Day 8, Journey to Hikkaduwa via Matara and Galle

Day 8, Journey to Hikkaduwa via Matara and Galle:

George Politis, Alex Barker, Harry Whitehurst… and some rather snazzy trousers!

              It was another early start for our boys on Day 8 in preparation for our journey to the south-west coast of Sri Lanka to the Coral Sands Hotel in Hikkaduwa. But before we left Udawalawe, we had one more chance to see elephants feeding in transit. Once Mr Miles was satisfied that we had our full complement ready to go – any excuse to count; he loves counting – we took the bus only a few hundred yards down the road to discover a hidden sanctuary for elephants. There were over 40 elephants and baby elephants (more counting, more fun) casually having their breakfast and bathing in the morning sun. We also found an even rarer sight which was a photo opportunity not to be missed: two rather happy Burnley fans after The Clarets win the night before. What are the chances of that!?

Elephants, and the rarest sighting of the day: happy Burnley fans, The Sutcliffes!

From left to right: Jackson Darkes-Sutcliffe, Rananjay Singh, Harvey Rankin (I hope I have the right twin!), Oliver Meadows, Kunal Muhambray, Oliver Green

A Sri Lankan lizard monitoring our tour. They have spies everywhere!

              A quick shop for goodies ended our elephant viewing and, with enough sugary drinks and sweets to outweigh a baby elephant, we were soon to depart for Galle, which is approximately 3 hours from Udawalawe. The road was another long and winding one, and took us down to the south coast before heading west to Galle. The buses went via Matara in the Southern Province, a city of 300,000 people, famous for a wide variety of spices and fish curries. Matara, which is one of the main exporters of cinnamon in the world, was a busy and bustling place, still recovering from the tsunami in 2004. From here we continued west to Galle, passing stilt fishers and surfers on the well-known tropical beaches in Weligama Bay.

              On arrival at Galle, we managed a quick stop off at the Galle International Stadium where an English team were playing against the Sri Lankan Cricket Academy. Although not as impressive as the Sooriyawewa International Stadium, the ground was overlooked by the Dutch fort at Galle, adding an interesting historical element and a picturesqueness that few stadiums in the country can match.

Jonny Browne, Jack Carney and Callum Snaylam at Galle International Cricket Stadium

Galle International Cricket Stadium

              After lunch at a local restaurant, it was time to explore the Dutch fort at Galle, which has now been converted into a shopping mall, restaurants, schools and housing. There are still many of the old buildings remaining, but their uses have, on the whole, changed. Galle harbour was one of few large, natural harbours in Sri Lanka, and so was a very important place on the island; it was used as a trade route for silk, ivory, elephants, monkeys, gems and spices. Having realised the significance of this harbour, the Portuguese built a fort in 1588, which was then fortified by the Dutch during the 17^th century. Our boys walked around the fort finding out about its history, whilst also doing a bit of light shopping at the same time! Our 1^st XI managed to charm a snake charmer (possibly with the exchange of a few rupees) and were soon enjoying a display not for the faint-hearted; not a chance you’d catch me holding that scary, leathery snake!

Dutch Fort

Alex Barker, Rananjay Singh, Tom Preston at Dutch Fort

Nick Sweeney, Tom Barker, George Lavelle, Isaac Lea at Dutch Fort

Isaac Lea

Nick Sweeney

I much prefer Cobra beer to this magical slithering snake! From left to right: Adam Weston, Kunal Mahambray, Oliver Green, George Politis, Mr Bell (Whitgift traitor), Matthew Still-Blundell, Jackson Darkes-Sutcliffe, George Lavelle

              After the boys had survived the close encounter with the snake, it was time to check-in to the Coral Sands Hotel in Hikkaduwa. The boys had some time to swim in the pool before dinner (a favourite and common occurrence on the tour), and after a few watery games, they were tucking into the buffet. Matthew Still-Blundell stepped up superbly to steal the limelight from the local band, and then it was time for relaxation in rooms after a long day before bed. Our next 3 days bring 3 games of cricket; hopefully any thunderstorms will miss us so we can end the tour with some wins!

Matthew Still-Blundell steals the show!

A room with a view. Coral Sands Hotel.

              Over and out!