Ok, so I actually have a little time to write now.
Yesterday we went on a tour of Kandy town, then went to the temple of the Tooth in Kandy. It was one LONG day on our feet. We were able to go into the central chamber where the relic is kept, as well as the main parts of the temple. It is a beautiful place filled with intricate art work. I was able to get a few photos, and some more should be on the ISLE website. We had to go in all white clothing, which was hard to come by, especially at the lengths they wanted. My amma (mother) said that the monks were being way too strict on us, which was true, but it wasn't really up to us. Most people can wear anything as long as it isn't too bright or revealing, but we were told to be especially conservative. My amma and tattaa (father) took me shopping the day before and we were able to find a white skirt for me to wear, although I wear it like a dress (hehe).
I had another great evening with my host family last night (and the night before). My amma and tattaa are very social, and sometimes are out later than I am, visiting their friends for tea. I feel like the mother, asking when they will me home. haha. My brother, from what I have seen, doesn't go out too much, but he is usually in his room so I only see him for meals.
OH - monkeys attacked our house the other day! That was exciting. They came and started eating out of amma's garden and we had to chase them away with sticks and stones. They are fearless, and grabbed ahold of the stick that amma was holding and tried to take it away! One of the monkeys was about the size of Potter, the puppy, which is HUGE for a little jungle monkey.
Breakfast this morning was AMAZING! My amma usually gives me an English style breakfast, which is toast, jam, and eggs over easy (which I hate but am trying to get used to) - but TODAY I got rice with a yam dish, made with white yams, coconut shavings, green peppers, garlic, and other spices. It was the most amazing thing I have ever tasted and I ate til I was sick. haha. Amma laughed and said that she also put some in my lunch. mmmmmm......sooooo good. Apparently she makes English breakfast because her kids don't like the traditional breakfast. WOW - who couldn't like this stuff??
OOO - and I tried Durian the first day here. Durian is the yellow spiked fruit that is known for its horrible smell. I have always heard of it and seen people run from the smell, so of course I was curious. My tattaa eats it, and so does my brother, so they opened one up and let me try it. It doesn't smell as bad as everyone says, and it tastes pretty bland. I had one pod, then gave the other one to Rambo (the dog).
I also had this drink that amma made me that felt like I was drinking snot. It was soo weird to drink, but it tasted just fine. Some of the fruits here are soo different.
Well I am off to the market to get an umbrella (mine went missing in Kandytown yesterday) and a purse so I can stop carrying my backpack everywhere.
Goodnight (or morning) all,
Love from a far,
Bryanna
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Congratulations on being brave enough to try Durian fruit. It is one of the few things the host of Bizarre Foods cannot eat.
ReplyDeleteIt's still very hot here in Whittier, and the sky is full of smoke from the L.A. fires, but it makes for some beautiful sunsets.
You should bring home a monkey and let it loose in the dorm - the chaos would be marvelous.
Sounds like you are having an exciting time! I'm glad that your host family is so nice. That yam breakfast sounds right up your alley - I'm sure you aren't missing CI food :)
ReplyDeleteI too think you should sneak home a monkey - but don't let it loose in my room! :) As the Holes said, it is very hot here, as usual for Orientation. I will actually be helping in the mailroom for part of Sunday while the frosh check in, etc. Sherrie misses you! I'm surprised that the mailroom ladies like me at all right now because I had about 15 seperate orders of textbooks sent to me - I got my own mail tub! On a random side note, do you have Skype? I finally got one to chat with my cousin and with Reme and would love to eventually chat with you. I miss you tons but know that you are going to continue to learn so much and have wonderful experiences in Sri Lanka.
Lots of <3,
Mary Helen
Bryanna!
ReplyDeleteWow, you just took me into another world. Are we on the same planet? France is so different from Sri Lanka (whick I knew before, intellectually), and they are both very different from the U.S. Check out my blog to see pics and what I have been up to. My family has wifi so I have been able to post everyday. I wish I could try that yam and coconut thing. The food is really excellent here, my host mom is a really good cook and I have tried some pretty interesting stuff. The most strange so far was chicken stomach which was blood red, but it was good. You would be proud of my French :) I do more than just get by, I actually communicate with people, and once I get in the rhythm, its not too difficult if they don't speak very fast. Next Friday I leave for Paris (Yikes!). I am so glad to hear you are having a good time! (Can you tell I miss you? I don't want to shut up!)
Love Reme
I do have skype, but I only get internet about once a week, and its hard to find privacy. But whoever wants to skype, email me and I will try to find a time that I can do it. I miss you all so very much!!! ps - the monkey is not coming home with me. Its very mean!
ReplyDelete