Like a fine mist...
That's the best way to apply bug spray. I've also learned that it's ideal to apply it while not fully clothed, taking care to spray into areas that will be covered with clothes, yet still somewhat exposed to the more adventurous mosquito personality types. The more mist the better. In fact, I'm not satisfied til I've oiled up on the stuff.
I ate dinner again at the Chinese restaurant "Flower Song"...and then headed back to my guesthouse to settle in for the night. I'll be leaving for Dambulla, which is known for its cave paintings, and Sigiriya, another ancient site, tomorrow morning. I'm going to try and just take it easy getting out of town. If it takes me an extra day, so be it. I find I rush about a bit too much and then end up stressed. Or, if I don't rush about, I mentally scold myself and therefore am not only slow, but stressed still. Better to take my time. I will try.
So my route now is Dambulla (one night) with a day trip to Sigiriya. Then (hopefully) the next day off to the northeast coast city of Trincomalee. This holds the world's largest natural harbor, which the Japanese were apparently going to invade in World War II because it could fit the entire English navy within its harbor without anyone knowing the difference visually from the outside. The city, which is seated in between two LTTE areas and portions of the country most ravaged by the civil war, is called "Baghdad by the sea" by Lonely Planet. An entire passage actually goes on to talk about the street being nearly empty, with stores shuttered and packs of wild dogs roaming about, and no one else in site except for soldiers, police and checkpoints. They say it feels like an "occupied" city. And then, apparently portions of beaches in the area are strewn with mines still. To get to "Pigeon Island," which is known for great diving at this time of year (it's monsoon season on the west coast, but peaceful in the east...therefore, Sri Lanka is known for always having a good beach)...but anyway, to get to Pigeon Island, just last August you had to give the Sri Lankan navy one day notice so they could escort you out in a small zodiac boat, or an aircraft carrier (and they urge you to request the latter). Unbelievable. And then the book of course goes on to say that if you're a single female you probably don't want to be swimming alone on an island surrounded loads of sailors for company. Did I mention the book also said the area (Trinco) has "ferocious mosquitoes"? Lovely.
Anyway, I've been told my various locals that the situation has vastly improved up there and it's good to visit during this season. We'll see how it goes. If things look particularly dismal upon arrival, I'll just turn around and head back. I think the military atmosphere is not very conducive to relaxation (understatement much?)...
On a totally unrelated note, I got an email from an old source at work giving me an update on the election results there. It was very nice to hear from him. It's fun to imagine a regular life enthusiasm and competency.
Well, not sure what the net situation will be in my next stop, Dambulla, which is really sort of a crossroads town. So I will be in touch.
IJW
I ate dinner again at the Chinese restaurant "Flower Song"...and then headed back to my guesthouse to settle in for the night. I'll be leaving for Dambulla, which is known for its cave paintings, and Sigiriya, another ancient site, tomorrow morning. I'm going to try and just take it easy getting out of town. If it takes me an extra day, so be it. I find I rush about a bit too much and then end up stressed. Or, if I don't rush about, I mentally scold myself and therefore am not only slow, but stressed still. Better to take my time. I will try.
So my route now is Dambulla (one night) with a day trip to Sigiriya. Then (hopefully) the next day off to the northeast coast city of Trincomalee. This holds the world's largest natural harbor, which the Japanese were apparently going to invade in World War II because it could fit the entire English navy within its harbor without anyone knowing the difference visually from the outside. The city, which is seated in between two LTTE areas and portions of the country most ravaged by the civil war, is called "Baghdad by the sea" by Lonely Planet. An entire passage actually goes on to talk about the street being nearly empty, with stores shuttered and packs of wild dogs roaming about, and no one else in site except for soldiers, police and checkpoints. They say it feels like an "occupied" city. And then, apparently portions of beaches in the area are strewn with mines still. To get to "Pigeon Island," which is known for great diving at this time of year (it's monsoon season on the west coast, but peaceful in the east...therefore, Sri Lanka is known for always having a good beach)...but anyway, to get to Pigeon Island, just last August you had to give the Sri Lankan navy one day notice so they could escort you out in a small zodiac boat, or an aircraft carrier (and they urge you to request the latter). Unbelievable. And then the book of course goes on to say that if you're a single female you probably don't want to be swimming alone on an island surrounded loads of sailors for company. Did I mention the book also said the area (Trinco) has "ferocious mosquitoes"? Lovely.
Anyway, I've been told my various locals that the situation has vastly improved up there and it's good to visit during this season. We'll see how it goes. If things look particularly dismal upon arrival, I'll just turn around and head back. I think the military atmosphere is not very conducive to relaxation (understatement much?)...
On a totally unrelated note, I got an email from an old source at work giving me an update on the election results there. It was very nice to hear from him. It's fun to imagine a regular life enthusiasm and competency.
Well, not sure what the net situation will be in my next stop, Dambulla, which is really sort of a crossroads town. So I will be in touch.
IJW
posted by IJW at 9:17 PM
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