As we left the hotel by bus, we saw a water monitor lizard on the road. The bus took us to the train station where we boarded the train to Kandy. The train clanked and jostled us during the ride. Upon our arrival in Kandy, we enjoyed a Sri Lankan buffet at our hotel. Afterwards, we travelled to a small theatre where we watched a traditional Kandyan dance troupe. The rhythm of beating drums, stomping feet, and jangling metal created a wonderful atmosphere and sensation. Then the dancers invited our students on stage to partake in a dance lesson. We had a great time trying to get the timing and positioning of body parts to match those of the dancers. After the lesson, we walked a short distance to reach the Temple of the Tooth. First we toured around the lake taking in the scenery and then we entered the Temple. Stunning wall and ceiling paintings made up the entrance, which had been restored due to a bombing 20 years ago or so. Then we moved into the shrine area – fragrant smells of jasmine and lotus filled our noses as we observed many of the locals worshipping inside. We passed through the temple library, we read through the history of the Tooth, and also examined some historical artefacts in the museum. As we exited the museum, the sun had begun to set creating a myriad of oranges, reds, and yellows, in the darkening blue sky. By this time, most of the group was ready for dinner – we enjoyed curries, spring rolls, naan bread, and other dishes at a local restaurant before returning to the Hotel Devon for some relaxation and rest before our journey to the Tamil school tomorrow to participate in our service project. It was a great day filled with different emotions – laughter and joy during our dance lesson – as well as solemnity and reflection in the temple.

by Shannon Abercrombie