Ratnapura - "City of Gems"

This mining pit on the outskirts of Ratnapura in South-western Sri Lanka makes up a common sight in an area often described as the "City of Gems". Precious stones like Blue Sapphires can sometimes be found even on open ground in paddy fields and on the bed of tiny creeks and streams criss-crossing the district. But fortune is an elusive bounty.. and the hard work of digging and washing gravel is done at day temperatures of +30C..
The miners live and work at their mining pit, working from dawn to dusk, only allowing short brakes for a sip of water and a mid-day hot rice & curry meal brought by the village women.
With no machinery and very simple shovels and other hand tools, the diggers make their quest for potential fortune. The soil and gravel is dug out and washed in the bottom of the pit, before the rough result is being carried to a nearby stream for a refined wash and close inspection.The road to potential riches is paved with seemingly endless work..
A certain excitement is building up as the second washing takes place- will we discover a Gemstone today?
The final result of a long days work is scrutinized by sharp and well-trained eyes.. The sudden silence is almost physical as the miner's own expert is given ample time to carefully study the results.. but as so often is the case in this tough business; despite a good handful of semi-precious stones and rough low-quality gemstones, there are actually none of real commercial value..
As we prepared for a return to our more comfortable surroundings, and as a big thanks to the friendly miners for their kind hospitality shown towards us two foreign Roadies, we decide to buy the loot wholesale..

Colombo style

There’s something different about living in this city- some would call it “exotic” other would say its “developing” while others again may simply say “chaotic”. Somehow you’ll have to agree with them all- Colombo sure holds a lot of different experiences within it's borders, which could easily fit into any of these categories. These days one other thing is that it is “restricted” as well. With the war effort probably growing closer to somewhat of a climax in the north, Colombo security is at peak level as well. Numerous international hotels are being considered out-of-bounds by most local people, due to being located in the “high security zone” which now spans large parts of the Fort area.

Still when already here, Colombo is in general a pleasant experience and even military personnel manning the various check-points are in general very professional, polite and friendly, at least to foreigners. Not the rag-tag army we used to see some few years back.

The restaurants can sometimes be hard to find, but ask a local or a Tuk driver, and you’ll be on your way to some of the best food experiences in South Asia. In for a seafood treat? Visit the Lagoon at Colombo Plaza where all ingredients are on iced-display and where you can pick your fish or lobster of choice J.

Torvøya-summer 2008

Summer just hasn't happend if there are no island parties! And so it was this year too as everybody scrambled for the cooling sea at Torvøya when heat struck at +30C - which isn't anything to take for granted in our country, but it is sure appreciated when it happens.

"the Big Thing" this year - literally - was something growing from within .. :)

As the Sun would set behind the trees on the ridge, we would all reluctantly return from waters edge, and start to recognize that growling feeling in the stomach- we need food!

A "touch of spice" is appreciated

Here all the young ones are gathered over Langhåra Bjørn's hot Thai soup and Bjørn L's great spaghetti which came with an awesome sauce it took all day to make!