Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya is about the size of Dows Lake at home.  It even has a similar feel. But some interesting differences too.

There's a path around the lake for walking and cycling.  For a fee. Locals 20 rupees (15 cents CDN), me 200 rupees ($1.50CDN) .

There are a variety of water crafts for rent/rides.  For a fee of course. Which depends on what language you can read.  Swan boat in English 2500 rupees (about 20$CDN).  Swan boat in Sinhala about 3 times less. After we noticed the price differences, we had some fun.

Salesguy..."Wanna go for a ride lady?"  Me/Toby  "I don't know, it's  cold out. Can we build a fire in the boat and make tea?"  Salesguy "No! There's gasoline!"  Me "Great, that will make a bigger fire!!"  I don't think we improved his opinion of foreigners....

Me  "Can I drive the boat?  Salesguy  "No, you're a woman"  Really????

Toby-my apparent paid guide speaking in Sinhala "What's my commission for bringing the white lady?"  Salesguy "1,000 rupees".  Clearly a standard deal...

We didn't go for a boat ride.  But we did go for a horse back ride.  To my surprise, the guy walked in front of me/my horse the whole way, about 1.5 hours!  At first I was disappointed.  I wanted to actually ride.  After riding/walking through traffic, and up/down a steep hill, I was kinda happy to just chill and enjoy the ride and view!

Pictures
1-There was also a small fair at Gregory Lake.  Complete with a merry-go-round.  Toby said this might have been the same one he rode on as a kid.  Lots of years ago. 
2- One of the horses that were available for riding.  This one was especially handsome.
3- They had swan pedal boats. Cute!
4- Why is my t-shirt wet?  Our horse riding guide splashed blessed water on me at the Buddhist temple we visited.  He was very enthusiastic about his religious observances. 
5- It was chilly enough in the afternoon for locals to wear their polar fleece toques.  Such a fun assortment!
6- In the field beside Gregory Lake, several cows lounged.  This one had very fancy horns!
7- The water in this ride at the fair looked very yucky to me.  But this little girl didn't hesitate.  She was having lots of fun paddling like a champ!
8- A pretty view of Gregory Lake.
9- The prices for renting the watercraft in English and Sinhala.  It was interesting to compare the prices. 

PS - You might be thinking....there's a 10x difference in the admission for Gregory Lake and only a 3x difference in price for the boat rides.  So....??   Yes.  I guess I accept that foreigners pay more for government/public facilities.  It lets locals enjoy their own spaces and lets the government collect some funds from people who can mostly afford it.  And, most places are transparent about the price differences.  The local and foreign prices are both listed in English and Sinhala. There was no transparency for the boat rides.  It felt scammy....
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