Our objective today was to stay out of the city, Colombo, where we docked, and learn about agriculture and small industry in rural Sri Lanka. We stopped at the Uyanwatte Reservoir, in Bandaragama. Saw lots of birds that our guide called herons but we thought were white egrets. They also called them cow birds because they waited behind the cattle.

We found out why you never buy cashews in the shell . This is how they grow. Highly labor intensive to harvest, much like macadamias.

We spent several hours in Millaniya Village, riding around the property in colorful tuk tuks learning about gathering latex in a rubber plantation, marveling at the many varieties of bananas, learning about processing tea, (Ceylon tea is the 2nd largest tea export in the world), the growing and processing of cinnamon, palm oil, and coconut oil, and having an outstanding lunch of wonderfully sweet and savory Sri Lankan fish, rice and fruit. Jack Dodge, there is a Jack fruit.

The hardworking people in this area are beautiful, friendly, and accommodating. It was hard to get candid photos because when you asked if you could take a photo they thought they had to pose. I tried to get one of the woman beating her clothes in the reservoir but didn't want to offend her.

Friends, I might just have to outfit my RV like a tuk tuk . That would certainly get everyone's attention.

We drove back to the ship in rush hour traffic but got back with a few minutes to check out the vendors on the pier. An intense thunder and lightning storm was a fun experience as several of us gathered in the Crow's Nest on the top level of the ship, at the bow, and drank wine. (Tough life I'm having.) we arrived in a tremendous storm the night before so we may be in for more. We were so lucky weather wise that we are not complaining.

We are at sea for 2 days before we get to Mumbai.

I have to tell you, I was getting a bit homesick the other night so bit the bullet and downloaded some emails and a small amount of FB. Those of you who commented on this blog made my day. I wish wifi were more readily available so I could show maps and locations, but it's just not practical. I've enjoyed bringing you all along with me, have tried not to bore you, but hope I've let you know what a wonderful time we are all having.

Later........