It hit the weave and cut a mile

On Saturday 12th we drove to a beautiful town called Nuwara Eliya which was on the top of a mountain range, approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Kandy. On the way we passed many of the famous tea plantations of Sri Lanka and stopped for tea at a small bungalow owned by a company called Mackwood Tea. We then drove for lunch to their tea factory which had a restaurant at the location. I would liken it to Sirromet winery, but for tea. We were given a guided tour of the tea factory then given a buffet lunch. This weekend marks the New Year celebrated by the Hindus and Buddhists. We were lucky enough to see their celebrations and unusual rituals. Down the mountain, many people gathered alongside a river when three men were select to participate in a ritual. They were pierced by hooks all over their body and suspended by a tree trunk and driven up the hill. My understanding is that this display of personal sacrifice highlights their devotion to the religion. After seeing this ritual we drove to Nuwara Eliya to play cricket against their under 17 rep side.

The game turned into a 15 over match due to pending rain and we played on a Hessian mat. We batted first, scored 103 runs then the rain came. In pouring rain we tried to bowl and field, with little luck, for 9 overs until the thunder and lightning forced our hand and the game was called off. It was an amazing sight when the cloud passed through and we were amongst it playing cricket. It was a very unique day all round which held many new experiences.