Middle-aged flash packers

Everything went to plan this morning.
Leisurely getting up time, legs feeling fine after last night, tuktuk man early, at station early, on train to Ella – what could possibly go wrong?
The train journey to Ella was intended to be one of the highlights of our trip, a slow meander through beautiful scenery taking around 5 hours.
The train derailing put a stop to all that. Didn’t actually feel it happen, but became aware we had stopped for rather a long time and people were getting off the train. Eventually another passenger told us about the derailment and we all had to get off the train and onto the platform.
Once on the platform, we could see that the back of the train had jumped the rails. No one hurt thank goodness but the logistics of getting a train load of people to their final destination seemed extremely complicated, and no-one seemed to know what was happening. Rumours were we’d have to wait until the train was fixed (2or 3 hours, ) and another train was coming but only had one carriage!
Eventually I went to the station office and they told me a train with nine carriages was coming but there were already people on it, so standing room only.
2 hours after the accident, second class and first class passengers were told to go to the end of the platform and when the train arrived, get on those carriages.
Carnage. A load of Sri lankans barged in front (I have to say they did apologise) followed by a massive free for all trying to get seats. It was literally like a game of musical chairs! Luckily Steve had passed me the luggage as I climbed on to the train and I just threw myself across some seats, also bagging one for a lady I’d been chatting to on the platform. Sorted.
Tedious journey to Ella as guess what? Beautiful view obscured by mist! Then sunset. Only one light bulb in our carriage so a bit dark.
On the plus side, bonded with our fellow travellers.
When we arrived at Ella 3and 1/2 hours later, no tuktuks. What sort of place is this?!
Eventually flagged one down. Poor bloke, the journey to our guest house , the Raveena guest house, was horrendous. Unmade roads, bumps and lumps everywhere, he said he tried not to do this run. Great.
Eventually arrived at 9pm.  Very simple accommodation, sheets feel damp. Did manage to get a bite to eat though at the Restaurant next door.
Weather forecast for rain most of the day tomorrow.
Just how it goes sometimes. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. If not, we’ll move on.