The Sri Lanka circuit (The afternoon of day 3) - Madirigiriya - The 7th of December 2011.

Soon after having visited Polonnaruwa we headed to the archeological site of Madirigiriya isolated in the middle of the forest and surrounded by irrigation fields. Its Vatadage, dating back to the 12th century, though fairly similar to the one of Polonnaruwa provides nicer views because of the surrounding landscape, which included two amazingly beautiful ponds. Apart from the Buddhist Monaster which dates back to the second century, remains of the sanctuaries and the small Stupa located on top of a rock were also worth noting.

I believe that had we visited this site some other time (that is, not immediately after having visited Polonnaruwa or eventually not before having had lunch) it may have been thoroughly acknowledged for the importance it has, but the reality is that  tiredeness and hunger played a major role in our less attentive attitude, having mostly taken advantage of its surrounding landscape.

Part of the afternoon was spent on two ateliers - one on varieties of gemstones and the other one on the working of batik.

Although I was suprised to find out that Sri Lank has been known for having the highest concentration of  gem-bearing material in the world, with more than 50 varieties of gemstones mined from Sri Lanka's gem gravel with blue saphires being the most famous, it was the batik technique that mostly fascinated me, because of the refined designs requiring the pouring of the wax through a fine funnel. 

I have known batik for quite a while, having bought several batik paintings throughout the years, but I have to honestly say I had never seen such complex designs nor the use of such a funnel.

Rather than photographing the work that was going on, we filmed the various stages, so as to accomapny the whole process (films will be downloaded  and added to the blog article later).

By the time we reached the hotel we were visibly tired out ... it had been a long day (though most days will) ... a little detail in our bedroom caught my attention ... a farewell sort of treat ... a few leaves and little flowers decorating the bed ...