Hill Country

Kandy was best enjoyed from further away, at night when the city lights were reflected in its artificial lake. Instead of visiting the crowded Temple of the Tooth, i looked at the tombstones of the British Garrison Cemetery an learned about strange ways to die in old Ceylon (being trampled to death by an elephant, having one´s house collapse on oneself, falling on a pike while trying to get off a horse).

The badly lit cave temples of Dambulla and the surrounding countryside, then on to the impressive ancient rock palace of Sigiriya. While painting this view, a gardener sat by my side to see what i was up to. Along came a sinhalese, then a muslim school group. When my view was completely blocked by giggling girls in ponytails i decided my painting was finished.

And finally making my way to the hill country with its lush green tea plantations and the town of Nuwara Eliya.

At an altitude of 2000 m, it has a mild climate that appealed to british settlers. Their specific architecture is the trademark of Nuwara Eliya, and only the colourful trucks and Sri Lankans trying to sell fake North Face clothing remind you you´re not in England.