We had nothing scheduled this morning so half the group decided to have an easy, lazy start to the day and stay at the hotel; the rest of us went into town, 2 to wander and 4 of us for a tour and demonstration at a ‘certified’ gem & jewelers.

Gemstones are Sri Lanka’s biggest industry and apparently much is still mined by hand. Basically a 5’x5’ hole is dug 12-15m deep, the shaft walls supported by cut bamboo lengths and ferns stuffed between. Horizontal offshoots extend as far as necessary till they find the gems.  Water is kept at bay by old gas-powered pumps and candles light their way. Very basic and very dangerous to my mind. 

We were ushered through the artisans studio where the workers were setting the stones and creating the metalwork, and onto a huge showroom. One of the girls bought a wee ring which at least mollified the salespeople.

We returned to pick up everyone at noon to venture to our next destination: Tamarisk Gardens in Digana, our farm homestay.  Just an hour’s drive from Kandy, Digana is a small, local village that was dependent on dolomite mining.  Trying to establish a better source of economy for the locals G Adventures has partnered with a local couple to run this farm which provides accommodation in cottages, a chance to help on the farm with milking the cows, help in the kitchen making traditional dishes.

Just as we were gathering for our afternoon village walk, the skies opened and an absolutely thunderous rainstorm started, blocking out the view of lake below, marooning us in the dining hall.  It was pouring so hard on the aluminum roof the sound was deafening and we couldn’t even shout to be heard over the noise.  Our hostess brought out a couple of Sri Lankan board games for some to play, others watched and waited their turn or sat staring at the rain, stupified by the ferocity of the storm.

We ended up being marooned in hall all afternoon till past dinner, people sitting chatting, milling about, or helping in the kitchen with dinner prep.  Tea and cake was served at 5:15pm which revived us all a little but boredom set in not long after.  I was fortunate to have purchased a SIM card at the airport so I was able to download a library book to read on my phone.  Dinner came at 7:45pm and luckily the rain eased to a normal steady rate and everyone dispersed to their rooms, eager for a change of scenery.