On Day 4 morning, we explored the surroundings of John's family Motel U in their coconut plantation. The Motel U stands in picturesque surrounds of Udubaddawa. We also visited John's brother Vincent in their coconut plantation and IMP (International Meditation Park). Then went back to Motel U for lunch. I lived in country side when I was young. The surroundings remind me of those beautiful days.
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| Motel U |
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| Motel U |
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| Where we had our BBQ dinner last night |
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| The cobblestone footpath is for foot reflexology |
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| Our local breakfast at Motel U |
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| IMP (International Meditation Park) |
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Vincent's house in his coconut plantation
Open design, very airy |
The lunch was too generous. There was a special dish - pork curry, very delicious. I don't think the pork curry is available in Singapore.
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| Pork Curry |
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| Vegetables |
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| Eggs, Pas Pala [5 Greens] and spices |
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| Icecream in coconut |
After lunch we went to watch St. Anne's ceremonial procession before heading for Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana. The ceremonial procession is also referred to as the Karatha Mangallaya (Cart Festival) as the pilgrims in the past used to come by cart.
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| St. Anne's ceremonial procession |
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| Coconut ship pandal, with a cart on top |
From Motel U to Cinnamon Lodge was a long drive - about 6 hours. We stopped by Hotel Raffles for a short break. Hotel Raffles is owned by a man who'd worked in Singapore for 4 years. What a contrast from Raffles Hotel in Singapore. He was so happy to see visitors from Singapore. We were also happy to meet someone in Sri Lanka who had been to Singapore. On his request, we took a picture together.
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| Hotel Raffles |
By the time we checked into Cinnamon Lodge, it was almost 10:30 p.m. After checking in, we were led by the bell boy to our rooms. The surroundings were very dark and there was no lamp post in the court yard. We won't be able to find out rooms without being led. Nevertheless, the room was nice, neat and clean. It had everything we normally expect to see in a 5-star hotel room: shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, hair dryer, safe, iron, tea & coffee and fruits.
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| Cinnamon Lodge guest room |
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| Washroom |
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| Safe in hotel room |
