Jay jumped across the tracks and crossed the highway to pick up some things at a bakery to take along on the train. There are sellers who get aboard but most of their food doesn't look too hygienic. We were able to use the tickets from last night after the station manager signed the reverse side. I'd hate to loose any of that US$1.30 total value.
I love the train. I can confidently say this even after last night's hassle. Rails can go through areas where one can't put a road. I found us chugging along between verdant rice paddies today. We spotted wild peacocks, which don't live in southern Sri Lanka, from the window. The train was fairly empty north of Anuradhapura. It was raining heavily, which is rather odd as this is Sri Lanka's driest area.
Even when we got into Vavuniya, at about 12:30 pm, it was pouring. We waited although the tuk-tuk drivers were lined up to take train passengers to other places. It slowed and we went to Swarkka Hotel. We had made reservations but called and texted to change them. We ate at the hotel as it had a big restaurant. We've been out and walked around. After a short nap, we went to a bakery for tea and cake.
We're in this city primarily just to catch a bus to Sri Lanka's far north tomorrow. We were here last more than nine years ago but it's a God-send that I'm able to refresh my memory by reading about it right here in this blog. In those days we were entering LTTE territory, thankful tomorrow we'll head north without the having need to show our passports as this is again a re-unified country.
We have a number of things to see in Jaffna, so we might be there three nights. We'll see.