Sri Lanka is indeed a marvelous place. A highlight was visiting the elephant orphanage - not only did we get up close views, we were also able to watch them bathe in a nearby river. Fantastic creatures! We then explored the grounds and buildings of the famous Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka, and toured Kandy’s impressive city and botanical gardens.

Nearing the end of our voyage, one of the images that will stay with me is that of the colorful wooden boats the Trivandrum fishermen pulled up on the beaches of the town. Galle, Sri Lanka was also a highlight, with Old Galle being the part of the town that is enclosed in the Portuguese fort walls. Many of the bastions and sections of the walls still stand and one can walk along the ramparts and get beautiful views of the beaches and seacoast.