Swayze is all aorund us

Sri Lanka is an island, separated into different distinct regions.
Like all of our trips, there is always WAY more to see than there is time to see it, so tough choices and compromises have to be made.
Riad is a little bit ancient history and museums and Heather is a little bit rest, and relaxation,
We meet in the middle with adventure outside, so in planning the trip, we incorporate a splash of Riad, Heather and middle.

First up, the ancient cities portion of the itinerary, with that most ancient of cities, Anuradhapura.
It was founded in 431 BC and was famed in the world of Antiquities, as a bridge between East (China) and West (Greece & Rome)
It was the seat of Sri Lankan power until the 11th century (almost 1500 yrs), home to some of the most important relics in Buddhism, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and quite frankly, a super lovely place to spend an afternoon.

When I hear the word Bohdi, I think "Bohdi, this is your wake up call. I am an F.. B... I.. agent!!!"
When a Sri Lankan hears Bohdi, they think one of the oldest trees in the world, grown from a branch from the original tree in India, under which Buddha gained enlightenment.

I so desperately want to share with you my Doctoral thesis, "Point Break & Bohdi: a study in parallels of enlightenment through surfing and bank robbery", but now is not the time.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, aforementioned scared tree, the walled shrine which protects it.

The remainder of the ancient city is a collection of Stupas (or Dagabas), a semi spherical structure, housing a venerated Buddhist relic, and used as a place of worship and meditation.

Heather, respectfully covering her legs and shoulders, walking among pilgrims seeking enlightenment.

A quiet moment in prayer ...

Isurumuniya temple, home of a stunning reclining Buddha (which represents Buddha, having achieved enlightenment, ready to enter Nirvana.

Pilgrims, worshipers, and visitors alike, leave offerings. Offering is an act of generosity to something greater than ourselves, so that one day we too, can be greater.

Ruwanwelisaya stupa, shimmering white in the late afternoon, framed in the distance from the Moonstone temple

This is my Bohdi, which I guess makes me Johnny Utah???

An interesting sign near one of the temples... truer words could not be written.