Hiya all, Charlie here 🙂
Today was quite a long day, but definitely a good one. We had an early start, setting off on the bus at 6:30 with a packed breakfast of egg (curry) sandwiches, sausages and pineapple! We travelled for around 3 hours to get to the tea plantation where we were toured around the best teas, some of which are grown no where else in the world. This included the virgin white tea, which can only be bought in Sri Lanka. ‘Back in the day’ they only allowed virgins to pick the leaves, cut with gold scissors into a gold bowl. These days however, they don’t have to employ virgins because (according to Miss Copeman’s grandma) there are none left. However they still aren’t allowed to touch the leaves to contaminate them. After a tour of the factory and a taste test of every tea imaginable (including vodka tea), we headed to the coast where we stopped off at a stunning tropical beach. After being bought coconuts to drink out of, I think it’s safe to say you’ll be seeing a lot of photographs! Back inside the beautifully air-conditioned bus, we drove to Galle; a beautiful, slightly more touristy harbour where we were allowed to look around markets and admire the amazing history behind the beautiful Dutch architecture in the area. This included Dutch and English CofE churches and some amazing views from an old look out tower. We were all extremely kindly bought lunch by Buddi, which we enjoyed in front of a gorgeous sea view.
After dropping by a local fruit market where we unsuccessfully tried to purchase some red bananas (we weren’t too keen on the black furry bits), and a brief toilet stop, we started the long treck home. I don’t think the bus has ever been so quiet, or asleep, this whole trip! About an hour in, we picked up Buddi’s son, much to Lily’s surprise when she woke up.
We have now got back to Janoda and are eagerly awaiting dinner. We will keep you updated and hopefully you are seeing some pictures of our amazing experience here!
Hamish moment of the day: he just managed to fall of his spinney chair backwards and is currently lying at my feet. So far he’s the only one who hasn’t shed a few tears yet: Debbie, we are all wondering if you remember the last time he cried? We are trying to figure out if he is the happiest person on earth or just about the third or fourth!
Hamish moment of the day: his camera strap tan around his neck! (More of a burn tbh)
Craving of the day: spoonfuls of Nutella
Lots of love and we’ll be seeing you soon now!
The best Sri Lanka team ever: Esha, Katie, Eliza, Ellie, Hamish, Charlie, Lily, Jess and Hatty xxxxxxxxx
(PS- Ollie both Buddi and Karu remembered you when they saw me-at least we don’t look alike!!)
First in today! Marvellous write up on such a busy day! Beach sounded fantastic. Not sure about hairy bananas!!! You lot must be brimming over with exciting tales to tell us all. Keep working hard and playing hard! Lots of love! Xx
Oh Wow, the pictures at the beach look stunning. I’m so glad Hamish is permenantly happy. All credit to you ladies, he is clearly loving your company. Camera strap burn means a) well looked after camera, b) well travelled camera c) lots of pictures to show me (and your art teacher hopefully) !! Enjoy every minute BSLTE X
Lils…. Mum’s horse won the Grand National , he was called ” one for Arthur”! Yeah! Xx
Fabulous Charlie Bog (oops blog!)! Seems that I’ve lost my knack in being quick off the mark with these replies!!! Spectacular pictures of that gorgeous Indian Ocean – Not bad here today but lacking that crystal blue colour! Hope the tears are ones of joy and laughter! Couldn’t bear to think you were all missing home!!! These last few days will fly so make the most of it! So longing to hear all your stories and see your photos. I think we may need to experience Sri Lanka as a family – It sounds like the most amazing place – better start saving! Big hugs as ever to BSLTE. xx
Now somehow I’ve managed to post the same blog twice but the second one is better!
Another fabulous bog story Charlie (oops blog!)! Seems that I’ve lost my knack in being quick off the mark with these replies!!! Spectacular pictures of that gorgeous Indian Ocean – Not bad here today but lacking that crystal tropical blue colour! Hope the tears are ones of joy and laughter! Couldn’t bear to think you were all missing home!!! These last few days will fly so make the most of it! So longing to hear all your stories and see your photos. I think we may need to experience Sri Lanka as a family – It sounds like the most amazing place – better start saving! Big hugs as ever to BSLTE. xx PS. How come we can’t get you out of bed here, Hatty, before midday?
All continues to sound fantastic and inspiring….. well done to all of you! Sometimes struggle to pick you out Ellie in the pictures, partly because I don’t recognise what your wearing….. new purchases or sharing clothes perhaps? Lol Xxx
Sounds Like a fabulous day guys! I remember the tea plantation being incredible, did you all see the rubber tree?
Charlie, don’t worry I had your spoonful of Nutella today on my freshly baked croissants after my 11:00 lie in! Say hello to Buddi and Karu for me, I told you there would be an advantage of us looking so alike!
All that tea looks amazing !! Fabulous pics thank you and agree tricky to track who’s who but think we got the pink elephant pants on katie now!!! Enjoy enjoy all!!!