Elephant Safari

What a day. There won't be much opportunity to write anything until we get home now and I know how quickly life takes over. I rarely ever get around to catching up. A summary.

Up at 3.30am to be picked up for a 4am departure to Udawalawe National Park to go on safari. We had three jeeps between us and had the most amazing time, seeing a crocodile, water buffalo, exotic birds, and lots of elephants - the main feature. It was extraordinary to see them wandering around, pretty much oblivious to our existence, stripping leaves from branches with their amazingly versatile trunks. This one wasn't so oblivious to our presence. E was a little anxious as it approached. Before getting out of the way the driver reassured her with the words, 'It's mating season, madam, this one very dangerous animal.'

After three hours we took our leave to return to Mirissa for brunch at Shady Lane (after such a fantastic experience yesterday). Amazing vegetarian food. It's so beautifully presented that we were all ogling each other's plates. The quality of the food here has been incredible. After saying our goodbyes to Roam and Shenny and the remaining English contingent, it was then off to the beach at Coconut Hill to have a swim in the Indian Ocean and watch the turtles. What a life!

The American and Australian contingent then returned with us in dribs and drabs to our villa up the coast, where Forrest persuaded me out on a run to explore inland and see a bit of non-tourist Sri Lanka. I ran out with him and then let him go at the turn-around point to come back at a gentler pace. Six miles in this kind of heat and humidity takes it out of you. But it's worth it to be able to re-hydrate with cold beer!

Finally, we all went out for dinner at another splendid restaurant, set off the road. More splendid food and conversation. I think we've now just about shared all our stories with each other. It didn't take long to fall asleep at 10.30pm!