HS SRI LANKA

Monday morning started with the group feeling well rested, and well fed as we made our way out of the hotel towards the first stop; the turtle hatchery and sanctuary. 

Sri Lanka is blessed with 5 of the 7 species of sea turtles, and we were fortunate to see a few of these at this not-for-profit sanctuary. They work with injured or disabled sea creatures, either taking care of them or helping them for eventual release into the wild. We saw a range of sea-life; black-tipped reef sharks, moray and leopard eels, and of course, sea turtles. Most notable were the Hawksbill sea turtles -both newborn and juvenile- which are endangered due to their beautiful and elaborate shells. We got a chance to touch and see these turtles up close! Another attraction was the albino turtle and the star tortoise. An informative and hands-on experience to see a side of sealife!

We then marched to a local mask artisan to learn about Sri Lankan medicinal masks. Sri Lankan masks were made from balsa wood and used to heal the various ailments of the human body; the sick would wear these masks and then dance in hopes of scaring away the demons that made them sick in the first place. The craftsman also made puppets, to which we were treated to an impromptu show. 

Putting the Experience in Experience Week - Partie 1

Part 1

Mother Nature had some plans for us on Tuesday! The weather took a turn and snorkelling was cancelled. In lieu of reefs, one group explored a cinammon orchard and the local mangroves. They got to learn about the different ceylon cinammon, a sweeter type only grown in Sri Lanka.

Though the water was too murky for snorkelling, the winds made for a stronger surfing session. Students put their skills to work; drawing from their ballet, snowboarding, dance, and other athletic histories to thrive in the water. All students were able to stand on the surf and fulfill their Moana-esque dreams. 

A quick gelato and souvie shopping break later at Galle Fort, and we were off as a group to bike - local bikes for local routes. We explored areas that were devasted by the 2006 tsunami, now returning back to before as crab fisherman took us through their routine. We then continued on the bike tour, seeing massive fruit bats then stopping off at a coconut farm, where all parts of the coconut were used to make rope, charcoal, coconut water, and of course, coconut oils. 

Tomorrow, we are heading to Safari and hope to see elephants, wild boards, and hoping for that elusive leopard during this season. 

À demain,

Till Tomorrow,

The Sri Lanka Team

Putting the Experience in Experience Week  - Partie Deux

Part 2

An early start with seaside end! The most anticipated part of the trip for a certain teacher chaperone, we headed off to Udawalawe National Park for our Safari. A short 3 hour bus ride through scenic Sri Lanka later, we made it! 

Seperating into 5 jeeps, each group was tasked with taking pictures and identifying the various animals found on the Safari (with help from the tour guides). Students who were keen photographers found it a good challenge to take phtos on the go, as well as in spotting the different animals that were camouflaged in the wilderness. We were able to see elephants, mongooses, and various birds - bee-eaters, egrets, and eagles! 

Scan the padlet QR code below for the group video reflections on their time on the Safari. One group was able to accomplish all the tasks correctly: take photos, identify the animals, as well as post a informational padlet - Jeep 1! 

After the safari, we headed to a moonstone mine, which still uses classic mining techniques without the heavy machinery. The gemstone business is one that Sri Lanka is known for, particularly the ceylon sapphire and the moonstone with its blue sheen. We were able to see the mining and polishing process of this industry. 

After seeing the moonstones from the group, we were able to do a moonlit walk along the beach back to the hotel from dinner, where a local dog ended up as our bodyguard. Dogs truly are the best. 

The realization that Experience Week Sri Lanka was ending soon came upon us, and we look forward to having a final day in Galle today, travelling back to Colombo to enjoy a final night market, and then resting up before our journey tomorrow back to Macau. 

À demain,

Till Tomorrow,

The Sri Lanka Team