Anuradhapura

Built in the 3rd cent. Jetavanaramaya Stupa (above) is in the ancient site of Anuradhapura. Originally 120m high now 70m. It's said to have been the 3rd highest monument in the world after the Pyramids of Giza. 90million bricks. Just stunning. But.....

...apparently, I'm much more interesting. While sitting quietly, under the shade of a bodhi tree and admiring the workmanship of the stupa, a representative from this extended family approached me and asked if they could have a photo. Funny guys.

Next minute, I'm approached by another family who did the same. They were lovely, and the mum just wanted to hold my hand.

We spent the entire day visiting the sites around the sprawling complex. It covers around 40sq kms and we chose to hire a tuk tuk and driver for the day. It was way too hot to bike ride and too vast to walk. It's old. Really old. 6th century BCE to be exact. There are many remarkable archaeological and architectural structures: huge brick stupas, ancient pools and crumbling temples.

Indelibly etched in my memory, are the searing stones around the stupas where we had to walk barefoot. I hopped and skipped to shady spots and felt the soles of my feet sizzling on the fiery stones.