Day 7 - Kandy to Hikkaduwa

This blogger doesn't usually react to well to a 05:30 wake up call, however, today was a special occasion. We were due to catch the Kandy to Colombo train at 06:15, and had to make our way down to the central station from our hotel.  We piled into some waiting Tuk Tuks and within what seemed like a matter of seconds we were at the station. All sense of time and space were lost as the Tuk Tuks hurtled to their destination. Happily, we all arrived in one piece and in plenty of time to get comfortable on the train.  

Even at this early hour, Kandy Central Station was a hive of activity. We had seats booked into a special 'observation' carriage, which was luxurious by the standards of the whole train (mostly 2nd and 3rd class). Also the standards of comfort in our observation carriage were not far behind the rather enticing (but ominous sounding) 'super deluxe' class carriage at the front of the train. Anyway, I digress...

Our carriage was at the end of the train, where the guard's van usually is, and this gave us superb views of the beautiful landscape. This also segregated us from the rest of the train's passengers, who were probably a little relieved not to face another Mill Hill rendition of the now ubiquitous tour anthem 'Maw Lanka'.

Matthew Thal manages a 6am smile. 

As we pulled out of the station, the boys quickly devoured their breakfast packs provided by the hotel. After an hour or so of travelling, groggy morning bewilderment had given way to 'banter banter banter banter'. As we left the city behind us, and hills approached, the boys settled in for what would be a truly breath taking display of Sri Lankan countryside.

The hills outside Kandy.

Messrs. Plummer and Cicale take in the sights and sounds of the railway.

Kush contemplates his next double century.

Following a coordinated waving campaign unleashed by Mill Hill pupils upon the unsuspecting but compliant Singhalese rural population we arrived in Colombo at around 11:00. Here we met up with our coach and guide, Priya. Safely back on the coach, we headed for Hikkaduwa, using the newly opened Express Way.

We arrived in Hikkaduwa around 14:00, where we checked into our third hotel, the Sand Coral Hotel, located on the beach. The boys relished the opportunity to relax by the pool after what had been a long day. They were also able to hone their fielding skills with a game of catch.

If in doubt all jump - the ball will fall into someone's hand(s)!

All the boys went to bed rested, keen to maintain their winning streak tomorrow at the Galle Test Ground.