Day 4: Spice, Gems and Kandy

A sleep in for all today as we had a long driving day. Leaving Camellia Resort at 10 our first stop was  the Ranweli Spice Garden. We were guided around the gardens and introduced to natural remedies for muscle pain, arthritis, acne, migraines etc. as well as common spices and plants like cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla, pineapple and coffee. After our introduction to the world of spices and herbal remedies we were all treated to a free back and neck massage which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

After lunch at the spice gardens we headed for Kandy and on arrival visited a gem museum where we were shown the process used to extract the gems from the ground as well as the polishing and refining process. A couple of boys purchased gems for their sweetheart at home, sorry that should read "best friend".
From here it was a short trip across town to the Cultural Show at the YMBA hall. We arrived a bit early, so after a bit of haggling for a "genuine" pair of ray ban sunnies, everyone headed into town for a walk around. It didn't take long for the group to become separated in the Kandy throng, but no one was lost and eventually Tom K, Tim, Thommo and Bindog made it back in time for the dance spectacular of 2016. There were drummers and acrobats and drummers and dancers and more drummers as they performed a variety of traditional dances. The highlight of the show was the grand finale of a fire walk which brought great cheers from the crowd.

 

We finally arrived at the magnificent Tourmaline Resort on top of a hill in Kandy. Very comfortable, delicious food and free wifi, as usual. Cricket tomorrow which will be a good break from all the time spent in the bus.