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Destination: Sri Lanka

Date: 02 June 2010

Wednesday 2nd June! 

Off to the airport on a fine sunny day - the fog decended yesterday so I was EXPECTING trouble! No probs and over to Heathrow with Paul in no time.

I went through at the new check in desk which is much more efficient and headed for Dixons to get Chaini a new laptop - hers had finally given up the ghost! Got a great deal on a small one with an external CD drive as she does not use it all the time and this one will be very portable for her to take home.

My hayfever was playing merry hell and by the time I got onto the plane I was pretty miserable. I asked the steward if I could upgrade and pay for the extra myself and at first he said yes - I was SO relieved as all I wanted to do was sleep and the Aurigny flight had managed to block my ears totally so I was feeling really spaced out and dizzy. I cleared my seat and got my bags and waited - finally he came back and said that I could not change as there was no first class meal booked for me! I told him that I couldn't give a fig about the meal I just wanted to sleep. He insisted that I could not go even tho there were vacant seats! I was NOT happy! What a crazy system - I was not happy!

They put me in the forward cabin with a row of 3 seats so I had a kind of lie down - ish!

Thursday 3rd June

Arrival at Colombo - early at 12.55 - and surprisingly I felt not too bad and as soon as we landed I got into work mode as I knew the 4 volunteers would be waiting for me - hopefully!

Result - they had found each other too and were ready to go! 

Gemma Burton from Guernsey and her cousin Rosie and Peter from Guernsey and his friend Kerry.

Lovely Prasad was there and we sped off to Hikka arriving at a very civilised time of 5.30pm. I had called Sanjay and there was Rice and Curry waiting for us.

Kerry had told me in the van that she didn't like anything spicy! YIKES that would be a challenge! Hey ho - I ordered her Chicken Ceasar salad - I guess she and salad would become GOOD friends during this trip.

Prasad told me that Anura's little nephew had been killed in a tragic bike accident and his father, Anura's brother was very ill in a hospital in Colombo! 

Bed was calling and after a tussle with the AC in 204 AGAIN I gave in and moved to 203 - unpacked if you can call throwing everything around the room in a random fashion unpacking - then fell into bed and a blissful sleep .........

Friday 4th June

Woke at a very reasonable 7.30 and had slept like a baby!

Feeling good this morning still a little wheezy but MUCH better! Phew.

I noticed coming through Colombo that things seem to be much cleaner - the airport road is positively sparkling and everywhere has the lanterns from the festival Vesak which was last week. It looks upbeat and positive so I hope the tourist situation is reflected in this too........

Had breakfast and Anura told me all about his brother and the accident. His brother was on his bike with his wife and the 2 children going to take the little one to the Dr. A van smashed into them as its driver was sleeping. The older boy of 6 was very badly injured and died 7 days later in hospital, the younger one and Mum had minor injuries however dad was severely injured and was rendered unconscious - he was taken to Galle and 3 weeks later transferred to Colombo. He remains there havinf regained consciousness but is still very ill with multiple fratures and other internal wounds too! A tragic situation.

Anura's mother blames herself as she was away in the North and was not there to tell them not to go 4 on a bike - she hated him doing it and would never let him normally!

These awful things happen here so often - life seems so cheap and yet as we know it is very precious - it is a perverse mix as the family are SO important and yet they take so many risks on the road and in travel generally. 

Sri Lanka has one of the highest death rates due to bus/train/bike/walking etc in the world.......terribly sad......

The volunteers arrived spot on 10 and we left for the school!

I just wish people like Annemarie, Gary, Shan, Mark and Lyn could see it now! The playground is like entering a movie set of a Jungle - the centre tree does provide the much needed shade and all the others shrubs are BLOOMING so well!

  
 

The children were very quiet - possibly overwhelmed anyway but Jemma's 6'4 height is taking everyone aback and a couple of them ventured to touch her knee to see if she really was real!

Jemma says it happens everywhere and she is used to it! She tells me she is even taller than her brothers!

The children danced and sang for us - as charming as ever - and maybe my imagination but I am sure they all sing with a lissspppth..........like Disna!

Up the road to see how Niroshini fared in the recent flooding! I felt sure they would have suffered! Sure enough - not as bad as I figured and the beds and furniture were not affected which was good but all her lovely plants in the garden took a hit! Same with Dayawathi's house but it could have been a lot worse and Prasad has told us of many who did not get away so lightly.

Next we shopped and bought food for Nihal and on the way popped into to see Nilmini - Eshan was at school and she showed me his test results from the hospital and we have to go back and see the Dr in the week. I offered to go too.

On to Nihal and I was SO shocked to see him in a truly terrible condition - his arm was in such a mess. Bought about they tell me because he reacted badly to some new medication - I could not believe that it would cause such a violent reaction! Horrific
I offered to get an appointment with the specialist Skin Dr but they were keen to stick with the GP they know. I told them that if it was not easing in a couple of days and they changed their minds that we would call by and see if they wanted to see her!

Back to the hotel for a swim and some lunch and then off out again to see the Kumari family - who were out! Then to Chandrika's - the children were there but no Mum she was working. Gave the children some soft toys and on to shop for Indrani - when we finally negociated our way round all the new walls we found a very sick little Sadeepa with a high fever lying on the bed and the new baby boy who Indrani thrust in my arms - bless him I was waiting for the howl - but it never came - he was quite happy in these white arms! We told Indrani that we would bring the backpack from Christine back with us when Sadeepa was better so I could get some photo's for Christine and Tom in Jersey.

On to see Rani and I gave her some money - her little lad skipped up the hill all smiles to greet us at the house - he had been playing cricket with his friends.

Next on to find little Ayesha - it seems Father arrived back had a fight with granny who then took off with the older daughter to live with some other family and left the little one with father! I am very worried about her as she is only little and I just hope the father is being kind to her. (he left when Mum was diagnosed with cancer and had not been seen since) awwww my little chick......... I love that girly and she is so defenceless..........if he hurts a bone in her body..............

Next to see the lovely Charles family.......they are so serene and the girls are beautiful......Mum showed us all her new skills at sewing......she has made some amazing things.

Next to see Anura's mum and his sister inlaw and the little babe that survived the crash - the tone in the house was very depressed however they did very well not to cry and eventually we gave the little chap a teddy and he seemed VERY pleased with it! 
Next door to Premedasa - he seems so much more blind now and he regaled us with the tale of what the water did! Poor chap he spent 2 days sitting on his bed apparently letting the water flow underneath. At least it was on stilts - he requested this at the beginning! Sensible man!

The whole country suffered from the heaviest rainfall for many years over a few days around the 20th May - 15 people died in the resultant flooding and many many people who do not normally suffer from flooding were completely flooded out!

Last call of the day was to Sarath and Rangani with their 3 children - as usual the girls were all smiles and the little fella was so shy - we gave them all a toy and after I had taken his picture a few times he was beaming away - he is such a handsome child! Bootiful!

Back to the hotel and Prasad took the others back to the Curry Bowl.

Nilanthie came to meet me and we caught up with all the news. She also told me that Pumi, her Mum and brother had a terrible time as the flood - water came up their access drive and they were waist deep in water with all the furniture soaked including the beds etc. She had called Nilanthie from another house to say they had fled to safety.
 
Sat 5th May
9.30am and on the road  the volunteers did NOT go out last night I cannot believe it – it MUST be a first! 

Poor Kerry has been bitten to blazes and Peter is not far behind! To the supermarket to buy tennis balls for the children and off to the Mahathun’s no Dad but all 4 others were there.  The little girl still looks very skinny and under weight but seems responsive.  The boys were as lovely as ever and enjoyed playing ball.  Poor little Kavindra was covered in a heat rash – he is such a skinny little thing anyway – but it hasn’t dampened his spirit!

 Next to see Disna with the baby and Pasidu and Tharushi – Pasidu looks so grown up now – gave her the money from Rob.  The baby is very bonny and Disna was thrilled with the baby clothes from Rebecca Tallon.

Next we called at the Jungle girls to find Hemalatha and Marshika and her father there! I was very surprised!  He turned up 2 days ago……..I got Prasad to ask if he was behaving himself…..she said yes…….however it is early days – I wonder how long it will last?

Onto the Fort for a look at the shops and then to the Ramparts for a look at the view and then into Pedlars for lunch.  Prasad collected us and we stopped on the green opposite the cricket ground as we had spotted a bouncy castle at the Nespray sport’sday.  I wanted to see if I could hire it for the childrens’ party we are having at the hotel.  I got a phone number of someone in Colombo so I will call them to find out.

We drove to the Peacock so I could show the others the rooms there to see if they would rather stay there as it is nearer to the building site.  They seemed to love the ‘on the beach’ element of it and I managed to get Gamini to agree 1,000 rupees per room per night, which went down well too.  We will move them down tomorrow.

Next we drove to the site and called into see Damith and the boys who were cracking on - on the workshop – floors being plastered and the outside too.  It is looking very good.  One thing to see the building on a piece of paper and quite another to see it up with the roof on! Fabulous…….
Chaini and Indika were at their house waiting for us – it all looked very lovely and she had some orange juice ready, which was very welcome!
She said she was happy with the build on the workshop and she really liked it too – then we discussed the school and if she would like to train to be the Head Teacher – she was thrilled and was really keen to do it.  I think I will try and get some sponsorship for each of the Teachers and then we can get cracking on the training and courses they need to do.
We discussed the fact that the workshop could be open for half the day and the school for the other half.
The training can be completed in 1 year however there are 2 days a month after the initial 3 months so we can condense the last bit into a very short period.  Chaini was keen to do this and said she knew some others that would do it too.  We will also give Rasika’s sister a chance to train with Chaini and hopefully learn some more English too.
Very exciting…………………

On the way home we stopped at the lovely fabric shop in Gintota and the volunteers were like children in a sweetie shop – just like I was when I first went there.  There was one lady still there who showed them the hand loom in action and then they chose their fabrics.  We bought a colourful selection and headed on to see Thilini…..she was full of Uni and how tough it was.  Her eyes were sparkling as she told us everything – about the work and the digs and the mediocre food in the canteen – we laughed at how it is the same the world over – its not like food your mother cooks!  She told us she is living in a house with a teacher and her mother.  Thilini shares a room with her friend and seems happy with things.
Her first year exams are in August and she is a little apprehensive about the work involved in the run up to them.

Dropped the vols off at The Peacock and I tried for an early night – however that was never going to happen as there is an enormous party of Sri Lankans in and the music is revving up!

Went on the terrace to assure my self it WAS louder outside – No there was no difference.  Came back in and the door came off in my hand! GREAT  -  it was by then very late and I had to get one of the maintence men out of bed! Again!
 
  
Sunday 6th May

Prasad and I collected the others from the Curry Bowl as they were moving down the coast nearer  to the build today.  First we stopped to buy a food parcel.  First to see the Kumaris – their usual smiley selves – then Chandrika and she told me that had not moved in as I was NOT HERE! Told her to go and see the Monk pronto and get it organised!

Next onto Susila with a food parcel – it looks like she needs it too her little girl Wasani is suddenly very tall and so so thin – her hands are so low down her body – it was immediately obvious there is something major wrong with her!  I need to do some homework and possibly take her to see the Dr – same as Eshan?????    Good God I hope not!

Next to see Sandamali who showed us the computer which she is clearly very proud of!  Kasun was there and his foot looks much better – he is managing with the crutches very well too.

Dropped the others to The Peacock and we all had some lunch – then Prasad and I departed in heavy rain – leaving them to it.

We collected Nilanthie and drove to see Dilini – the girl who had a major op to remove a huge brain tumour 10 months ago – we had a donor who funded 1 1/3 of the price which was an amount they had no chance to raise and they would not have gone ahead without this money!  She looks amazing and was all smiley and animated with us.  Nilanthie asked her all about her work at school etc.  She is due to take A levels in August which is totally incredible when you think what she has had done and especially in a country like this!

Next we went to see Pradeep the 15 year old in a wheelchair – he is so crippled but is very excited to see us as we have vitamins for him – he is convinced that these vitamins are making the difference to his health and he feels better on them!  We had a long chat with him and his mum and she tells us that he is loving going to school and then showed us his work.  His neatness would put many to shame!  There is apparently a school in Hikkaduwa where he could go and do art – I think it is specially for disabled people.  Told mum to find out and if he wants to go there then so be it!  Gave him and his younger brother a tube of the glow sticks – he clearly was fascinated with them.
Dropped Nilanthie back to her office and then came to the hotel.

I went for a little sleep at 6pm and woke up at 12!  Then had a terrible night with the loo calling every 5 mins!
 
Monday 7th May

Decided to stay in bed as I was still needing the loo and my body was aching so much.  Sleep is what is needed…..
The day went by so fast – I slept on and off fitfully but in no time it was 5pm!

Tuesday 8th May 

Yesterday went by in a blur .........still feeling delicate but much better.  

There was a queue in reception to meet me I told most of them to go and see Nilanthie in her office this evening.  

At breakfast Sudeth looked like a crushed man - I know the reason for this!  His eldest daughter has committed the cardinal sin and got married.  Poor man he is bereft!  She left for Oz with her new husband yesterday and he does not know what to do with himself!  The younger one is leaving soon too and so he will mourn all over again!

Off to the bank to collect my new cheque book - as it will be taking a hammering! 

Next to the workshop - we took a friend of Prasad's  - Krishanta, who wanted a lift to Galle - it turned out that he knew Rasika so I offered him a lift to come and see Rasika at work - he was delighted.  Chaini and I discussed bags and orders etc and the boys had a chat.  Krishanta said that he had a friend in Colombo who might sell the jewellery and he would find out for us!

Rasika looks so well - fit and healthy and he had let his hair grow a little longer which suits him well!  he says he needs to have 4 socks inside the limbs and one of the cushions on the back of the socket is coming off as he sits down.

On to the site to find 4 subdued volunteers - they all seemed ok but hot and weary - it takes time to get used to the draining heat especially while working physically too .

On the way back we called into to see the Da Silva sisters - the eldest one had fallen and hurt her hip and lower back and was in some pain.  I asked if she would like some pain killers and gave a strip of Paracetemol and suggested that she see a specialist Dr rather than just the local one.  They asked if I would go too - of course I said yes!

Back to the hotel  for an early supper and early night too! 

Well I WAS planning an early night - but was up till gone midnight doing emails and this newsletter too! 

never mind ........gotta be done..... 

Wednesday 9th June

Murshid Facebooked to tell me that the parcel should be arriving anytime for Rasika with beads from Hong Kong.

Called the man at Nespray in Colombo and he instantly said - oh yes the lady from Hikkaduwa!  The guy at the Sports Day had told him what I wanted and we did the deal for the bouncy castle with ease!

Party party! Whoo hoo roll on Saturday!

Went to see Pyumi her mum and brother (Lynn Stannier a lady from the UK reunited this little family earlier this year as the son was in a boys home and Pyumi was at the Ruhunu State Children’s Home in Galle – she has built them a home nearby) I had a message from Nilanthie that the house was badly flooded in the recent rains at the end of May.  I emailed Lynn and asked her if she wanted me to go check on them.
As Prasad and I arrived she yelled ‘here is white auntie’ – I too have known this girl from the home and she recognizes both Prasad and I from our visits there from a while ago.  She seemed very happy if a little manic – I think mum has her work cut out! The boy who is 13 is very calm and seems very sensible and nice.  He told us that he takes his sister to school very nearby.
The only reason mum knew the house was flooded was when she woke up with her bed floating!  They got out of the house and took refuge nearby.  They were out of the house for 4 days and it took 2 to clean everything up.  All seems ok now.  I gave a teddy and tennisball for the lad and mum some cake and biscuits and Milo drink with soft cheese which the children love.
We left leaving Pyumi yelling good bye as we drove down the road – bless her!  It is very difficult to reunite families after the children have been left for the State to look after.  The process is extremely lengthy and wearing but Lynn persevered.

Next we drove to the Chandana land as I wanted to take a look at how it is now.   A little over grown but ok!

Next to see Pooja and her family – she is tall and lean nw but seems very healthy and happy – speaking a little English too!  Dinushi her mum announced ‘I am a business woman now” and showed me a rail of skirts she has made.  The quality is very good so I suggested she try and sell them in Galle to the shops!  She has the bank manager coming to see her about getting a loan to buy fabric!
I took Dinushi’s overlocker for Thushara Kumari to look at as it is broken and HE is an sewing machine engineer! So hopefully he can sort it!  Then everyone is a winner!

Next to the supermarket to buy a food parcel for Erish – when I arrived they all came out looking very listless – Gunedassa has not had any work for 3 weeks because of the heavy rain.  He is thinking he would like to try and sell fish from his bike – I will have a think!
I stressed the need for Erish to brush his teeth twice a day – so he doesn’t end up with teeth like MUM!
They are all very thin!

Next we popped in to see Salim who asked me for help for another trip to Colombo about his leg.  I told him that as the hospital had advised that his leg should be removed – and I must agree – it is such a mess and is no better 4 years down the line – that I cannot keep paying out if he is unwilling to take the surgeon’s advice.

Last call of the day to Nilanthie’s office to meet with Ayesha’s Dad – Nilanthie gave him a good grilling and told him that all I was concerned for was her welfare and the fact that he chews beetle nut is NOT a good example for her – it gives a high like cannabis!  He was very indignant and said that he loved her and wanted to look after her.  I told that that was fine but it was difficult for me to believe that since he disappeared as soon as mum was diagnosed with cancer and all he has done since back is moan about how dishonest Granny was – which I don’t believe!  I have heard that he came back 2 days before Nilani died and had a fight with her!
I pointed out that I had done more for his family than he had as he was not there when they needed him most!

Granny has gone North with the elder girl to stay with other family.  The neighbours tell us that Granny and him do not get on – I am not surprised I would be cross with him too!
Still as I said to him I am not here to interfere HOWEVER if the child is taken into care  - I will be very upset as I just love her little boots!
He asked me to go and see the room they are renting on Friday.

Thursday 10th June 

Prasad went off to collect the volunteers from Una so we could go to Chandrika's house opening.  As we arrived we could hear the monk chanting and I thought we must be late - but as I explained to the others each ceremony is a little different.  He finished chanting and then we were all shooed out of the house so the family could re enter with the water and the branch of a tree - all according to the Horoscope!

Chandrika had an enormous plaster on her face and explained that the cow had pulled her over and she has an l shaped tear - I asked her if she had stitches - no!  I told her that she may well now have a scar! 

Half way through Chandrika's boyfriend arrived with a day old calf in his arms - I told them they must out the tubing on the rope as I would come and check  - the last cow managed to wrap the rope around its foot and the foot came off!  The poor cow had a terrible end - they will not kill animals like we would to put them out of their pain!

The monk gave us all the traditional bracelet of string and THEN they fired up to boil the milk over! All the bits and bobs done we sat to eat the prepared breakfast. 

We went off for lunch at a very windy Blue Note - there is no one around tourist wise at all .........off to Galle to meet Chaini and Indika and to hear of the motorbike crash with Sumith driving and Chaini's Mum injuring her arm! Indika was off doing his light vechicle test!

We managed to get all the bathroom /kitchen fittings and the tiles too for the workshop which was a good job done.

While we were in the tile shop the manager introduced me to Jules Young who is here for a year working with the Galle District Chamber of Commerce and Industry - she seemed very nice and offered to go and see Chaini with reference the workshop. 

Next we went in search of silk for the scarves for Land of Green Ginger - we have found some beautiful soft saris so Chaini will make a few and we will see how they go!

The volunteers told me that they have been invited by Raja to go to his house on Sunday and sample the local delights!  they will have a ball he is so funny! 

I had to scoot off and leave the others to get a tuk as Prasad and I had to go and get the de Silva sisters for the Dr's appointment.  The rain started as we set off but has eased by the time we collected them.  We carried the older sister out in a plastic chair into the van and Prasad turned his very clever seats around to accomodate her - sister and sister in law came too and we drove to the Clinic in Hikkaduwa where we saw the Dr I had last seen in Galle - he was very nice and suggested an x ray tomorrow and then he would see us afterwards to give the results.  He thinks she has just bruised her side - we will see - I hope that is all.  She is clearly in some pain tho!

After getting all the medication we dropped them home and the men managed to carry her inside sitting on the chair again - she told me that I am like her mother!  Golly I must have aged! She is 70!! 

Friday 11th June 

The wind is yet again fierce and the trees are almost bent double - the sea is raging and a muddy colour - not the Sri Lanka in the picture post cards!  Looks like more rain today! 

I went to arrange to meet the old cardboard man with his wheelbarrow at the little restaurant down the road on Sunday morning.

Off to deliver the computer to Thilini’s mum on the way into Galle.

We collected the tiles and toilets etc for the workshop and arrived to find the volunteers completing the infill for the school foundations.
They were very hot and sweaty and just finished as I arrived.  We unloaded the ‘cargo’ and then all went to see Chaini in the workshop. 

The girls had ordered some bags and we compared the silk we had bought yesterday with the scarves – it was perfect!

Gave Chaini money for both the paint and the suspended ceiling too.

Dropped them back to the Peacock and I came back to Hikkaduwa and took my camera in to get the photos done 

Back for lunch with the wind blowing a hooley ouside the window – storm brewing for this pm I think.

Off to collect the lovely De Silva sisters for the appointment with the specialist in Galle.  Managed to get her into the van and off we set.  Arrived at the Hemas Hospital and fairly rapidly had the 5 required xrays done. 

At that point Nilmini came and tapped me on the shoulder – what stroke of luck.  I told her that I would try and come in and see Dr Ariyananda with her and Eshan.  I settled the sisters and then managed to get in with Eshan. The Dr said that after reading the echo tests and xrays he can see that Eshan has a small leak in one of his heart chambers and does NOT have Marfan’s syndrome – phew I am very glad we did not tell them that last time!  I asked if the leak would pose a problem Dr said that it would only be necessary to administer antibiotics if he ever had to have an op and be put to sleep for it.  So I asked why he was SO thin – the answer is not so clear but he must eat and have vitamins!

Back outside to sit with the girls again and after a while I decided to go and ask reception what time he would be arriving as we had already waited for 2 hours!  She told me ‘he is not here he is in the Co-operative next door”  whoopee do........  by this time it was raining in spears again.  Younger sister and I decided to go and see Dr Seneviratne with just the xrays.  We managed to get in and see him as he recognized me as he came from his ward round and ushered us in dripping wet!  He looked at the xrays and told us that she should be lying down! Ooops!

He said he thought an op was out of the question because of her age and the fact that she already had arthritis in her spine and neck but he wanted to refer on to the surgeon.

He sent for a stretcher and then we had fun and games trying to get her onto it – she was terrified that we would tip her off into the gutter – anyway then we wheeled in to see Dr Swarnakumaar who Seneviratne recommended us to see.  He is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon – he confirmed the diagnosis which was that one of her back discs has been crunched in the fall and that is what is giving her the pain.  She has to lie down for 3 weeks and then walk only with a belt and keep taking the pain killers.  She was very stoical and kept thanking me!  She would make a decent recovery in 3 months if she was careful!

Back in the van to take them home as the rain started again!  Bored with it now – need some sunshine! 

Please let it be sunny for our party tomorrow! Pretty PLEEEEEEEEEZE!

 Saturday 12th  - Happy Birthday to Jemma and as it turns out to Pasindu too

Awoke to rain thundering down – this is party day – how very dare it?  Still there is time yet………

The bouncy castle arrived from Colombo and 3 men set it up and stayed all afternoon. 

Prasad collected the volunteers and they arrived here at 12ish – we waited for Pasindu and Tharushi to arrive at 1pm for a quick swim before the party – but no sign. 

Children started arriving very early and I told Sanjay to make them wait out side as I wanted Disna and Nihal to check them in.
There was a queue in front of the hotel stretching Gallewards by the time they arrived – they were the LAST to come!
Anyway we herded everyone in and into the garden and there was a huge queue for the castle – all volunteers went inside and helped the children to bounce – some were totally fine and others a little nervous to start with – soon finding their feet!

The magician arrived and we set him up at the end of the restaurant with a semi circle of chairs for the adults and the children on the floor in front.  He did his set piece and managed to keep their attention in a set which was 20 mins too long!  He did very well until he magiced some sweets out of a hat and threw them into the air – CHAOS descended – it was VERY funny!  Had he been sensible he would have made that his finale however he had other plans to do a trick for the adults – but the children had lost the plot by then.
We broke for tea and that consisted of a sandwich, chips, noodles Jelly and ice cream – the queue was never ending and they ALL came around for more!  Very successful!

While tea was being served the Clown arrived and he very gamely played football with some of the children – blasting his hooter and clapping loudly then he led a conga around the garden.

Managed to get all sat down again in time for the arrival of Jemma’s birthday cake – the clown bought it in and everyone sang happy birthday to her – we had discovered earlier that in fact it was Pasindu’s birthday too so we did another round for him!

The cake was left to one side and the clown did his set too – we decided that the clown and Magician must have been to magic school together – however the Clown won on personality!  He was very good and the children and adults loved it.
He too threw sweeties in the air but chose to do it nearer the end and again it was very funny.

The cake was cut and all the children left clutching a piece of cake in a napkin to take home – we were shattered – the staff did a brilliant job – the serving of tea was a feat in its self with 180 hungry people jostling for food.

Half an hour after everyone had gone and we were all in the pool for a cool down it did not seem possible that so many were gathered shortly before with the ensuring noise – it WAS fun tho!

Well done to the sponsor he has made 80 children very happy!  I reckon there is going to be some magic attempted at home tonight – some of their little faces when he changed rope into ribbon or a ball into a bunny shape – were fantastic – sheer wonderment!
Awwwww bless!

Jemma’s Mum had told her to take everyone out for  a meal for her birthday however none of them were hungry so I suggested that I would take them for a treat to have cocktails at the Adyitia on the way back to Una – they liked the sound of that !
We had a couple of Mezzer platters and 2 cocktails to celebrate Jem’s birthday and then Prasad and I dropped them back to the Peacock.

Sunday 13th June

I turned on my phones this morning when I woke (they are off in the night otherwise I get no sleep!) and a flood of messages arrived -  get away from the sea - Tsunami warning.

Looked out of my window and all appeared normal!

The phone started to ring with people saying they could not get hold of me. Nilanthie to tell me that she had called to ask Sanjay to wake me.  Chaini to tell me that Prasad my driver had come to get me at 2.30am and waited outside the hotel for 3/4 hour until the panic had passed.
 
My first thought was my 4 volunteers who are staying at Unawatuna. Chaini had gone to get them at 2.30 and take them to her house! 8 kilometers inside the jungle.

Sanjay the hotel head of reception told me that he had the call but as there was no official warning he decided only to evacuate the ground floor of the hotel - he said there was a lot of panic and many locals came to get the foreigners inside away from the sea.
All the staff in our hotel were up anyway as they were watching the world cup!  The earthquake was in the Nicobar Islands and was 7.7 magnitude.  

Spoke to Jemma and she said that Gamini the owner of the Peacock had woken them to ask them what they wanted to do – they called me – to no avail – then called Chaini – who responded immediately.

This is one of many alerts that have been raised while I have been here and they cause the most incredible panic - understandably.  The most memorable one was when I was standing in a supermarket 2 years ago and the call came to run as there had been an earthquake in Mozambique!  People were grabbing my hand and urging me to run - I said that I would not run and there was no need to panic as it was too far away!  They just hear the word Tsunami and it fills their hearts with dread - there is no time to 'hear' that the earthquake is so far away that it is unlikely to affect them.

I have just spoken to Chaini who took the volunteers back to their hotel at 5.30am and she told me that she was very afraid.  She lost many friends and family in the 2004 Tsunami and that and the War with the Tamil Tigers are the 2 things that frighten her the most!  Bless her - she is so thoughtful and I am very grateful to her for thinking of the volunteers before her own safety!
As it turns out there was no Tsunami created.  Phew all aound!

Went off early to the bank and to give the cardboard man his money from Lynn Ireland.  Next to collect Susila and Wasani and take them to see Dr Ranjana in Galle.  We waited and waited and finally when I asked them to call him he had forgotten we were coming.! Anyway he said he would come and arrived ¾ hour later.  He gave Wasana a good check and told me that she has suspected – wait for it Marfan’s – and a heart murmer.  He referred us to Sujeewa Ameresena who just happened to be coming into the Hospital in an hour! I told Ranjana that I knew him – he told me that they are working on a project together and are good friends!

We waited another hour and finally got into see Sujeewa who took a great deal of trouble talking to Susila about her medical history and also examining Wasani too!  He confirmed that she does have Marfan’s and currently it is not too bad but more worringly she has a heart murmer which must be checked.  He wrote her up for echo testing and x rays.

He said that she must not do dancing classes and gymnastics as she has very bendy joints due to the Mafan’s.  Too bendy in laymen’s terms!  Poor little mite she is also likely to become VERY tall and dwarf Susila – I explained that she must have grown at least a foot since I saw her in early March.

Sujeewa says that he sees suspected Marfan’s around once a week! I asked if it was something with Sri Lanka?  He reckon’s that as they see SO many patients this is the reason – I am still wondering when I was told it was so rare!.............curious…………

Dropped into see the Railway family and only the eldest girl was there with the youngest – Mum was at work – hurray she still has the job! And the middle one is with her uncle.  Gave the oldest some money and told her to hide it from prying eyes!  Fingers crossed!

Next we took the mended overlocker back to Dinushi – she was thrilled!

Dropped Susila back home and explained that I would explain to Sanjay about all the things with the Dr.