The monk from Gandarawatta kindly us over to celebrate Anna’s 21st Birthday. This was done in true monk-style with lashings of woodapple juice an enough food to feed the 5000. Unfortunately there were no children in school that day, probably due to the rain, which meant that maximum food consumption was on the cards. Whilst we were there we also got the opportunity to watch the young monks in training having their hair shaved off. The monk kindly offered to even cut mine as he was on a roll but a firm “NO!” was the response. Matt and Jack soon joined Anna, Amy and I for the feast. I can safely say that I have never eaten quite so much in my life. Thinking the boys would be our saviour and would reduce the “monking”, I was particularly disappointed when they deflected the food at us ladies. I was chased around the table by the monk who was shouting “some?” and “take and eat” whilst putting a variety of deep fat fried cakes in my hand.

After the monking finally stopped we headed to Hikkaduwa (a Sri Lankan beach resort on the east coast) to celebrate Anna’s birthday with the whole team. We had a brilliant day and Anna had a birthday she will never forget.