Today we got up early and joined the locals on a walk around the 36-hectare fort walls, which overlook the sea. On one side is the world famous cricket grounds where all of us got to play cricket for the first time. Later in the day we also got to play volleyball, Sri Lanka's national sport. However we were really bad compared to the locals. We also joined in on some stilt fishing a little later in the day.
Volleyball - Sport: Volleyball is the national sport of Sri Lanka. We only found it fit that we played a game with the locals. Sport in Sri Lanka is a significant part of Sri Lankan culture. Volleyball is the national sport in Sri Lanka. Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Rugby union is also popular. Other popular sports are water sports, badminton, athletics, football, basketball and tennis. Sri Lanka's schools and colleges regularly organize sports and athletics teams, competing on provincial and national levels.
Stilt Fishing - Culture: Stilt fishing is fishing in relatively shallow water on a platform made up of a stilt. This is a common method employed by Sri Lankan fisherman when fishing in or around reefs not far away from the shore. The fishermen sit on a cross bar called a petta tied to a vertical pole and driven into the sand a few meters offshore. From this high position, the fishermen casts his line, and waits until a fish comes along to be caught. The practice is believed to have started during World War II when food shortages and overcrowded fishing spots prompted some clever men to try fishing on the water. At first they started fishing from wrecks of capsized ships and downed aircraft, then some began erecting their stilts in coral reefs.
Weather: Today the rain and clouds have gone away and the sun has come out! It is a warm 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and nice and humid from past rain. Perfect weather for a day on the beach!
Hotel: We stayed in the peacock hotel again tonight.
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