especially now that the civil war is over. I was doubly lucky to not only be able to visit a dear friend there but to have time to leisurely explore...
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
Lots to consider. I can't go through Thailand without hanging out a few weeks so the 2 ticket plan may suit me better. I see Cathay Pacific also flies to Colombo, connecting in HKG. Will have to do more research to see if any of the low fare Asian airlines can facilitate a plan. What season is your favorite there? Is there an off-season when there are bargains to be had?
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
Sri Lanka is almost on the equator so it has minimal seasonal variability in temperature or length of day and night. There is a monsoon season, but that generally translated to an hour or two of rain, often after dark, so don't let this worry you. I don't think there's a bad season. Imagine "high season" coincides with vacations in Europe as most travelers there are from Europe so would avoid the summer months especially.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 5) The Elephants of Pinnawala
Thanks again, good DrF.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 30, 2013: Monk on a Ladder, Sri Lanka
His body language tells me that he knows his stuff. Thanks, Dr F, for this universal slice of life moment.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 30, 2013: Monk on a Ladder, Sri Lanka
It proves one of life's great truths, one I've thoroughly tested myself all over the world, that anything can be done in flip flops.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 14, 2015. Hans Monheimus
During our lives we will meet 5 or 6 people who leave us with an impression of just having met a great man. Sounds like Hans' was one of your handful of heroes. We try to understand what makes him so outstanding. Then in our own way we try to copy some of his finest attributes. And hopefully we are a better person for it.
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Re: The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka
It's a great photoessay of a special place, Travellinn, thanks for sharing these wonderful photos with us. I generally just traveled through Galle, never stopping much except perhaps to look around for an hour or get something to eat. The fort is very impressive, a massive structure of rock and coral. The last time I visited Galle was just after the great tsunami of 2004. The town was one of the most damaged by that tragedy as several massive waves washed through it. Hundreds were killed or...
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Re: The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka
How did you discover Galle ? Did you read of its existence prior to your travels ? Or merely stumble upon it and get the urge to explore further. It appears to be untouched by tourism - or is it on the tourist itinerary ? After all these invaders what language do they speak now ? Good collection of photos - gives a real taste of this town.
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Re: The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka
DrFumblefinger, then you should absolutely spend some time in Galle next time you visit Sri Lanka! GarryRF, the plan was originally to go to Unawatuna (30 min away) staying there and doing a day trip to Galle. But after doing a little bit research online, we found out that Unawatuna would not fit us, and ended up doing the opposite. On our daytrip to Unawatuna we certainly got confirmed that staying in Galle was a much better option. See my thought about that on...
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 1b). Visiting Sir Arthur C. Clarke
Dr. F - A wonderful tribute to a man, a place, and a friendship. The sense of fun and of respect clearly rings from your writing. Thank you for sharing this.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 1b). Visiting Sir Arthur C. Clarke
Thanks, TravelandNature! Arthur was a wonderfully kind and sweet man. He was probably the most intelligent person I've ever interacted with one-on-one, but always made me feel very welcome and comfortable with him. We had a nice chemistry between us that I believe we both enjoyed. He was the one who nicknamed me, "DrFumblefinger" and encouraged me to write about my adventures. So here I am now --DrFumblefinger writing about my passion for travel!
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 2). Dambulla
This is a remarkable place but the radiantly smiling kids make even the Golden Buddha look a little shabby. Great pics.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 9) Horton Plains
It is hard to absorb all of this information. This truly is a land like no other. Thanks for telling us about Sri Lanka.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 1b). Visiting Sir Arthur C. Clarke
Hi Dr. Fumblefinter, I was wondering if you knew the location of Arthur Clarke's former residence, or perhaps his grave? I'll be visiting Colombo for work next month and I'd like to make a visit, even if just outside of the walls of the house.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 1b). Visiting Sir Arthur C. Clarke
Hi Nevin, Nice to hear from you and thanks for your interest in Sir Arthur. Arthur's home is at 25 Barnes Place in Colombo, which is near the popular shopping store Odels. A taxi or even tuk-tuk should be able to get you there. His former business partner and best friend, a SriLankan, still lives at this home. You won't see too much from the outside as it is a walled compound. If you contact the home and come during business hours, it is likely that someone will take you to see Arthur's...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 24, 2014: Taprobane, Sri Lanka
DrF, if I wanted to look for one of those inexpensive options you mention, what is the name of the area along the shore? I looked on g-maps and it was hard to tell.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 24, 2014: Taprobane, Sri Lanka
You'd want to look along the stretch extending from Hikkaduwa (southwest corner, north of Galle) all the way past Matara. But one of the loveliest beaches in the world is Unawatuna, maybe 5-10 km east of Galle. You can't go wrong staying there, PortMoresby.
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Re: Want to buy great hand-made lace? Go to Sri Lanka!
I love the pictures, DrF, and especially the lady's dresses. There's something very dignified yet happy about them. Thanks for this lovely surprise.
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Re: Want to buy great hand-made lace? Go to Sri Lanka!
Thanks PortMoresby! Gumbo is full of surprises, as we find out each week.... The women working at the lace center were very proud of their skill. Like most Sri Lankans, they're shy when you first meet them and start talking to them, but once the ice is broken you're rewarded with huge smiles and friendly conversation....and a chance to take photos like those you see in this post. The quality of the lace is excellent. I still have a number of pieces I bought here, including a large lace...
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Re: Want to buy great hand-made lace? Go to Sri Lanka!
Excellent and informative piece Dr F and love the pictures. Yes, I wouldn't have expected to find lace in Sri Lanka
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 11). On safari in Yala Park, with a stop in Kirinda
Thanks, TravelandNature! And how about that Junglefowl. Looks like a fancy chicken but apparently a wild species.
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Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
We visit the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Situated in the heart of the tea growing region of the country, the cooler climate of the region was popular with the English who lived here during the 19th century. The Grand Hotel itself is a beautiful relic of the period of British Colonial rule on the island.
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Food, Sri Lanka
Speaking of food, which we do regularly here, this article on the Lonely Planet site has some beautiful pictures, the market in Kandy being my favorite, as well as information about what's for dinner (and lunch & breakfast). Fortunately, I've decided to visit there on my next long trip, as soon as I can make it happen.
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Sri Lanka Visit Visa from Pakistan
Sri Lanka, a beautiful country of south Asia near south-east India is more than 2,550 years old. The Portuguese controlled the coastal areas of the Sri Lanka in the 16th century and rule over Sri Lanka for 100 years. Dutch also take the control of this beautiful Country in the 17th century. Climate of Sri Lanka is very pleasant as you can expect rain anytime. Natural sights of Sri Lanka for tourist attractions are Gal Vihara, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Quadrangle, Mulkirigala Rock Temples, Kandasamy...
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Re: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
The building and grounds are remarkable for sure; when I visited the billiard room was in a bit of, er, faded grandeur. To be honest the staff presented a slightly misplaced hauteur, even rather stuffy, when dealing with a high end tour operator. I was always careful to send customers who would find al this good. Those of a more adventurous nature went elsewhere.
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Re: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Interesting tour Dr F. Was the food still of English desent or had the years returned it to home cooking ? G
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Re: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
The food, as with all such Colonial establishments I've visited, is a mixture of western (English) food and local (Sri Lankan) dishes. For example, for breakfast you can pick from eggs, bacon, fried tomatoes or string hoppers, curries and rice.
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Re: The amazing tea country of central Sri Lanka
I don't know what it is about tea - it just makes me happy seeing it.
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Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple, Trincomalee
DrFumblefinger stops at a colorful Hindu temple in the east coast city of Trincomalee.
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Explore the soothing beaches in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island famous for its beaches, it has a lot of beaches which are worthy of your time. There’s a variety of water sports, places, restaurants, turtles to explore. The beaches stretch from east to west, from golden long beaches to long stretches of white sand. It is famous for the idyllic and dreamy scenery. Given below is the list of 10 top-rated beaches of Sri Lanka you must definitely go and visit. Weligama Beach The name literally translates to “sandy village”. It is quiet...
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Singapore’s Joo Chiat - Katong District
A neighborhood new to PortMoresby, just a bit off the beaten path, Katong, aka Joo Chiat.
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The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle, on the south west coast of Sri Lanka, sure is a charming place to visit. The city within the fort is set up by low-rise buildings along cute narrow streets.
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Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 4). The Rock Fortress of Sigiriya
“You absolutely must go to Sigiriya!”, Arthur C. Clarke insisted to me during my first visit to Sri Lanka. “There are other countries with beautiful weather and beaches, but there’s only one Sigiriya.
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Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 7). Kandy
The Sinhalese name for this city is Maha Nuvara (Senkadagalapura), impossible for the British colonialists to pronounce so they just called it Kandy.
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Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other. (Part 3) The Ancient City of Anuradhapura
A great opportunity available to any traveler to Ceylon is the chance to explore the country’s rich history and extensive archaeology. This post describes my visit to the oldest ancient site in Sri Lanka.
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Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 10) Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak (also known as Sri Pada, or “holy footprint") is located in the southwestern part of Hill Country. It’s 2,243 meters (7,359 ft) high, the tallest mountain in this region .
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Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 6). Polonnaruwa
The eastern most point visited when touring Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is Polonnaruwa. The ruins in this ancient capitol are the best preserved and most varied in Ceylon and it’s well worth the effort to visit them.
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Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 9) Horton Plains
My first introduction to Horton Plains National Park was in Hans Mohemius’ photo room at his home in Colombo. It is a beautiful high altitude plateau, with dramatic scenery.