Today Helen, May and Roshan went on an elephant ride round a beautiful lake filled with lotus flowers.
When we arrived we climbed a rickety ladder up to a high platform and Rajah the elephant waited patiently while we clambered onto his back and sat on a padded seat either side of his back.
The mahout was a spindly man with a simple stick to control the elephant. Luckily Rajah obeyed all his commands and transported us safely around the lake stopping to munch on various leaves en route.
The mahout’s friend took pictures of us as he said the camera was safer like that! I tried to take photos but they were all shaky.
After a while Rajah took a precipitous turn into the lake! We were frightened to death.
We couldn’t see what was in the lake and thoughts of unfriendly reptiles made us very uneasy.
Rajah plodded in deeper and deeper.
We raised our legs and I made conversation with the mahout to keep my mind off hidden perils!
We emerged much later thankfully unscathed!
The guide made us all garlands from lotus flowers, which were lovely.
He also found us interesting plants for May to draw.
These are lovely photos of you on Rajah. You are all getting very daring! Rajah looks friendly but I would be bothered about the prospect of crocs!
ReplyDeleteWhat have you planned next?
Love Ali
xxxx
Congratulations on your bravery. No life saving ring ? I am vry interested in the lotus flower.I could not have got up on to the elephant's back. I had a struggle getting up on the 4 poster bed at the castle. Lots of love and blessings. No comments from Malcolm yet. look 4 ward to that renemum xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of a previous ride at Chiang Mai in Thailand, except that you have had the additional water feature. I assume Kandalama is somewhere between Uda Walawe and Galle. We are following your adventures with great interest, and know that you will have much to relate and show on your return.Love from Dad, John and Grandad
ReplyDeleteThe Kandalama was the hotel we stayed in near Dambulla - see entry 8.
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