The other afternoon I went to take a shower only to find that there was no electricity…and no water. Huge bummer Actually, it wasn’t that the water wasn’t running, but that without electricity we couldn’t pump water from the lower water tank to the raised water tank, which is the one that supplies the house with tap water. Shermin and Ashoka had been out running errands, and when they returned Ashoka hooked up the jeep’s engine to the water pump and moved water to the upper tank. What a hero! At least for the moment. Unfortunately, there still wasn’t very much water so he suggested we wait a little longer to see if the electricity returned. Resigned to a sticky evening, I went to sit out on the front porch with Shermin and Lizzie.
Not ten minutes later, I noticed Ashoka swaggering down the hallway in his boxers with a towel draped around his neck – he was heading towards the shower in the backyard! I pointed him out to Shermin and Lizzie, and we all sat there looking bewildered. What did he think he was doing, telling us there was no water and then sneaking out back to shower! “Hey there, Mister! Where d’ya think you’re going?!” I called. He either hadn’t heard me or was ignoring me and kept on walking. Either way, his lack of response served to further incriminate him. I couldn’t believe it, the little sneakster! In truth, I couldn’t believe that Ashoka would actually tell us there wasn’t water and then go take a shower; he’s too honest and nice. But I couldn’t think of another explanation for his attire. I shouted after him again and this time he turned around.
“Where ya goin’, Ashoka? Off to take a nice, refreshing shower?” I asked. He started giggling and looked very confused.
“Whaat?” He replied.
Shermin and Lizzie joined in to question him about his towel and lack of shirt.
“No, no!” he protested, “I am just going to make a phone call. It’s so hot I decided not to wear a shirt and I brought my towel along so I would be ready when the electricity comes back on.”
Uh-huh, Ashoka, a likely story…a likely story. He was carrying his cell phone though.
Elephant Crossing
This is a male elephant crossing the road in UdaWalawe National Park.
A baby elephant nursing!
This was a very playful individual who came within inches of our vehicle and displayed its flexible trunk. Notice the collar around its neck, which reveals it was rehabilitated and re-released into the wild. Although such playful behavior can be amusing, it is not healthy for the elephants to interact with humans in this manner.
A gorgeous leopard snoozing in the crook of a tree. Yala National Park
Crocodile and water buffalo enjoying a watering hole at Yala National Park
How I Avoid the Leeches

How I Avoid the Leeches: From left: Kumara, the guide, Tharanga, Lizzie, Ashani, Ilja
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