Cinnamon, Moonstone and Tsunami

After a shower which felt like an outside shower at the tented safari camp, our tour continued.
Our driver remembered i had asked to get a photo of the scrap metal place and stopped just for me
We continued to seeing cinnamon being grown and turned into useful products
At the same place we saw how moonstone is mined ....this was alarming....men going down a wooden ladder and working in a tunnel for 30mins on ,30mins off ,it really made me question what actually has to happen to get this product..and its really hot..apparently it is possible to stand up in the tunnel...but zero health and safety conditions
We continued onwards to experience the sobering reality of the boxing day Tsunami....
A 17metre High Buddha has been built..to the same height as the tallest waves....as a memorial to those who died .An exhibition shows photos of bodies strewn all over the street and the absolute carnage the water caused , coming inland as far as 500metres .
There is a huge grave on the beachside,for many of the victims.
In all i think we were told 35000 people died
It was stark to see derelict buildings along this stunning coastline, knowing the water had caused this damage. Though there are signs of recovery, I felt moved to make a donation to the charity
Moving on we did a walking tour of Galle and although tricky, managed to connect with the coffee club at home during their catch up and whilst walking around Galle
Final bucket list item achieved as we went to see the Stick Fishermen and I got chance to try it...really funny, they were sitting down doing nothing until we arrived and then went to sit on their sticks for photos.
Tonight I have a room which opens directly on to the beach...amazing...but the realisation of the power of the sea 🌊 after today is definitely a consideration.
We have learned and seen a lot about products growing in Sri Lanka...50 varieties of banana Inc a honeymoon banana..!!
3months rice growing then 3months veg growing ongoing cycle . Multiple spices ,mango and coconuts 🥥
We have seen men working barefoot in water all day in the paddy fields.Read more