Interlude - Bus Journey

Before we give our shining review of Sigiria I want to write about some of the in between moments. Apologies for my sentimental writing style. This bus journey was so unlike anything I have ever experienced I felt I had to share it.

So let me paint a little picture...

You are a still a little jet lagged, you’ve woken up at 06:20, walked and climbed over 20k steps (thank you apple) in flip flops, and now you are sat on a hot sticky bus back to the guesthouse. 

It’s a Leyland bus, the type I imagine was used in Britain in the 60’s (just like the bus from the magical mystery tour) but it’s pimped out Sri Lankan style. With moulded plastic gold and LED Buddha light display at the front and a sound system playing Sri Lankan sega music, which is surprisingly relaxing in combination with the gentle vibration of the bus.

The bus, grimy. The air, polluted. The street noises, loud. But you are tired and drift off to sleep. Every two minutes as you dose, your head snaps forward as the bus driver manfully avoids pedestrians and tuk tuk drivers. Hawkers jump on at the stops offering unappealing looking deep fried things. Besides, you have big plans for a monster curry at your destination. 

The bus driver never uses his breaks at an actual bus stop to let people off. He sort of gently decelerates as people jump on and off from the moving bus with permanently open doors. You chuckle to yourself that it is is an efficient use of break pads and are impressed by lads and lasses who take running jumps at the door. 

As the bus driver changes gear you notice it is the longest gear lever you have ever seen in your life, marvel that he is able to find third gear, and wince as the gears crunch and grind. 

You pay the bus conductor who tries to short change you. You are outraged for about 20 seconds before immediately returning to sleep. 

After a good 40 minutes of nap and an awesome neck workout you are now much more alert. The first thing you notice is a man sitting in front of you. You watch with fascination and disgust as he checks the coast is clear and periodically spits out of the window. His jaw is constantly moving, like a chain smoker, he mechanically raises betal leaf to his mouth. You decide to people watch for the rest of the journey. 

You are naturally curious and so are your fellow bus buddies, eye contact is often followed by a big smile.

School children in matching saris jump on and chat. A lady gets on with a giant sack of vegetables.  The bus conductor makes his way down the bus and leans on the chair and your shoulder for a couple of moments before moving on to collect more fares. You have forgiven him now that you’ve had a nap and your remind yourself that 20 rupees is about 10p. Besides how can how you hold a grudge about that when he has invaded your personal space and every other aisle seat occupier before you with his bum.

Before you know it you have arrived at your stop. Thankfully the bus driver uses some of his precious squealing break pads this time and stops to let you off. You get off the bus knowing you will soon be eating an inhuman amount of curry and watermelon juice at the top rated restaurant in town. 

The end 

Since our last blog we have been sightseeing our faces off. Visiting the spectacular Sigiria UNESCO world heritage sight, Polonnaruwa and Anaradapura. The next blog will be all about that. 

Alex