14 Nov. Travelling Weligama to Ella

Today's been a travel day. Well, I have to get around as much of Sri Lanka as I can. I might not be around this way for a while.
Up with the larks (or the last of the mosquitos) and out for pastries and tea. The man 'running' my digs is actually a very nice chap, but he couldn't be roused long after I wanted to settle up and check out. When I couldn't leave it any longer, I left some money with one of the young gals working there and went for the bus. It went like this:
2 1/4 hrs - Weligama to Matara (not very interesting town) to Tangalle (possibly interesting) to Hambantota (a big grimy city to be ignored, unless it's on your way to somewhere else, like me). The land gets progressively marshy towards the S.East coast, with rice paddy fields galore.
A quick bite of lunch and change of buses for the rickety old thing that's meant to get everyone safely to Ella up in the hills.
A journey of 3 hrs that went reasonably smoothly with a short break at a dingy roadside cafe. Into the hills the scenery gets greener, mistier and prettier. Nearer Ella, we passed a couple of places on my list to explore, and one's just a shortish walk from Ella.
The town is heaving with tourists, backpackers and assorted caucasians. Trendy bars and nik-nak shops abound. Most things except water seem to be pricey up here, but I think I quite like the town and the place I'm staying in. I'm here for 3 nights so let's see what tomorrow brings.Read more