Sri Lanka - notes from the trip

Here's a couple of pointers I learned from the trip.

* Always visit the temples early in the morning. The stone floors are simply too hot to walk on barefooted once it approached noon. It's really a challenge to walk around the large circumference of the big dagobas (stupas).

* Do not take pictures of people posing in front of Buddha images. Sri Lankans considered that very offensive.

* The buses do not have luggage compartments. If you are carrying a backpack and planning on taking the buses, make sure the backpack is not too big that you cannot squeeze under the seat.

* If you want to ensure you have a seat for intercity trips, always take the bus at main bus station where the bus starts the journey. Buses are always packed -- even if they aren't when they leave the bus station, they will be after a few stops. Do not take the seats right at the front (the first 2 rows). Those are reserved for the monks. If a monk boards the bus, those taking the front would be asked to give up their seats for the monks. (It did not matter if the monk was young, looked healthy and strong, while the one giving up the seat was an old man with white beard...)

* Most "hotels" are just cheap restaurants and do not have rooms. Be careful when you asked the local for "hotel", for that is likely to lead to miscommunication.

* Do bring a sarong and bathing clothes with you. When it gets too hot, you can always go for a bath in some pond or "tank" (i.e. a man-made lake or reservoir). Just join the locals. Most men swim or bath in a shorts, though I saw quite a number in just underwear. The women however would wear a sarong. If you don't have a sarong, there are many shops that sell them. The men's sarongs made from cotton were going at about Rs500 a piece.

* Always be decently dressed, even when visiting the ruins. The ruins are considered holy and you are expected to take off shoes and hat even when walking into what remains of a temple. In general, do not wear sleeveless tops and your bottoms should at least cover your knees.

* Don't bother with the coffee. Tea is always better than coffee. If you still choose to have coffee, than don't compare the brew with what you get elsewhere and don't complain.

* The water you are served in "hotels" are really just tap water. The water jug (tap water) on the table is both for drinking and washing hands. I drank quite frequently without any problems, although it has a rather disagreeable taste to it. Ask for bottled water if you really want to be safe.