KANDY AND ITS DANCERS

A stop overnight in the City of Kandy is a natural stop in any tour. When there, take in the Kandy dancers and the fire walking. Performances are held each night at 5:30 for a little over one hour. 16 traditional dances followed by the spectacular fire walking. The famous Temple of the Tooth is also located in Kandy.

TEA COUNTRY

From Kandy, you continue to climb for about 2 to 3 hours to a height of 4500 feet. Tea country forms the most breath taking scenery . Not a square foot of soil is wasted. Tea pickers only pick the newest top 3 leaves from each plant. You may visit the actual tea plantations and factories and have a cuppa on the house.

ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

The elephant orphanage, is about half way to Kandy from Negombo or Colombo. Started in 1982, it took in orphan babies from mothers who have been killed by poachers. There are now about 60 elephants in total. Some have been sold to zoos. But most have been allowed to breed and exist in a safe, secure environment.

BEACHES OF SRI LANKA

The beaches of Sri Lanka are among the finest in the world. The further south you go from the capital, Colombo, the finer they become. From Hikkaduwa and further south, the water becomes bluer, the beaches are cleaner, and, at least while I was there - tourists were sparse

SRI LANKA AND AJITH

If you come to Sri Lanka, you

must contact Ajith Pushpakumara.

He was my driver, and he will show

you the best time, at a very affordable

price. He will make all the arrangements

according to your wishes. He is a very

honest man, with a wonderful family

whom you may meet. Following is his contact information

Ajith Pushpakumara

E-mail - ajithkumara12@yahoo.com

Phone +940776087200 +940112602930

More about Ajith and his family to follow.

ARCHITECTURE OF QATAR

The buildings in Qatar, like all gulf coutries, are unique, awe inspiring, and very expensive. Ovservance of space is not important - they have the space, and the money to use it any way they wish.

Unfortunately, my day was rather dusty. But you get the picture - anything that is different, bigger, and more eye-catching than the next - they will go for it.

Qatar, like many other countries is one of contrast. The Qataris, who make up about 1/3 of the total are extremely wealthy - and it shows - in their cars, homes, malls. The other 2/3 are the expats which make the country function. Maids, drivers, store staff from places like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan , and the Philippines. Then there are the expats from North America, England, Australia etc. who make the educational system function. Also in this group are engineers, architects etc. From very short (and dusty) visit , Qatar struck me as a country without much of a personality- that's just my biased opinion.

FLYING INTO QATAR

Flying into Qatar is quite an awesome experience. One minute you are flying over huge container ships in the Persian Gulf - the next barren desert - and before you know it - like a Phoenix rising from the ashes - the city of Doha appears below you.

OLD FRIENDS

It is always great to touch base with old friends, colleagues, etc., especially after being apart for a few years.