- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 1
- Monday, September 19, 2016 at 10:26 PM
- ☁️ 14 °C
- Altitude: 696 ft
Sri LankaSigiriya Wewa7°57’0” N 80°45’47” E
Sigiriya
September 19, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
After the huge crashing waves on the west coast we have moved inland to a little bit of paradise. Spent time visiting caves full of Buddha's and cooled off with a swim in the pool.
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 2
- Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 11:42 AM
- ⛅ 15 °C
- Altitude: 696 ft
- Sri LankaSigiriya Wewa7°57’1” N 80°45’47” E
Sigiriya
September 20, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
Climbed up this beast called Lion's Rock before breakfast. Amazing place/views. Time for a swim... Ended the day on a jeep safari and saw our first wild elephants (over 200 of them) what anRead more
LouisaJamesIt all sounds fantastic but l don't think my knees would like the climb. I fancy the swimming pools though. Lots of love mom xx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 5
- Friday, September 23, 2016 at 10:31 PM
- ⛅ 13 °C
- Altitude: 1,795 ft
- Sri LankaBuwelikada7°17’28” N 80°38’45” E
Giritale
September 23, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Can't keep us off the bikes but in 30+ degrees. Highlights were seeing villages, birds , the freshest coconut water possible and eating at a local village house. Even had time to show Sri Lankans howRead more
LouisaJamesI bet it was more enjoyable than riding in the rain and cold in Europe!, especially with the coconut milk. Who won the cricket?
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 5
- Friday, September 23, 2016 at 10:46 PM
- ⛅ 23 °C
- Altitude: 1,795 ft
- Sri LankaBuwelikada7°17’28” N 80°38’45” E
Polonnaruwa
September 23, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
1000 year old Buddhist relics at the ancient capital of Sinhalese. After all that heat, dust and culture it only meant one thing... A free massage at a spice garden of course.
Looks gorgeous. Massage at the end of the day, how lucky are you!?!? Trust you two to find bikes! Take care love Gem
LouisaJamesThe sunset in the last blog was very good but I don't think it is anything compared to those at Nairn. Take care, love mom
Wow what a Buddha😍. Haha check you getting beauty treatments while your away😂 love Jodie xx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 6
- Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:12 PM
- ☀️ 17 °C
- Altitude: 1,821 ft
- Sri LankaBuwelikada7°17’29” N 80°38’45” E
Kandy
September 24, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Some queue to see Buddha's tooth at the temple, although to queue is a very British thing. Elbows wide is much better. After that we were ready for some calm at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Love theRead more
LouisaJamesI can't believe that a tree is called a cannonball tree. You certainly are seeing some very interesting things. Lovely picture of Louisa in the gardens. Love mom x x
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 6
- Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11:16 PM
- ⛅ 18 °C
- Altitude: 1,795 ft
- Sri LankaBuwelikada7°17’28” N 80°38’45” E
Kandy, day 2
September 24, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Great day relaxing around town. Now we know how you get 2 elephants on the back of a lorry. We met the caretaker, Havsha Carmichael, at the Garrison Cemetry. He was so interesting and very proud toRead more
LouisaJamesI didn't realise that elephants could be that colour so l have learnt something tonight. It looks as if you are having a wonderful time so just keep enjoying yourselves and take care. Love mom xxx
You both so looked so relaxed and so happy. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us, it's great so see new things like cannon ball 🌳And 🐘That aren't the colour we expect. Take care love Gem x
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 7
- Sunday, September 25, 2016
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 1,821 ft
- Sri LankaNonawatta7°12’7” N 80°31’57” E
Kitulgala
September 25, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
In tea heaven, travelling through hills covered with tea plantations to get to the jungle. Sat in a river for hours cooling off, with the locals on Arrack, playing the drums and singing.
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 8
- Monday, September 26, 2016
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 3,953 ft
- Sri LankaWilsons Plains6°53’39” N 80°52’2” E
More Tea Plantations....
September 26, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
On route one must have tea and chocolate cake!
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 8
- Monday, September 26, 2016
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 6,112 ft
- Sri LankaGalways Land Sanctuary6°58’7” N 80°47’2” E
Nuwara Eliya, 1890m
September 26, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Loving the cool highland air at this very British hill station. Not a bad place, The Hill Club, to spend a night although not sure where the men have been hiding their jackets,ties and shoes in theirRead more
Lyndsay McDonnell
You certainly look very smart. Pleased to see you had a shave before you got dressed up!! Love mom xx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 9
- Tuesday, September 27, 2016
- ☁️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 10 ft
- Sri LankaKirigalkanda6°46’5” N 80°17’49” E
Horton Plains to Bandarawela
September 27, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
Early morning start to walk to World's End, at over 2000m. Thankfully the mist cleared so we had amazing views. Even better views from the open doors on the train later.
Lyndsay McDonnell
Train journey look very interesting but you don't have to travel to Sri Lanka to see reindeer!! We saw a big herd at the top of the Cairngorms last week. Love mom xx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 10
- Wednesday, September 28, 2016
- ⛅ 33 °C
- Altitude: 52 ft
- Sri LankaKochchipathana6°23’52” N 81°22’55” E
Kataragama, via Ella Gap
September 28, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C
More stunning views, fab hotel and a game drive in Yala National Park. The leopards were playing shy unfortunately but the crocs weren't camera shy!
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 11
- Thursday, September 29, 2016
- ⛅ 33 °C
- Altitude: 98 ft
- Sri LankaKirama Oya6°1’27” N 80°47’36” E
Hambantota and Tangalle
September 29, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C
Enjoyed traditional Sri Lankan games at a banana plantation farm but not sure hitting new friends is the way forward. We are up in an elephant watch tower. Had lunch at a house built by money fromRead more
Lyndsay McDonnellVery good to see you having a wonderful time playing games. Did you get knocked off the pole James?
Lyndsay McDonnellSorry I pressed the wrong button so the message was sent. Keep on enjoying yourselves and take care. Love mom xx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 12
- Friday, September 30, 2016 at 12:08 PM
- ☀️ 29 °C
- Altitude: Sea level
- Sri LankaWadugoda5°58’24” N 80°21’36” E
Ahangama
September 30, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Rest day by the ocean and pool. More water polo.
Lyndsay McDonnellYou certainly are making me jealous with what you are doing. Enjoy. Love mom xx
Did you get to meet the Tetley tea folk, Gaffer and Sydney? ☕️Looks amazing. Must find a thesaurus 📔for synonyms, otherwise amazing might get used every message! Take care, lots of love Gem and boys. PS Isaac loves the crocs x🐊
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 13
- Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 2:59 PM
- ☁️ 15 °C
- Altitude: 26 ft
- Sri LankaResidency Hill6°2’16” N 80°13’17” E
Galle
October 1, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Stopped off at a turtle hatchery on the way, so cute to see 2 day old turtles. Loved the historic fort and the international cricket ground but loved the afternoon tea even more!
Lyndsay McDonnellThe turtles do look cute - would like to see them and the cricket ground. With all this tea and cake how is the weight? Love mom xxx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 13
- Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 11:59 PM
- ⛅ 27 °C
- Altitude: 33 ft
- Sri LankaKollupitiya6°54’13” N 79°51’20” E
Colombo
October 1, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Well the holiday has come to an end and the real travelling starts here. We're on our own from tomorrow. Had our final group meal which ended in a great farewell speach given by Jim and Auld LangsRead more
Lyndsay McDonnellSo pleased you have enjoyed the trip so far and the company of everyone. Enjoy the travelling by yourselves but take care. Lots of love mom xxx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 14
- Sunday, October 2, 2016
- ☀️ 24 °C
- Altitude: 3 ft
- Sri LankaKallady7°43’23” N 81°42’45” E
Batticaloa
October 2, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Early start at 4.30am! We were on the train for nearly 10 hours although the beautiful rice farming countryside helped time pass quickly. Not a bad price either at 420 rupees each (£2.27) People hereRead more
Lyndsay McDonnellYou two certainly know how to live it up don't you? £2-27 each for the room and a tree in the room as well,!! The last of the big spenders!! So pleased you are having a good time. Take care lots of love mom xxx
Your adventures look amazing so far and you've only really just got started! I bet seeing the newly hatched turtles was an amazing experience. Take care and have lots of fun xx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 15
- Monday, October 3, 2016
- ⛅ 13 °C
- Altitude: 3 ft
- Sri LankaKallady7°43’23” N 81°42’45” E
Batticalao day 2
October 3, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Bike ride around the old city and fort (built by the Dutch, Portuguese and British), followed by a trip along the deserted coastline and beaches. Plenty of reminders here of the 2004 tsunami,Read more
Lyndsay McDonnellTrust you two to be on bikes again but it must be upsetting to see all the tsunami damage. Looking at the beach you could be back in Nairn! Just enjoy yourselves. Love mom xxx
LouisaJamesGot quite hot cycling in 38 degrees, but different from home. Sorry to rub it in Tom, as you've just put your heating on!
Dave WarwickLooks stunning! It was 38 deg also in Newtonmore today. Fahrenheit sadly. :-)
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 17
- Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 2:53 PM
- ⛅ 20 °C
- Altitude: 30 ft
- Sri LankaSerolai Kulam6°50’29” N 81°49’58” E
Arugam Bay
October 5, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Took a local bus yesterday for 4 hours to get here. Really reassuring to have some locals looking out for us (told us what price to pay for tuk tuk, found us a loo, pointed out money they thought weRead more
Lyndsay McDonnellThe sunset looks almost as good as the ones in Nairn - in fact this week we have had fantastic sunrises as well. The bus journey sounds interesting, so pleased the locals looked after you. Enjoy your swim tomorrow - will think of you when I am swimming. Lots of love mom xxx
LouisaJamesThanks Tom & Lynda. Also thanks for suggesting keeping a blog, we wouldn't have done it without you saying so over the second bottle of wine (also remember you're to blame if you get bored of reading the posts...!!)
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 19
- Friday, October 7, 2016 at 8:56 PM
- 🌙 22 °C
- Altitude: 30 ft
- Sri LankaSerolai Kulam6°50’30” N 81°49’58” E
Arugam Bay Continued
October 7, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
Spending time relaxing on a beach! Not like us at all, but trying to slow down. Up early to swim in the sea before breakfast to avoid burning. Had miles of beach to ourselves when we went for a walkRead more
Lyndsay McDonnellYou are only copying me with a swim before breakfast but at least you are swimming in the sea. The cocktail looks good - hope you have another one tomorrow to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Happy anniversary. Lots of love mom xx
Dave WarwickGlad you have decided to slow down a bit. Must be terribly stressful with all that sand, sea, drinks, lazing & turtles :-). Great to see all the pics, like having a holiday in the living room!
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 21
- Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 7:10 PM
- ☀️ 19 °C
- Altitude: 30 ft
- Sri LankaSerolai Kulam6°50’29” N 81°49’58” E
Arugam Bay (still....)
October 9, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Continue to stay in Arugam Bay as it is idyllic and relaxing. Long walk along another deserted beach to Crocodile Rock - and yes there were Mugger Crocodiles, Water Buffalo and a lone ElephantRead more
Lynda Ralph
Unique street lighting, don't think they'd allow that here !!! Have fun with your new travellers. Loving all the pics. Love Lynda & Tom 👍😊🍺 xxx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 24
- Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 8:51 PM
- ⛅ 28 °C
- Altitude: 3,304 ft
- Sri LankaElla6°52’25” N 81°2’56” E
Ella
October 12, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Took two buses to get here yesterday so happy to stretch the legs today. Relaxed (huge) breakfast overlooking Ella Rock, so decided to walk up it! However, to get to the track we did as the locals doRead more
Tom RalphFab views over a lovely country, Louisa you using a En-Tout-Cas, which means in all cases or to you a brolly , work's in sun and in rain , love from Lynda and Tom
Lynda Ralph
Very picturesque, health & safety not part of curriculum there !!! Enjoy. Love Lynda & Tom xxx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 25
- Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 8:43 PM
- ☀️ 22 °C
- Altitude: 3,340 ft
- Sri LankaElla6°52’26” N 81°3’3” E
Ella (again)
October 13, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Walked up Little Adam's Peak this morning and could look across to where we were yesterday. Had to have a thosai for lunch after we enjoyed last nights thosai so much. Went for obligatory walk alongRead more
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 26
- Friday, October 14, 2016 at 6:04 PM
- 🌙 30 °C
- Altitude: 3,327 ft
- Sri LankaElla6°52’25” N 81°3’3” E
Still Ella
October 14, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 30 °C
Last day in Ella - more walking! Huge breakfast including egg hoppers (rice flour pancake bowls with egg cooked inside), mixed fruit, toast & jam and curd with treacle. Walked to Ravana cave via veryRead more
Tom Ralph
?? We're is your rope ha ha, another fun day, were in Kent looking after girls watching barbie !!!!xxx
Dave WarwickAll looks beautiful guys, really nice pics and great to see you looking so well. Health & Safety seems to be better than somewhere else we know well James :-). Keep it up, great seeing the world .....
Food 🍽looks interesting! Glad your keeping your strength up for long illegal walks along the railway 🚃 line.love gem
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 29
- Monday, October 17, 2016 at 10:15 AM
- ⛅ 21 °C
- Altitude: 3 ft
- Sri LankaAurora Bastion6°1’35” N 80°13’11” E
Galle again
October 17, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Arrived in Galle for the second time on Saturday, for a couple of days. Arrived by bus using Grand Prix rules.... Galle is a Colonial Fort with loads of history and characterful buildings. Spent a dayRead more
Stunning picture. We are having fun in Blackpool at the moment , the beach looks completely different! Love Gem x
Lyndsay McDonnellI love the sunset and beach photo and admit that it is on par with Nairn. Can't believe that you are enjoying afternoon tea especially as you are so rude to us if we have afternoon tea!!! Now that your time in Sri Lanka has come to an end hope you have a wonderful time in Nepal. Take care lots of love Mom xxx
- Show trip
- Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
- Share
- Day 30
- Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 4:06 AM
- ⛅ 25 °C
- Altitude: 20 ft
- Sri LankaMinuwangoda7°9’14” N 79°57’25” E
Leaving Sri Lanka
October 18, 2016 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
This is what 10 hours and counting in the airport looks like! Finally airside and waiting for the next sector to Nepal (via India). Its been a variety of experiences of a new country - people are kindRead more
Lyndsay McDonnellI think James is very rude to post this photo but at least Louisa you don't have to ask "does my bum look fat in this"??? Enjoy Nepal. Love Mom and Dad xxx
Glad to hear that you escaped Sri Lanka, as I seem to recall that your visa expired four hours before your flight left Colombo. Looking forward to your posts from Nepal. My toast to Roshan will be winging is way to you via email, with some photographs. Safe trekking.
Tom RalphYou guys having fun , sounds wonderful , snaps will be good when you get a chance xx
LouisaJamesGlad you had a safe journey! Looking fwd to keeping up with your news. I've also done a little bit of travelling - up in Nairn for a few days. Surprised the forgoes but think they're pleased...... C xx