A short day of sightseeing

Buddha of the crochet doily
see all photos »

What I keep hearing over and over again is that the western press only hears a fraction of the troubles that occur here.  There is much more violence that is covered up in order to maintain the semblence of order.  Yet on the street and so far here in the countryside appearances are that life is just puttering along.

I am currently staying at a place run by a German woman who has built with a Sri Lankan partner a small guesthouse.  She told me that initially she had hired one Tamil for every Sinhalese.  But over time the Tamil quit in fear as threats came their way even riding the bus.

The Lion Rock - Sigirya
see all photos »

Today I am coming to you from a completely makeshift computer on the side of a garage that a young man here has put together on his own.  I am in Singiriya which is a famous spot where there is a great rock on which an ancient king set his palace.  You can hike to the ruins on top and pass along the way some famous frescoes of bare breasted beauties.