Sri Lanka Adventure

Sometimes, the best vacations are spontaneous. After a last minute decision to go to take a break away from work in Doha, I contacted a former employee here in Qatar that hooked us up with his family and friends in his home country, Sri Lanka.

My friend, Rukmal "Ruki" Perera set up a great tour of his favorite spots in Sri Lanka, including a stay with his mother and extended family. (Here Susan is with Ruki's mom, Lucki.)  They were so warm and friendly to Susan and I.  We feel so fortunate to have met them.

Once one gets outside of the capital city, Colombo, much of Sri Lanka is agricultural; including extensive rice paddy farming. It is not uncommon that locals do some rice paddy farming to supplement their regular occupations. Some, like our resort host, Jayantha, owns a couple of acres and tends it himself with his family.

The resort owner, Jayantha "Jay" Samarawickrama (blue cap) and the national park guide took us on a wonderful afternoon / early evening safari. Wild asian elephants, water buffalo, monkeys and countless exotic water fowl. Here, Susan and I enjoy the view of elephants coming down to the lake for their regular evening bath and dinner.



Water buffalos, storks, egrets, cormorants



Check out the water buffalos that are partially submerged in the water behind the stork. They seemed content to lounge in the water all afternoon.

This young bull allowed us to get amazingly close. 

Like clockwork, the pack of elephants emerged from the jungle forest to graze upon the lake plain grasses. Susan and I were able to get so very close to the herd of wild elephants. It was a perfect time of late afternoon, after the heat of day, to mix with these wonderful animals.  The males were separate from the females their babies.  At one point, we were fortunate to see over 75 - 100 wild elephants that afternoon.

One of our favorite visits was to the ancient fortress / palace, Sigiriya.  Sigiriya literally means lion's rock. Now this archaeological ruin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  As a landscape architecture graduate, I could not help but be impressed by this former royal fortress that is now surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, canals, reservoirs, and some very ingenious subsurface water systems. Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings (frescos).



Only a few of the frescos have been protected over the centuries.



As to its origin, Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kasyapa I (AD 477 – 495).  According to legend, Kasyapa murdered his father by walling him alive and then usurping the throne which rightfully belonged to his brother Mogallana. Mogallana fled to India to escape being assassinated by Kasyapa but vowed revenge. In India he raised an army with the intention of returning and retaking the throne of Sri Lanka which he considered was rightfully his. Knowing the inevitable return of Mogallana, Kasyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress and pleasure palace. Mogallana finally arrived and declared war. During the battle Kasyapa's armies abandoned him and he committed suicide by falling on his sword. Cool story, eh?

Although relatively small, Sri Lanka is geographically and culturally diverse. There are highland regions, low coastal plains, beautiful wetlands and coastlines, and alot of what seemed to be jungle and forests.  For that reason, there are growing conditions for so many exotic plants. What ever is planted seems to thrive!  In fact, Sri Lanka is famous for much of its agriculture; i.e. -- Ceylon tea, rice, spices, cinnamon, tropical fruits and nuts (coconuts, mango, papaya, cashews), rubber plantations, horiticulture (landscape seeds & nursery propagation) and exotic lumber plantations.

Culturally, Sri Lanka is also diverse. Although primarily a Buddist population, there was also a long-established European influence from the Portugese, Dutch and British that brought Catholicism and other Christian denominations. In addition to the Buddist and Christian populations, there are also large populations of Hindu and Muslims.  The countryside is scattered with Buddist and Hindu shrines and temples.

The beach at Pidgeon Island off Nilaveli Beach was wonderful. Located about a mile offshore, this is the type of beach one dreams about being stranded upon. Not too long ago this beach and surrounding area was hammered by the Tamil Tiger Civil War, then also the 2004 Day-after-Christmas Tsunami.  Only recently has it been opened again for tourism.  Susan and I did some spectacular snorkle diving with a member of the Sri Lankan Military's Special Forces.Yep...kinda like our Navy Seals....(as I mentioned before, my Sri Lankan friend hooked us up with the right people). Then after our dive and day on the island, we were invited for "afternoon tea" at the Officers Barracks on the local Special Forces military base.)

Why doesn't he understand "giddy-up?

Ever ridden an elephant? I kind of felt sorry for the big guy sitting on his neck, but it was all part of Ruki's package deal.  (I even got to "drive"....kinda. The mohout was calling out commands in Sinhala language, so I am sure that my "giddy-up" went ignored by elephant and mohout alike.)





One afternoon, we went on a paddle trip on a lake to take pictures of exotic water fowl. Spectatular! Our paddle guide was a coconut / papaya farmer that living in a tree house overlooking his orchards.  Ones asks, why a tree house....simple.  Stay away from wild elephants.





 

 He was very proud of his shotgun as it was his best deterrent for keeping the elephants away from his orchards. And his papayas were large and tasty....so I guess the shotgun is very effective. Gee...I look too white! Scary.



 

Ox-drawn cart ride down to the lake.

"All good things must come to an end"....Six fully-packed days is not enough to really take in this wonderful country. People, food, culture, history, wildlife and Ruki's family were all amazing.  One really needs 2 -3 weeks here to really take it all in. Definitely two thumbs up!

Doha at Night

A favorite past time here in Doha is dusk & evening walks on along the Corniche. During certain times of the year, a brisk evening walk against a light sea breeze provides welcome relief from heat of the day. Taking camera in hand, I was able to catch these images of many of Doha's landmark buildings and cityscapes.

 West Bay at Night

Fanar Building

Surreal Night Image

Stepping Up!...Moved our office to Aamal (formerly Golden) Tower

Although the transition was a little rocky (evidenced by me working in the old vacant office, waiting for Qtel to finally give us phone/internet in the new office), we had a couple of tough office days. Simple tasks like ordering telephone services, utilities, etc...is never easy in this part of the world. Being flexible and rolling with the punches is all part of the expat worker's life.

But finally moving day came. My company, Aamal Services moved into our new offices in West Bay's Aamal Tower this past July. ( I know that this is a delayed blog post, but I finally found some photos corresponding to the occasion.)  Definitely a step up from our former dingy Bin Omran back-office location.

I think the staff has also appreciated the step up. They already feel that we are putting forward a better image for the company with the move. (Even Muhammad Tarique and Majed Alhasan are smiling!)

I designed the office layout, partitioning, materials and finishes. Susan liked my color selections too. ;-). It was fun to work with my staff and with the contractor on this design/build project.  KPS did a great job.

 We now have enough space for providing decent offices for the new landscape maintenance, security services, and pest control services groups. Also the janitorial / cleaning  operations management and sales staff are no longer crammed into the noisy computer server room.  And check it out ...I even have my private elevator.....cool eh? (I didn't have to pay extra as it was already in the core build.)  We are now officing along with other Aamal Company branches; i.e. - Ebn Sina, Aamal Trading and Aamal Medical.

Now its time to get back to work.....

Ingredients for Cooking.....so many choices, so many new tastes. Yummm!

Susan: "Ok, I admit it, I am spending way too much time in the kitchen cooking- and having a blast!" By choice, Susaan is cooking from scratch and thereby learning so many new recipes - making our own mayonaises, salad dressings, pestos, marinades, soup stocks &sauces; etc.  Susan loves the way our refrigerator looks after a shopping trip - full and colorful!






We even decided to start our own herb garden in planters to grow a few of our own ingredients! Basil grows particularly well here in the heat.  We have developed two favorite reciepes for pesto; -- Asian and Mediterranean.

In addition, having a "world" of ingredients at my disposal, I am making new international dishes - Turkish, Moroccan, Indian, and Thai food to name a few.

Admittedly, some ingredients are hard to come by, but that makes the shopping here somewhat of a treasure hunt! Our favorite grocery store is "LuLu Hypermarket" owned by East Indians we have never seen anything like their produce section - fruits and vegetables from all over the world!

Adventures Salalah and the Dhofar Mountain Coast, Oman



Geoff and Mussallem under a fig tree at Wadi Sayq



During the Eid Al Fitr vacation break, Susan and I had a great time visiting the Dhofar province of southern Oman. Most noteable is the climatic and scenery difference of this specific area during the Khareef (southwest monsoon season) from early summer then extending into the early fall months. When the rest of the entire Arabic Peninsula is scorching hot, Salalah and Dhofar Mountains provide a cooler wet and tropical retreat from the harsh deserts and heat. 



Wadi Sayq is one of canyons winding down to Khor Fut (possible Bountiful location)



Slow down!....Dairy camels Xing



The coastal mountains catch the monsoon's moisture creating vast areas of lush green tropical vegetation and fresh pastures for their camel, goat, and cattle livestock industry.



In this photo, Mussallem shows Susan how the frankencense sap is harvested the same today as it was in ancient times.



Also due to the unique climate, the Dhofar mountains are home to many frankencense trees. In fact, the famous Frankencense Trail terminated at Khor Rori where marine traders would further the commerce to East Asia and Africa.



Khor Rori &  ancient trading port of Sumharam (yet another possible location of Bountiful)

Also of note, we visited several locations that LDS scholars believe could have been possible locations for Bountiful, "because of its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared of the Lord that we might not perish. An we beheld the sea, whewich we called Irreantum...." (1 Nephi 17:5).

Truly a "land of much fruit and also wild honey"

Yet another wadi and khor....that meets the description of Bountiful

What's on the BBQ? Camel or Goat?

Susan negotiating for some grilled goat.

FIFA World Cup Fever

Although not as appreciated in the USA, the rest of world goes crazy during the four weeks of World Cup soccer. 

Due to the large quantity and diverse origin of expats, Qatar is a perfect place to watch the matches amongst an international audience. People from all around the world gather to watch their national teams.  This Algerian man, his wife, and son are gearing up for match between USA and Algeria.

And since Qatar is a "bidding nation" for the 2022 World Cup, the government is really hyping their support for the event; including the creation of big screen venues all over Doha to further promote the cause. Every hotel, restaurant, and even Souq Waqif has big screens broadcasting all the matches. Football frenzy has hit Qatar.  To see what Qatar has planned for 2022 go to this link:

http://www.qatar2022bid.com/

In the USA's final Group Round match, the American team faced a win-or-go-home situation against a feisty Algerian team. Along with my work mates,  I wanted to watch this critical game at the Souq along with the hundreds of Algerian fans.  Even before the match started, the Algerians were already singing and rooting their national team on at fever pitch. I was surprised how many USA supporters were also attending, so we all added to the frenzy with hoots and hollers during the match. ( I found out later that many Egyptians were rooting for the American team, because during the World Cup Qualifing matches, Algeria had narrowly edged Egypt out of contention on a contested call. Sour grapes.)

In the end, the USA won in dramatic fashion.  Landon Donovan got the vital winner in the second minute of injury time just as it seemed the USA was about to go out of the tournament. Instead the result meant they finished top of Group C ahead of England on goal difference.

But the Algerian fans were good sports and continued their celebration even after the loss. I had a great time talking about the game with some of fans.  Although disappointed in the loss, they were happy for their national team....and heck, it was a good excuse to have a good time.  So hey dude, let's party.

If Qatar ends up winning the 2022 bid, it's because they have the money do what most other countries can only dream of.  But with all the money that Qatar has to throw at this effort, one can only "expect amazing..."

Doha's Corniche

One of our favorite diversions is taking evening walks on Doha's famous Corniche. The Corniche is a seaside pedestrian zone that extends from the Sheraton Hotel in West Bay (Al Dafna) to Qatar's Islamic Art Museum at the other end of the bay.

We, like so many Doha residents enjoy taking after-dinner strolls along this most popular walkway. On weekends, it is full of people. Entire families, joggers, kids on bikes, picnicers and boating ethusiasts all congrate at the water's edge.

 Susan and I especially enjoy the night time cityscape and all the colorful reflections upon the water. In fact, may of the newer skyscrapers feature some very colorful lighting on weekend nights.

Even the festive lighting from dhows (traditional arabic wooden boats) moored along the Corniche contribute to this evening light show. For around QR 200, one can jump aboard for a slow evening cruise around the bay. Too fun!

During the warmest months, an evening stroll along the Corniche offers many of Doha's residents the only relief from the day's relentless heat. Even when the night air seems stiflingly stagnant elsewhere in town, one will can be refreshed by a light evening ocean breeze here.

One late afternoon, we happed upon a great sight of these traditional dhows sailing toward West Bay highrise district in the background. Today, most dhows are motorized, but their are still some that are rigged for sailing. As you can see they are beautifully crafted wooden ships used today primarily for recreation, but a motorized fleet is used by Doha's commercial fisherman too.  (I love this picture as it portrays the contrast of  Doha's old world against an ultra modern highrise cityscape  Cool....eh?)