Middle-aged flash packers

Up at 4.30am for the safari at Wilpattu national park. It was a very chilly tuktuk ride to the park. Took a good hour.
Our jeep driver was a very handsome, petite young man. We were quite surprised and pleased when our tuktuk driver came too!
Well as I suspected, every other person saw a leopard except us! Typical. Three sightings and one where the leopard actually hung around for a while. Grrr.
Never mind, it’s wonderful that they are thriving and protected. We saw some beautiful birds, a warthog and crocodiles so it was a good experience overall.
Back to the Heladiv for lunch and a snooze befor buzzing out again to Mihintale. This is an ancient town, with the ruins of an Ayurvedic hospital and bhuddist monasteries.
We saw The black pond which is a natural lake, much prettier than its name suggests. Then we walked up to the stupa – barefoot. It’s compulsory and it hurts.
Lots of Sri Lankans there . Everyone speaks and welcomes you to Sri Lanka. So nice.
We climbed up the auspicious rock which everyone likes to do so it’s extremely busy. I was very touched to see a young lad who had lost his leg climb to the top with his family.
Funny place Sri Lanka. So far I’d say I’ve seen better ruins, better beaches, the rubbish and pollution upsets me but the pleasantness and warmth of the people is unique.