The King’s Throne

My experience of paeds thus far has been good. There is teaching everyday in tutorials and ward rounds. I have seen a lot of interesting cases including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a bone marrow biopsy/aspirate, possible Guillain Barre syndrome, Diamond Blackman syndrome, osteogensis imperfecta and microcephaly.

On Friday night I went to a club called Tabou with a group of seven others. The music was a nice mix of r n b hip hop, 80’s and dance. Some for the group got very drunk and decided to show off their moves on the DJ’s stage- I was in stitches. Going out here is very cheap because ladies get in free everywhere.

We left for Sigiriya at 6 a.m, stopping at Pinnewala elephant orphanage on the way. At 9.15 they fed the elephants with milk and we saw a 7 day old baby elephant. Working elephants and those with 3 legs wandered the government run orphanage. The elephants showed off their balancing tricks for the eager audience of tourists. The sun was out and the park scenery was breathtaking.

Our next stop was Sigiriya, the rock fortress built in 477 when King Anuduradhapura was overthrown and walled alive by his son Kasyapa. The queen’s son swore revenge and built a fortress but unfortunately he was deserted by his troops and took his own life or so the story goes. The ancient fortress is 200m above sea level with hydrautic technology, gardening and art. We climbed the rock in the hot midday sun, passing the Royal Gardens, Cobra hood cave, Sigiriya Damsels, Mirror wall with graffiti and the half way point, Lion’s paws. An hour later we reached the 1.6 hectare summit with a view like nothing I have ever experienced. It was so relaxing looking over the town with clear skies and a cool breeze. I will never forget it.

After a nice buffet lunch at the Sigiriya Café, we drove to Dambulla, the home of the cave temples. This rock was a comparatively easier climb with monkeys on the way up. The reward at the top is the temple entrance where you enter barefoot. There are 5 caves with 150 Buddha images. Touts and food sellers line the path down from the temple offering their goods.

Our last stop on the whistle stop tour of the Ancient cities was Kandalama 5 star Hotel which is built on a rock overlooking beautiful landscape. It is 1 km wide with three pools and a spa. We made it back at 11pm after a 4 hour drive. I am proud to say I went in for 8:15 this morning.