Yet again check-in doesn't go to plan; thankfully this time they can easily find my reservation - awesome - then they announce its for one night (if today was April Fools Day I would have laughed). No no I've booked for two nights. Mam sorry but the reservation is for one night only. After finding my email correspondence which states I'm booking for two nights they still say it's for one night. Ok let's move on, can you then just extend me one night -- no sorry Mam we are full and so is our sister property. Well that's just brilliant isn't it. After going around and around in circles I go to my room (actually rooms, it can sleep a small army) and leave them to sort it out.
There is no way I would have travelled this far for one night, especially when all there is to do here is hiking and relaxing; and that was my exact plan! Now to find a hotel in Galle tomorrow night.
I order some room service lunch and start my search, definitely not how I'd planned to spend my afternoon.
My personal butler, Dilesh, has me speak with one of the booking staff. He was far from nice nor helpful so I ask to speak with the general manager. Long story short he realizes their mistake and offered to refund me tonight's accommodation. Instead I suggested he offers me a transfer to Galle (which is about the same cost as I'm paying for B&B and dinner), which he has agreed to. My preference is definitely to stay here for two nights but it's not meant to be. So hey ho.
The Secret Ella only opened last November, is a 5 room boutique hotel located on a tea estate. It was built in 1955 as a tea bungalow. The views are stunning (even in the rain) and I know my photos won't do it the justice it deserves!!
Late afternoon my butler (I could so get use to this!) comes and asks when I want to go down to see Nine Arches Bridge; right-o now is good :)
As we are driving down in a tuk tuk I'm holding on for dear life while trying to take in the amazing views (such a shame I'm only here for one night); it's very steep and as its been raining rather slippery. The further we go the more I think we will be stuck down here. He lets me loose - I walk along the train tracks, thankfully the next train isn't for an hour and a half, and over the famous Nine Arches Bridge. This was built in 1921 and is close to 3100 feet above sea level. Before I head through the tunnel 3 cows and its owner decide it's time for them to head home so pass in front of me. All through the tunnel I'm praying a bat won't come down to say hi; I continue on a bit further before retracing my steps along the tracks then up the road we went down. A great work out!!
I'd elected to do half board which meant I didn't have to leave the property for dinner. After having local spring rolls followed by fresh tomato soup I selected the traditional Sri Lankan curry - and out comes 8 bowls of things for me to eat with my banana wrapped rice. Far too much for one person, so not only can I fit a small army in my room/rooms I too could feed them!
Wednesday, April 1 I'm woken by the noise of the birds and inserts; so much nicer than the toot toot of cars back in HK. The sun is shining :)
I've decided to climb Little Adams Peak this morning before breakfast. My friendly butler is MIA so I'm taken to the sister property by someone else in the hotels tuk tuk. I'm trying to look on a million different places at once to take everything in. As much as I am a city girl I do love being in the mountains.
Shortly after setting off I come across a group of local ladies getting ready for their days work of picking the tea. One is checky and asks if I want a photo (clearly after money which I'd been told about), don't think she was too impressed when I smiled, said no and kept walking. I have a mountain to climb.
I'm the only one around which makes it even more special walking through the tea trees. Such a shame I'm leaving today.....
On getting closer to the top I hear music, so much for peace and tranquillity at the top!
The views at the top are out of this world! Amazing 360 degree views that I would never tire of.
Before having breakfast I do a last minute pack then enjoy the amazing views for the last time. It's been far too short in Ella! Galle here I come.
No comments:
Post a Comment