پولونارووا - 800 سال سے زیادہ پرانے مندر

After lunch, we went to Polonnaruwa, which is about 1.5 hours away. There, we saw ancient Buddhist temple ruins from the 12th century. The excavations are still ongoing.

On the way there, we drove on the 'Elephant Road'. Elephants regularly walk on the road. Soon, I will be able to drive in Sri Lanka because I am learning new traffic rules every day. If a car flashes its lights, it means either the police are checking or an elephant is coming! Very funny.

In doing so, we made a new realization. It is better to have a wildlife accident than an elephant accident. Because the latter usually does not end well.

Upon arriving in Polonnaruwa, we visited the mentioned temple complexes. Different kings in the past each built their own temple (so-called royal palaces).

Out of respect, we take off our shoes. Our knees and shoulders must also be covered.

A little later, we reach the mighty 'Gal Vihara'. Four Buddha statues carved in stone.

What an art!

Can you imagine anything else? We are driving through the countryside and what is playing on the radio? Among other things, Modern Talking (!) and the Backstreet Boys. But don't worry, they are not behind the times. Justin Bieber is also regularly played :D

Oh, and every day I learn new Sinhalese words! I can already say the following words (I write the translations as they are pronounced. So all information is without guarantee):

Yes - Ou

No (I don't want to) - Bäh

No (if 'I don't want to' doesn't fit) - Näh

How are you - Cohomodäh

Thank you - Estuti

Good - Hondai

Very good - Gudda Hondai

Goodbye - Janam

New words are added every day.

There was also a buffet today! I could directly say 'Gudda Hondai' to the cook. Really fantastic!

We also learned something from another German tourist today, which I have also noticed personally. If, for example, you give money to a beggar or don't say 'Thank you' to someone in general, it is not due to their rudeness. But: our karma! The recipient believes that he is making sure that the giver does something good and thus improves their karma. That's why they save the THANK YOU. Because in Buddhism, it is about achieving good karma in order to be reborn as a good being after death. That is why all animals are also respected.

Now it's time to sleep. Tomorrow we're going to Kandy.

See you soon!