Friday, November 18, 2011


We had a fantastic morning visiting Sidab Women's group. Sidab is a local fishing village in Muscat and the group was organized to help strengthen the community and help Omani women develop skills selling unique products. On arrival, visitors enjoy dates and Omani-style spiced coffee. They even shared their home style cooking. While you arrive to look at the hand made goods, you can dress up as an Omani and have your picture taken and have some artistic drawings placed on your body with henna.




Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Sri Lanka, India


The most southern tip of India is an island named Sri Lanka, a predominately Bhudist culture. In the background is one of the oldest religious monuments called a stupa, usually used to cover a relic of the Buddha.


One of the many statues of Buddha. There is a sign that states "Please do not take your picture with your back to Buddha."


Cow's corner. Here, the cows direct the traffic.


The remains of an ancient rock palace.


The Royal Palace was built of wood and rock and once stood seven stories tall.


The kings bath



An ancient building with a small stupa in the middle surrounded by pillars. The stone pillars of the building resemble the stem of a lotus and a creeper. In the middle of the building is a seat of stone which resembles a lotus in full bloom.










The Lion's Rock in Sigiriya is a large stone and palace ruin.


On the rock, frescos were painted on the walls.



A beautiful view from the Sigiriyan rock.


The final entrance to the rock palace, had lions paws. Before modern times, you would have to walk through the lion's mouth to enter the palace.




At the foot of the stairs, the rainbow rock is called a moon stone at the circular house of relics.



Another view from on the top of Sigiryan mountain.


Little village


laying budhha


Budhist Monistary that is carved into the rock and built the building


Budha Shrine in Kandy. The home of Budha's tooth relic.


Sri Lankin Wedding Party


Vegetable Market


locals picking tea leaves


non-local picking tea leaves


Tamil village in tea country. Tamil people were imported by the British to pick the tea leaves.


Local boys


Waterfall Outsid eof Kandy
Southern coast of Sri Lanka beach view


Beautiful beaches and blue waters


My husband says this looks more like a postcard than him taking this one.


Fisherman


Room in Galle Fort. Dutch Fort, formers printer's mansion


Galle beach wedding. red


Yet another beautiful beach photo.


Inside Galle fort. Note the top of the building. The Dutch building has been converted into a mosque.


The Sri Lankins have knock offs from popular fast food restaurants such as Indian Hut = Pizza Hut, Subrounds = Subway


Matt outside of Galle fort putting his little toes in the nice warm Indian Ocean.


Ramp parts of the Galle Fort



Remains of the 2004 Tsumani. Damage of the southwestern part of the island. Many Many houses destroyed and haven't been rebuilt.