Guess its winding down time as we have to deal with different age groups and we decided that we will slow things down. So far we have been enjoying nice Jaffna food, breakfast was a good Iddly feed from a nearby eating house! Once all were stretched up, we headed to Fort Hammenhiel which is also in Karainagar. As we drove past the ruins and abandoned houses, we reached a naval check-point and then, all of a sudden, we are confronted with an awesome scene of serenity!
One cannot imagine that there is such beauty in the North!
We drifted around the beautiful scenery and the young ones decided to try their skill on Kayaking, which turned out to be a tough experience with the wind blowing towards us! But many of us, including Angela were bold enough!
It was a good decision to come here, everyone was able to relax and sip beer prior to lunch just enjoying the lovely scene!
We enjoyed a nice lunch with Lagoon Crab and deviled Pork! This was the only place we were served pork, so for you pork lovers, you still have hope!
My most disappointing moment was when I missed Flamingos flying over us, I had wrapped my camera in a plastic bag with the idea of taking it with me on the kayak and by the time i unpacked it again, they were gone! I wanted and waited in hope but none. The migrants are probably a little early.
More pictures to share..
Our next stop was Keerimalle hot springs which turned out to be rather disappointing due to the information available. Its really not a hot spring but a pond beside the sea. It is a sacred pond due to various beliefs and there are temples surrounding the place. There is a sign for fresh water showers at Rs 20.00 per person indicating the pond is not fresh water. Looking into the pond does not give you a good feel about even getting into it, rather dirty and whilst there are signs to say not to use soap and shampoo, by the looks of the water, it seems to be full of it.
Unless one has a very good reason to go and dip yourself in the sacred pool, its not worth the trip.
Last minute shopping and discovering the ‘palaharams’ of the north, took us to the Jaffna market where all the nice things were available. One needs a good couple of hours to taste the Palmyrah jaggery, roots, sweets, whatever! They have grade A and B, so there is a need to understand this but clearly this is good marketing for a higher price!
And its important that we go back to the place we liked most, Rio Ice Cream! Its amazing to see how many people patronize this parlor. It sure will be a good case study to see whats is the real success and how does one retain customers as most people who come in are the locals. Believe me, the place was packed!
We were able to toast Champagne for Aunty Shereen and Michael who celebrate their birthdays on the 21st!
And so, all are tired and ready to get back home! Managing a group of 11 aged 12 to 91 is surely a lot of fun and we all had a great time. The train journey back will give us additional rest that will prepare some of us….oh, its just me going back to work… and the rest as they head back to OK and Kandy tomorrow!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Ps. 107:1
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