I was not unhappy to leave my oddly named Wunderbar Hotel as it came close to being the worst accomodation I’ve stayed in – certainly in terms of value for money – on this trip. And as my next destination was only about 60km south, I decided on the scenic route via tuk tuk rather than by more conventional taxi.
The journey was not quick as there was the occasional unorthodox traffic on the road
and my very well informed driver wanted to show me a load of fruit bats resting before going out partying at night.
Believe me, these guys are not your common or garden little English bat. They are huge.
It is just over 12 years since the terrible tsunami struck this island killing more than 50,000 Sri Lankans. Our route took us past an area which suffered more than most,
the land just behind the beach being quite flat with no hiding places. Entire villages were engulfed and the stark evidence of the damage caused is very much there for all to see even now.
Unlike in Thailand where admittedly there were fewer lives lost, little or no attempt has been made at rebuilding here. Maybe it’s purely lack of funds although money was found to erect a large Buddha memorial.
One man who survived but lost all his family has built a photographic shrine to the memory of those who died.
It’s quite an amateurish ‘museum’ but in a way, all the more harrowing for being so
as some of the photos are really very disturbing.
Many of these dreadful images will be etched on my memory for some time as will the thought of a 10 metre high wave crashing down onto this once beautiful shore line, destroying everything in its path before finally coming to rest about 3 kilometres inland. Truly terrible.
Forget what I said the other day about not being too worried if the sun doesn’t shine. I arrived in Unawatuna (or is it Hatuna Matata?) just before the heavens opened
so exploring will have to wait.
Phileas
thelasthurrahsite 