SP SRI LANKA OCIP DAY 14

After the cold and tiring ascend of Adam's Peak, the team reached the peak. It was freezing and there were many locals dressed in thin clothing at the peak. Many of them withstood the cold and thirst to scale the mountain just for prayers and burning of incense papers which reflected a lot on their devotion towards their religion.

Locals burning incense papers in the fire.

Fortunately for us, we managed to catch the sunrise, like a great achievement for all of us. The magnificent view at the peak was breathtaking, which paid off our efforts scaling the mountain. We took some photos and then headed for the foot of the mountain.

The sunrise view from the peak.

Tourists and locals alike at the peak.

The team at at the peak.
From left to right: Hisham, Micah, CK, Nic, Andro, Celest, Kenny,
Vidya, Cornelia, Khai, Alexis, Hadi, Firdaus and Mr Quah.

Though climbing down was faster than up, it was equally physically taxing as our knees received impact from the downward pressing of our feet. This caused some of us to feel aches and pains. Some of us took snack breaks in between to revitalise ourselves.

The view of the stairway on our descend.

Khai, Hadi and Hisham behind some tourists, climbing down the stairs.

A lake near the foot of the Adam's Peak.

By 10am, everyone was at the base of Adam's Peak and then headed back to Kandy Hilltop Hotel for a short rest.

Evening sets in and we then headed to the town with hopes of savouring Sri Lanka's chilli crabs. Soon, with some directions from the locals, we settled at a restaurant to have chilli crabs. The crab was fresh and tender even though the chilli tasted more like ketchup because it was so sweet!

The chilli crab served at the restaurant.

From left to right: Hisham, Andro, Firdaus, Micah, CK outside the restaurant.

After the great meal, we went to the city for shopping. We split into groups to shop for souvenirs and then regrouped and headed back to Kandy Hilltop Hotel for a good night's rest and then to head for Columbo Airport for our departure the day after.

The town at night.

Reflection by Alexis.