A visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa built on the edge of a huge man made lake started our day this morning. Some of the lakes date back to their 11c construction and are absolutely huge. They feed the surrounding paddy fields and supply irrigation for miles around through largely original canals. The jungle claimed the City in the Middle Ages and it was rediscovered by the Brits in the 1930s. We trekked around in the heat of the day like mad dogs (well, half of us were English) I seem to have started a fad of refusing to take my shoes off and entering the Stupas. As they are just a pile of bricks my sensitive foot friends and I watch in amusement as the others hop from one shadow to the next, trying to avoid a mincing walk. Great fun. By two o'clock we approached our guide and demanded a local lunch, he was going to take us a 40 mile drive back to the hotel! After repeating that we liked local food several times he shrugged his shoulders, said goodbye to his commission and took us to a great local curry house. This afternoon we visited a local village. Abandoning the minibus we took to Ox cart and canoe across a lake to reach the village. I have never been that interested in bird life, but to see so many Eagles and herons overhead was spectacular. In the village we were shown the local produce and treated to a cooking demonstration and ate the result. I asked about the roof of the Adobe hut and was given a demonstration of how they wove the coconut leaves into roofing cover. A boat trip back to the minibus and we were on our way back to the hotel. Did we want a massage? No a shower and a beer! We feel really happy that our group is just right. Our guide is a bit unorganised but as we are all seasoned Gadventures travellers (organised and know what we want) we will gradually mould him. He is a nice man. Great fun in the bar this evening. I already want to offer a stay in my home to all of them. What could be better? Take care. R & D