Janet's Journal

Whirlwind Tour

The next three weeks were an exhausting but fun tour of the island and being introduced to uncle’s friends.  I stayed in Officers’ Guest accommodation in Minneriya and Vakari.  

One night on Sober Island, a SL Navy run resort, in the middle of Trincomalee Harbour, which included the exhilarating ride there and back in a high speed navy launch before going back to Kandy for 2 days’ rest.

There were two trips to Nuwara Eliya, staying at the Golf Club.  It was here that I first met the remarkable, Pene Gordon, sadly no longer with us.  

Pene had set up a charity 20 years earlier to help the poorest families, especially those in the north.  She raised funds tirelessly for many projects, but especially to build and support pre schools and day care centres for those children who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity.  She was at the Golf Club for her annual Caddies Tournament in memory of her parents who had been keen golfers in their time based in Ragalla

I visited the Pinnwala Elephant Orphanage with mixed feelings.  It was wonderful to see so many elephants at close quarters and to watch them rush down the road twice a day to bathe in the river.  I feel a bit sad that none of them can be returned to the wild though.

A quick tour followed starting with Colombo, included an egg hopper supper at the legendary Green Cabin, sadly no longer on Galle Road. After a single night stay with friends, we were off again calling at Galle before going on to Mirissa for 2 nights.

Suddenly three weeks had gone, and I was heading back to England.  My decision had been made by then, I would be returning to this island.