22nd Sept. Kandy

Highest View Guest House has an imposing view looking onto the Temple of the Tooth surrounded by bush clad hills with Kandy Lake in the foreground. The sound of young voices singing is heard from a nearby school even though it's 6.30 in the morning. All windows we can see from the guest house are covered in steel mesh. It's there to deter a tribe of monkeys that patrol the neighbourhood looking for an entry point to create their mischief.
We were awoken at dawn by a cacaphony of crows, fifty or so in number, discussing their plans for the day on the power lines below the guest house. Fortunately their voices are not the harsh voices we hear in AU. Two black striped squirrels run along the phone line onto a roof the male chasing his intended mate until with a gigantic leapshe escapes down a nearby shrub. It is a very relaxing place.
Last night we walked around the lake to visit the Temple of the Tooth. Some years ago the temple was attacked by Tamil Tigers, they didn't get inside but did considerable damage to the outside of the building. Security was very tight with two body and bag searches before entering. Police were stationed throughout the complex. It is the most sacred place on the island with many believers prostrating themselves in front of the ornate receptacle that houses the tooth.