DAYS 111–112 Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6
Colombo, Sri Lanka
It’s important to note that since ancient times Sri Lanka has been a preeminent center for Buddhism, distinguishing itself proudly from its huge, Hindu neighbor, India.
As it happened, while we were in Colombo a Buddhist lunar festival was underway, and most things were closed. Then again, when I talked with fellow travelers who had been here many times before, I was informed that there always seems to be some kind of festival being celebrated here.
Well, if you can’t beat them, join them. So we hired a tuk-tuk to take us around to see the sights and to visit the main Buddhist temple. It’s very old and quite impressive, with a massive bodhi tree in the very center. And crowded with worshippers. No disrespect to Bangkok’s Emerald Buddha, but Colombo’s is pure white jade, and far more approachable.
Mary bought a bunch of lotus blossoms from a street vendor and offered one at the base of a gold Buddha in the park.
DAYS 113–114. At sea