On our third day we had the last couple of interviews to finish. So, early in the morning we were already on our way to a different inhabited area in search for people to interview. We went to another area, so the jeep drove us there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we were done we visited a research centre where two young women shared with us their projects and how they collect their data (such as using devices for measuring the thickness of a leaf, the area of the leaf, etc.)

After that, we went to see a waterfall. This was my first time seeing a real (big) waterfall in Sri Lanka. We stayed there for a while to take a break from all the walking (from house to house for the interviews and then all the way to the research centre which was all the way on top of a hill. Plus, the way to the waterfall wasn’t low effort either).

Finally, it was time for lunch. We stayed at a place close by the stream. And so, after we ate, we used the opportunity to swim. The water was cold and the weather was windy and rainy. However, the rain made the experience even more memorable.

By the end of the day we got ready for another night walk in the forest.

Since it rained before, it was very humid and leaches were EVERYWHERE.

However, we saw a large variety of animals and insects.

 

The hike lasted until 22:30.

Next morning was the last day, so we tried to make the most of it. We woke up early (6:30) and got ready. We had breakfast and then got ready for a hike (a real, intense hike this time). However, we had a motivation to keep going because the top of the cliff had service. We hiked, took short breaks, and finally arrived. We got to the top around 12:20 (and we started the hike around 8-9). As exhausted as I was, it was all worth it after I saw the view. We were so high up that we could see the entire forest and beyond. We could even see the ocean, as well as a thin yellow strip which was the sand from the beaches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a long, deserved break, where we had access to service we were on our way back. After the hike, we arrived back at Martin’s Lodge. We packed our things but we still had time until our departure, so we used this time for one last swim in the stream. After that, we met with out mini bus and were on our way back to Colombo.

Although it lasted only 4 days, this trip was a lot of fun (and exercise) where we got to collect data for our IAs. I think that coming to an area where people don’t live in cities is far more interesting and effective rather than collecting our data in Colombo. So, I am glad that we had this opportunity and I hope that we will have more of these trips in the future.