#kandyan

[kumimonster]

2017 September 24 - Udunuwara

[desigirlspends]

Following our initial boisterous packed days in kandy immersed in Sri Lankan Culture and Ambience, what welcomed us next was beyond our expectations.

The Ditwah Cyclone...

Disrupting our departure plans from Kandy back to Colombo, the trains contact center unresponsiveness further added tension of our uncertain future. As an introverted worrier, I cannot go about without plans. Yes yes I've heard it multiple times that if its not within our control, why tense? I wanted it in my control! I have back up plans for my back up plans. Both the Sims we had purchased from the CMB airport weren't functioning as smoothly and when approaching the receptionist at our humble resort, we were told that the roads were all blocked by water. Not wanting to risk, he firmly informed us that we may not be able to check out the next day declining our request for a late checkout.

In the middle of the night. There was a sudden power cut and the lights all went out. Being a mosquito seasoned country, nothing attracts mosquitoes more than heavily fleshed girl wearing black pajamas at night. Around 2 am, all us women woke up thanks to the dark tiny pests and called up the receptionist multiple times and begged for atleast the generator be turned on. After several attempts we got back our fans on. Not because we were feeling hot but because it was completely dark. We need to charge our phones so we may find alternate routes the next day.

The next morning. We find out the roads are still blocked and the rain is non stop due to Cyclone Ditwah which was reportedly headed South India. And all areas including Nuwara Eliya, Mahavelli basin, Badulla, mostly central, eastern provinces were flooded, 100s reported dead and 100 others reported missing. I searched and searched contacted all those agencies that provide car rental, reached out to the travel agency at our previous hotel only to be shut down. We were three women left with no connectivity, wifi data, no direction or guidance and barely any funds to last another day at the resort. Cherry on top, I ended up breaking my new spectacles. Another major issue was the language barrier. The people in kandy knew basic English, however they needed to be informed of what was required in a careful manner. The resort said there was no way to drive and that they can provide a transportation the next day to get out to kandy city center for ourselves just to get some insight.

We had 3 tickets of second class train ready to go by 3pm and reach Colombo by 6pm the same day. However as per the resort staff there was little confirmation that the trains might go at all.

The following 32 hours there was no connectivity, wifi. Calls incoming outgoing.. Ammi occupied herself with playing Mahjong on her phone, while Aapa had quite conveniently downloaded herself some episodes. I stared at my connectivity bar hoping that one bar would come up and I'd call Kandice again. Midnight, there was utter darkness, the resort staff explained theres no electricity and the people around us had their homes destroyed which is why they were now too occupying the resort. We were the only customers of that resort. Frustrated, angry and hopeless we prayed relentlessly praying that God would send a strong ray of sunshine to dry up the water the next day. Unable to sleep because I wanted to make things better for my family I spiraled. I started messaging people and saving them in drafts hoping to send them when the wifi would come back. Tearing up every other moment. Thinking I would become part of the kandyan community and start talking sinhalese. Mind does wonders when its afraid. I prayed for Sri Lanka and its people, prayed continuously that night. Apa kept checking if the rain stopped at all.

Morning came, we had our breakfast and requested a ride to the city center, it was 9 am we first headed towards bus station, apa and the receptionist went in to find out that no bus will go till 1st of december. Then we headed towards the railway station, only to be met with worser news that the trains wont function for another 3 weeks. Teary eyed, Apa returned. Upset and distressed we opted for overstaying our resort for the next few days and requested another stop for money exchange.

They dropped Ammi and me at KCC mall and OH boy! The scene at the Mall was all up in Festive Mood. The foreigners there were having coffee, samosas, people charging their phones. Although the Money exchange kiosk wasnt open rather it was open but there was no one there to attend to us. The receptionist told us to stay put and he'll look for another kiosk. Me and ammi wandered around and came across this lady leaning against a pillar talking heartily on her phone. We looked at each other and wondered how she was talking while we struggled to get connected with our family. Ammi approached her and asked her how she was talking. To which the lady informed her that there was a working unpopular Sim that was coincidentally in action during the floods. We hurriedly headed to the shop to find it crowded. While this was all going on, Ammi and I started bickering at each other while the receptionist got us a token number and we were informed to wait ill 2pm to be attended. Ammi started to beg as we were stranded and didnt know anybetter. Until a kind person approached us offering a phone call with the Sim that was working. Ammi took the opportunity to call my father back in UAE instructing him to cancel our flight tickets and Most importantly paying the Phone bills on time 🤦‍♀️

I took the opportunity to call upon my friend kandice who advised me to get help from her uncle who was on some business trip in kandy. Her uncle who staying at a guesthouse invited us to his abode and offered us a car trip back to our hotel (which i by the way cancelled) in Colombo. Trusting her help and his guidance, we quickly rushed back to our resort, packed our stuff and headed towards the guesthouse. From there we were on the road for the next 5 to 6 hours.

The person driving was very careful and knew the roads well, every few minutes he would make calls and ask about some highway in Kurunegala. Along the road, we saw villagers, cars, big and small and the number of tourist busses, uncountable. There was so much debris and destroyed houses. It was a devastating scene. Ayatul Kursi was constantly on my lips. Kandices uncle offered us accommodation in case things go south as in if we dont find the road towards Colombo. The trip was long. Although I was grateful, scenes from the series Stranger things and From kept flashing in my head keeping me on edge.

We crossed Kurunegala, and abruptly my phone went all loud with the phone calls. Turns out my father, brother and sister in law were calling constantly the whole day and my brother begged for a live location.

Looking for a hotel to spend the night in, we discovered all the hotels were sold out or extremely overpriced. I theorized it could be that the tourists were overstaying at the hotels due to the floods. Even the hotel i cancelled was charging us AED 1200 per night. Uncle advised us a cheaper accommodation for the night and called some of his fellow colleagues to help us find a room in another hotel so we may stay in Colombo until our departure.

With the data and connectivity issues back and a hotel to stay a night in, my mind shut off and I slept a good 8 hour sleep that night.

Colombo was humid.

Stay safe Sri Lankans!

May You get back on your feet again. Ill see you again next year.

Thank you for your Hospitality!

[tymo19]

Bridel+Groooms kit+ maids & Bestman kit by @tymeron_carvalho . Hair- @asanja1 @asanja211 Make up- @vjp_makeup & @suemadewala_ 📷- @eliadavideweddings . . . #colombo #gampaha #srilankan #kandyan #weddingdress #weddingphotography #groomsuit #maidsdresses #bestmenstyle #mensfashion #thisistymo (at Colombo, Sri Lanka) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkZ2V_sot8C/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[realdeallanka]

🛒 Kandyan Tumeric Powder This is 100% organic turmeric powder which is a pure harvest of Sri Lankan turmeric plantations.Turmeric is amongst the world’s healthiest food as well as a popular spice. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been used for centuries due to these health benefits. 🌟 Botanical Name : Curcuma longa L 🌟 Family Name : Zingiberaceae 🌟 Commercial Part : Rhizome or underground stem 🌟 Usage 🌟 Sri Lankans use turmeric to marinate fish before cooking. 🌟 Turmeric is both used as a coloring and flavoring agent in Indian cuisine. 🌟 Solutions of turmeric have long been used in the treatment of wounds, eye infections and common cold. 🔥 Price : Rs.1,200 - Rs.2,750 🔥 Price : $6 to $13 📞 Contact Us : [phone] (Available On Whatsapp) 🚚 Islandwide Delivery Available ✈️ Worldwide Shipping Available (SL POST/DHL Express/EMS/UPS/FedEX) ✅ Payments Accepted via PayPal / Payoneer 💛 Like our page : https://www.facebook.com/therealdeallk 💛 Follow us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/real_deal_lk #spice #vegetable #sri_lanka #online_shop #kandyan #household #kitchen #medicine #tumeric #antioxidant #skin_beauty #powder #seasoning #hot #dishes #meat #pepper #savory #finest #salad #worldwide_delivery #sauce #high_quality #cooking #uk #us #europe #asia #middle_east #ebayseller https://www.instagram.com/p/CVUcJQ0BzzD/?utm_medium=tumblr

[realdeallanka]

🛒 Kandyan Cloves Whole Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of trees native to Maluku Islands and these days primarly harvested in Asia and Africa. Cloves date back to the spice trade and with their exotic flavour and aroma, clove powder goes well with stews, marinades, spice cakes and gingerbread. Sri Lanka holds a supreme position in the production of Cloves. The finest Sri Lankan Cloves is grown in the upcountry areas. 🌟 Botanical Name: Syzygium aromaticum 🌟 Family Name: Myrtaceae 🌟 Commercial Part: Green as well as ripe and dried pod (fruit) 🌟 Usage 🌟 Cloves are used in the cuisine of Asian, African, Mediterranean, and the Near and Middle East countries, lending flavor to meats, curries, and marinades, as well as fruit (such as apples, pears, and rhubarb). 🌟 Cloves may be used to give aromatic and flavor qualities to hot beverages, often combined with other ingredients such as lemon and sugar. 🌟 They are a common element in spice blends, including pumpkin pie spice and speculoos spices. 🔥 Price : Rs.1,000 - Rs.2,000 🔥 Price : $5 to $10 📞 Contact Us : [phone] (Available On Whatsapp) 🚚 Islandwide Delivery Available ✈️ Worldwide Shipping Available (SL POST/DHL Express/EMS/UPS/FedEX) ✅ Payments Accepted via PayPal / Payoneer 💛 Like our page : https://www.facebook.com/therealdeallk 💛 Follow us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/real_deal_lk #spice #vegetable #sri_lanka #online_shop #kandyan #household #kitchen #medicine #cloves #whole #aromatic #powder #seasoning #hot #dishes #meat #pepper #savory #finest #salad #worldwide_delivery #sauce #high_quality #cooking #uk #us #europe #asia #middle_east #ebayseller https://www.instagram.com/p/CVUbz9HBC6d/?utm_medium=tumblr

[realdeallanka]

🛒 Kandyan Cinnamon Sticks/Powder This is 100% organic cinnamon powder/sticks, which are pure harvest of Sri Lankan cinnamon plantations. The purest harvest of cinnamon sticks has been processed into powder form whilst preserving all the nutritional and medicinal properties. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been used for centuries due to these health benefits. 🌟 Botanical Name : Cinnamomum verum 🌟 Family Name : Cinnamon 🌟 Commercial Part : the dried bark 🌟 Usage 🌟 Cinnamon is considered traditionally a good remedy against vomiting, nausea and diarrhea, and is also used to help digestion and soothe stomach problems. 🌟 Cinnamon can also be helpful for a fresher breath and for teeth gums (just chew a piece of bark after a meal). 🌟 It is also a very important source of antioxidants. 🔥 Price : Rs.1,000 - Rs.2,000 🔥 Price : $5 to $10 📞 Contact Us : [phone] (Available On Whatsapp) 🚚 Islandwide Delivery Available ✈️ Worldwide Shipping Available (SL POST/DHL Express/EMS/UPS/FedEX) ✅ Payments Accepted via PayPal / Payoneer 💛 Like our page : https://www.facebook.com/therealdeallk 💛 Follow us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/real_deal_lk #spice #vegetable #sri_lanka #online_shop #kandyan #household #kitchen #medicine #cinnamon #sticks #indian #powder #seasoning #hot #dishes #meat #pepper #savory #finest #salad #worldwide_delivery #sauce #high_quality #cooking #uk #us #europe #asia #middle_east #ebayseller https://www.instagram.com/p/CVUbk6Xh1pL/?utm_medium=tumblr

[realdeallanka]

🛒 Kandyan Chilli Pieces/Powder Fine ground red chillies of the finest quality distinguished by their brilliant red colour and mild pungency. Chilli is a heating spice and comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and degrees of pungency. Chilli is America’s most important contribution to the world of spices, though today it is one of Sri Lanka’s major export attractions. 🌟 Botanical Name: Capsicum annum L., Capsicum frutescens L. 🌟 Family Name: Solanaceae 🌟 Commercial Part: Green as well as ripe and dried pod (fruit) 🌟 Usage 🌟 Chillies are used in Sri Lankan dishes for their hot taste and reddish colour. Red chilli ground together with coconut gives curry a firm texture. Chillies are a great source of vitamin C and good for digestion. 🔥 Price : Rs.1,000 - Rs.2,000 🔥 Price : $5 to $10 📞 Contact Us : [phone] (Available On Whatsapp) 🚚 Islandwide Delivery Available ✈️ Worldwide Shipping Available (SL POST/DHL Express/EMS/UPS/FedEX) ✅ Payments Accepted via PayPal / Payoneer 💛 Like our page : https://www.facebook.com/therealdeallk 💛 Follow us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/real_deal_lk #spice #vegetable #sri_lanka #online_shop #kandyan #household #kitchen #medicine #chilli #whole #indian #powder #seasoning #hot #dishes #meat #pepper #savory #finest #salad #worldwide_delivery #sauce #high_quality #cooking #uk #us #europe #asia #middle_east #ebayseller https://www.instagram.com/p/CVUZ7AoB6tZ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[realdeallanka]

🛒 Kandyan Cardamom Whole Cardamom is a spice that originated in Asia. Today, It is regarded as the queen of spices and is one of the most expensive spices, ranking third, the first and second being saffron and vanilla, respectively. There are two main types or subspecies of cardamom.Their scientific names are Elettaria, a green or true cardamom, and Amomum, which stands for black, white, or red. Cardamom was traditionally considered as an herb and was one of the ingredients in ancient Sinhala Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. 🌟 Botanical Name: Elettaria cardamomum 🌟 Family Name: zingiberaceae / ginger 🌟 Commercial Part: Green as well as ripe and dried pod (fruit) 🌟 Usage 🌟 Both forms of cardamom are used as flavourings and cooking spices in both food and drink, and as a medicine. E. cardamomum (green cardamom) is used as a spice, a masticatory, and in medicine it is also smoked. 🔥 Price : Rs.2,500 🔥 Price : $13 📞 Contact Us : [phone] (Available On Whatsapp) 🚚 Islandwide Delivery Available ✈️ Worldwide Shipping Available (SL POST/DHL Express/EMS/UPS/FedEX) ✅ Payments Accepted via PayPal / Payoneer 💛 Like our page : https://www.facebook.com/therealdeallk 💛 Follow us on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/real_deal_lk #spice #vegetable #sri_lanka #online_shop #kandyan #household #kitchen #medicine #cardamom #whole #indian #powder #seasoning #hot #dishes #meat #pepper #savory #finest #salad #worldwide_delivery #sauce #high_quality #cooking #uk #us #europe #asia #middle_east #ebayseller https://www.instagram.com/p/CVPh_hEhw6t/?utm_medium=tumblr