A true leader stands among the group, not in front

Dambulla
Inamaluwe Sri Sumangala Maha Thera Rock Temple and Golden Temple – the world’s largest Buddha statue in front of these rock caves. The giant statue is relatively new, built in 2000 or so. The sun was doing its thing on it and it being gold painted was doing its thing on my eyes. The utter massiveness of it was just hard to comprehend. I think I am the size of the nail on the big toe. There are these monk statues up the side of the mountain that approach the statue with offerings. Women sitting up there chanting and glaring at us for being tourists. Back down the steps to go up to the rock caves.

Indescribable. Both – the magnificence of human creation when properly motivated and the pain in my feet when I finally got to the top. Almost dinna make it but Ashan was sweet and encouraging and patient with me and I found the strength. So glad I did.

There are these caves you see. Inside which are these massive Buddha statues and paintings on the walls and ceilings. It’s dark and musty inside which makes you feel very Lara Croft (but I bet she wouldn’t pant like a racehorse if she had to get up there). The rock walls and ceilings were plastered and then painted over and with subsequent erosion of plaster (or whatever the 1500s equivalent was back then), bits of the paintings come off. The statues are simultaneously eerie and calming. Managed to salvage some lotus flowers from the vicious attacks of monkeys outside so offered them (only the petals, not the stems). Do not have the words to describe how the paintings clung to the ridges in the rocks so you’ll just have to make do with probably inadequate pictures when I get to put them up. The effect of being in those caves is nothing like I’ve ever felt. Scared, awed, sneezy, frightened, comforted, intrigued and mystified all at the same time. You’ll have to take your children there one day. It’s well worth the journey.

Did not fall on the way down. Very proud of that.

Off to the Cinnamon Lodge to rest the achy feet. Ashan very sweet in suggesting that we put Sigiriya Rock off to tomorrow since that involves even more climbing. Crashed for a bit, washed the filth off, watched bits of Jackie Chan on the tele and then staggered off to buffet dinner, trying not to fall into the massive swimming pool. Lots of tourists here. The Lodge grounds is on the edge of a river (too far to walk to), pool with three sections (teeming with snotty kids), outdoor reception and restaurant (tres cool) and wait staff that wear yellow loongis (“Sarongs!” yells Ashan). Lauren ate pesto creamy pasta which she regretted the next day. I ate bhindi ki subzi and roast lamb. Little cold room which housed yummy chocolaty goodness with a lovely centerpiece made with spun sugar and fondant and other things to resemble wildflowers. Wanted to break off a piece and eat it Willy Wonka style but was being watched by over-eager yellow loongis.

Dreamt that my blue Honda CR-V was switched to a red one by someone who took the wrong keys and this upset me greatly. Ashan came to help but he was distracted by climbing scaffolding and making jokes with a man from Hong Kong. Wonder what this means. We will never know why my subconscious is the way it is.