This post is dedicated to Mika and Mikko who made a stop in Sri Lanka (on their way to Thailand) just to see us. So cool! This was the perfect end to our days in Sri Lanka. We’re off to India again!

Adam’s Peak is the top pilgrimage destination in Sri Lanka. At the top of the mountain there is a temple that holds a “sacred footprint”. Buddhists believe it’s the footprint of Buddha, Hindus believe it’s the one of Shiva, Muslims and Christians believe it’s Adam’s footprint. So it’s a mix of different religions climbing up the mountain together.

We woke up at 2.30 a.m. and started to climb the 5200 stairs to the top. In the beginning of the path, there were local people selling drinks, gloves, woolen hats and beach equipment (I’m still wondering why). The whole path was lit and every once in a while we had a rest in one of the tea stalls that were open all night through. We climbed with the locals who wore flip flops and skirts, carrying their children in their arms. And we climbed with other tourists who wore hiking boots and Goretex outfits. At 5.45 a.m., just in time, we reached the top. We watched the sunrise while the monks were chanting in the temple. A good moment after all the hard work done. (And the price for that nice moment was paid the following day in my muscles. It hurt.)