Ceylon

It was the opportunity not to be missed. Stefania, the daughter of my current wife (Paola), goes to Sri Lanka as chief entertainer at the Azemar Dickwella village. Paola and I set off on 16 February. Describing this beautiful island is no easy task. Great emotions and beautiful sensations intertwined. The Dickwella village, in the south-west of the island, was a blend of serenity and tranquillity. The vegetation of Sri Lanka is the most beautiful you could admire. We landed in Colombo and after 4 hours in a minibus we reached Dickwella village. In a sea of serenity and gentleness. We saw many interesting sites and always met the smile of people who, in their dignified poverty, gave us a lesson in life and joy. (to think that the tsunami was a distant thought). Beautiful places like Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Hambantota have stayed within my soul.

Polonnaruwa is certainly the most interesting and best-organised site, with a respectable museum, but don't think you'll escape the assault of the street vendors. Sigiriya is simply fantastic, despite the massive presence of real and... fake guides! The tiring climb to the fortress is rewarded by the sight of the enchanting frescoes and a panoramic view that is magical! You go on to Kandy, passing through Dambulla with its evocative caves full of Buddha statues. Our driver-guide Kaluy proves, day by day, more and more precious, skilled and likeable. Kandy is a chaotic and stressful city; it's impossible to venture near the bazaar without someone following you to offer you something or cheat you; but it's worth stopping a few days to visit the temple where the tooth of Buddha is kept, attend the traditional dance show and relax in the splendid botanical garden.

The botanical garden of Kandy is a mix of colours, shapes and beauty. Spectacular are a ficus benjamina and an elephant-foot tree, along with the myriad forms of the orchids. The terraces for growing both rice and tea rose up towards the sky as if asking for light. A wonderful island and a people of unique dignity.