Sri Lanka, Vicki visits places outside the ceramics studio

The island of Sri Lanka beckons with mystical 

and mesmerizing locales. 

An idyllic coastal landscape. 

The inviting sea is never far wherever one roams. 

Colorful boats are ready for another fishing venture. 

And even four-legged creatures enjoy an outing by the shore.

The Dutch, one of many colonizers, left their

 trace with innumerable inland waterways, and canals. 

Maneuvering inland with goods to transport. 

Boats moored along a canal at dusk after a busy day of fishing. 

Canals are not only boons to transport, but scenic spots to behold. 

Away from canals, bicycles are an omnipresent, eco-friendly way to traverse across town. 




The country is home to various religions, 
with Buddhism, Hindu, and Islam predominating.

Places of worship are ubiquitous, including this Hindu temple.

And this Mosque in the heart of the capital's commercial district. 

Stunning architectural edifices amaze, such as the Jaffna library. 

Sunrises and sunsets are a marvel to observe, 
as they have been for all prior civilizations. 

And the geologic landscapes that attracted earlier kingdoms 
remain magnificent to behold, such as at Sigiriya. 

Up in these rock formations of Dambula, cave temples were constructed millennia ago.

With astonishing sculptural masterpieces.

The inhabitants of ancient Sri Lankan cities have long gone, but their astounding works of art and architecture remain.

The historic kingdom of Polonnaruwa is one of many
UNESCO world heritage sites in the country.

An image of the seated, meditating Buddha,  at Gal Vihare,
a sculptural masterpiece at Polannaruwa. 

Reclining Buddha sculpture at Polonnaruwa. 

Kiri Vehera Dagoba.  

Tea estates pervade the central highlands.

Elephants steal the show, as they dance and march around Kandy in the annual Esala Perahera. 

This event celebrates a Buddha's tooth, said to reside in an eponymous Kandy temple, 
and paraded around the city in a casket atop dancing elephants,  glowing in lights 
and sparkling regalia,  and entertaining crowds from around 
the globe for 8 nights with their spectacular show.

During the daytime, Kandy remains a tranquil town, 
where one can find joy and solitude on a walk around the lake. 

And smiles dot one's footsteps.