Dave and Deb’s Excellent Surf Adventure Part 2
Have you ever loved doing something that you are just not very good at? That is Dave and I when it comes to surfing. Man, we love it, but we just aren’t naturals at it.When we came back to Hikkaduwa Beach on Sri Lanka’s south western coast, we decided to get down to business and try to see if we could actually get the hang of riding the surf. Milan was our instructor and he was fantastic. showed us how to look for the right wave, how to turn upside down on our surfboard to go under a wave and how to feel the right moment to stand and ride the crest of the wave as opposed to white water. He even showed us how to start turning on the wave so that we could actually ride it one day soon.
Mountain Biking in Sri Lanka…Sort of
Dave and I love to mountain bike. We hit the trails regularly in the summer and get out of the city as much as possible. It is so much fun to ride a new obstacle with success, get up the nerve to go down a steep trail and totally gratifying to conquer an epic climb. When we read that we could mountain bike in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, we made sure to hop on the train to check it out. We didn’t have any shoes or helmets and unfortunately they don’t rent them along with the bikes. We had been itching for a ride however, so we decided to chance it and see what trails are around the area.
A Little Bit of Britain in Sri Lanka
One of the coolest little towns we have been to in Asia is Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. What makes it unique is that it doesn’t look Asian at all. You feel as if you have stepped back in time to the 1940’s in England. The town is made up of Old Victorian Architecture bordering the race track and golf course. You can feel the influence of the British all around especially walking along the Grand Hotel Road. It looks like jolly old England rather than in Buddhist Country in the Far East.
Snapshot Sunday #1-Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Welcome to the first of our Sunday Snapshots. This was definitely a highlight not only of this week in travel, but probably our entire ten years in travel. We actually spotted a rare site in Sri Lanka’s, Yala National Park. The elusive leopard. The Leopard doesn’t make an appearance for everyone and as we can attest, not all people had the privilege that we had. Several jeeps waited a very long time for it to climb out of the tree or even move. We almost didn’t believe that it was there. Only a few jeeps remained, when our leopard climbed out of a tree, gave a big stretch, a look in our direction and then he walked slowly to a tree stump in long grass.
Udaipur: The most Romantic City in India
Udaipur, which is situated on Lake Pichola in Rajasthan, India is filled with buildings fit for a Maharana. They rise from the water with architecture dating back to the 1500’s. Domed rooftops and arched windows make for a storybook setting. Days can be spent lounging on a bed with big cushions over looking the ghats (steps leading to the water) and daily life. Tourists dine on balconies and roof top patios as they overlook the cityscape of pastel yellows and creams.
Ode to Bombay
Oh Mumbai, we wish we had more time with you. We love your colonial buildings, your pulsating energy, your friendly people and your scenic waterfront. We were walking distance from all of the top sites and best parts of the city. We strolled to Coloba to see the stunning Gate of India on the Arabian Sea. At least we witnessed the grand old train station and lovely buildings that line Mahatma Gandhi Road. We sampled the food and we walked and we walked as we always do when we visit a new city.
Discovering Hampi, India
Driving up to the ancient ruins surrounded by giant boulders in our rickshaw from Hospet is spellbinding. We have witnessed many ruins in our travels, but for some reason, this place feels special. And it is special. Hampi (pronounced humpy) is one of the few World Heritage Sites that still functions as it has for centuries.
A Day in Goa
Everyone says “you’ve got to go to Goa.” So we did. Patnem Beach is a little slice of paradise. The water is warm, the surf is mellow and the sunsets are to die for. It is an easy place to spend time in. Calm waters flow into fine white sand. Days are spent practicing yoga, taking long walks and working on tanning our Canadian white skin. Goa is different from the rest of India. Alcohol flows freely, bikini clad tourists flaunt their skin and vendors are laid back when selling their wares. I can see why people spend their entire winter on these beaches and never venture far away.
Our Houseboat Backwater Tour of Alleppey
We had read that the backwater tour was a must when visiting Kerala. According to The Lonely Planet It may be one of the most expensive things that you do in India, but it is well worth it. So naturally, we booked a houseboat and splurged on a cruise the backwater canals and tributaries of Alleppey. The boat was exactly what you would want for an exotic Asian Cruise adventure.
Trekking the Athabasca Glacier on our Rocky Mountain Adventure Drive
It was sad to see our Rocky Mountain Adventure end. We really enjoyed ourselves with the gang from General Motors and the other bloggers and writers in the group. But it was our last day driving the Equinox and it was time to head out for our final adventure. We were going to walk on the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Ice Fields.
Great Temples, Monuments and The Pyramids of Egypt
After all, Egypt houses the greatest monuments on earth. It’s temples and pyramids are world famous and they are the top of most people’s dream destination to visit in their lifetime.
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