Day 2.

Day 2

After a lovely buffet breakfast we travelled to the Temple Of The Tooth Buddhist temple in Kandy which is famous for holding the tooth of the Buddah and Rajja - the famous elephant. We saw traditional drumming and offerings with flowers which we all felt very honoured to be a part of. When leaving the temple, we witnessed a man being hung by hooks in his back to test his faith which we all found highly disturbing.

Around the temple area, we saw lots of monkeys showing off, a huge lizard and a wild elephant which was strange as that is not anything like what you would see in England. We then travelled to a tea plantation which was very interesting yet hot! We then got to sample the tea which we all found very bitter as there was no milk! Some people then bought some of this tea for their family (who we all miss so much!). We then had a three hour journey to Dambulla (luckily the coach was air conditioned!) and played some singing games which helped pass the time.

We went to a lovely spice garden for lunch and had a buffet lunch where there was red rice and jackfruit curry and we also had jackfruit with ice-cream for pudding. We then made our way round the gardens and sampled some of the spices growing. Ryan and Felix tried to eat a mouldy coconut, but luckily Modishan (our tour guide) stopped them just before. Mr Taylor was used as a guinea-pig to trial a cream which magically removes hair and he now has a bald patch on his leg! After that Modishan then got us some King Coconuts to try. We drank the juice and some of us ate the flesh, which everyone seemed to enjoy.

After this we headed to a new hotel where we chilled by the pool. Our rooms are really big and air conditioned, luckily we're staying here for two nights :D

Here are some comments and quotes to you about yesterday:

Felix:
"Hi Mum, Dad, Savv and Howard.
I fist pumped an elephant today. No sleep in 30 hours and still going strong. Love you loads.
Love from Flixy."

Ryan:
"Hi Mum, Dad and Izzy,
I didn't realize how ugly elephants were, but still they were decent. 
See you soon, Ryan x"

Jake:
"Alright fam,
It's crazy to be here. We stroked some elephants today which was pretty weird but cool. Don't miss me too much.
Lot's of love, Jake xxx"

Imogen:
"Hi family,
It's mental and really busy. Hope Loco is OK. The elephants are so cute and amazing.
Love Imo, Imo, Imo.

Niamh:
"Hey Mum, Dad and Max,
I'm alive! Sri Lanka's cool and really hot. I ate some curry today. Hope all's OK with you. See you soon.
Love Niamh xxx"

Sameena:
"Hey famalam,
The flight was long but worth it as I got to watch 'Monster's Inc University' again. I have already realized that family and friends are more important than money and material goods. Grandad, I am safe and haven't gone anywhere on my own. Uncle Bill was right about the itchy feet ;) 
Love you lots xx <3"

Amy:
"Hey Mum, Dad and Chloe,
I just wanted you to know how much I miss you, but also what an amazing time I'm having. The elephant orphanage was heartbreaking, but the best experience to touch the elephants.
Love you lots and lots, Amy xx"

Peter:
"Hi Mum and Dad,
There are no road rules here, expect keep to the left and beep when you want to overtake!
Love from Peter."

James:
"Dear family,
Great trip so far, lots of travelling. Saw elephants. Very hot and humid.
From James."

Jack:
"Dear family,
Brilliant trip so far! Nice cool pool. James isn't as good at swimming as he says he is! :D
Love from Jack."

Maddy:
"To Mum, Dad and Jess,
I'm looking forward to working in the schools as school children have been very excited to see us. Jess, don't watch too many Hugh Grant films without me! ;)
Lots of love, Maddy xxx"

Ria:
"Hi Mum, Dad, Jay and Rahol,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY! It's so different here from India! No potholes, hardly any cows and no honking! I've got
 a few laughs about my whistle, Nani and Nana, I'm fine and always in a group.
Lot's of love, Ria."

Lucy:
"Hi Mummy and Daddy,
Missing you already! <3 We saw the baby elephants and got to touch their nose and trunk! It was so cool :D Can't wait to see you and of course Leo!
Love Loopy Lou,
P.S. Don't forget 'X Factor!'

Mr T:
"Elephantasia is my word for the day! Never thought I'd get that close to an elephant. Kids and staff, are very tired, but spirits are running very high. Can't wait for tomorrow. Missing the early morning Spongebob's with TJ.
Mr T x

Mrs Angel:
"Dear Mum, Ka, Elise, Leo and Paul.
Having a great time! It is wonderful being back in Sri Lanka again. The weather is lovely and the students are being lovely.
Ka, hope the move goes well.
Love you lots. xxxxx <3"  

We are all now catching up on sleep (some of us) and getting excited for tomorrow! Can't wait! Speak soon! :) <3