Ask me again

The train successfully deposits me in Hatton, the bus station nearest to Dalhousie. In short I receive the most hassle from two tuk tuk drivers on leaving the train that I've had during the whole trip. I can see rupees in their eyes and they are not letting go. "Tuk tuk madam?" "No I'm gettting the bus, thanks". "No buses today madam, holidays". "Yes there are!" I exclaim, completely unsure if there are. Am deteremined do not be worn down...."Tuk tuk madam, no buses..." "No thank you I'm getting the bus" "Good price madam...." And so it goes on. When idiot has finished for 5 minutes, idiot's mate comes over and repeats the exercise. In alternation they bother me on and off for around two hours plus. Then 7 drunk lads come over and hassle me to, as well as a couple of Germans.I remember a South African friend asyaing that simply shutting your eyes can ward off hawkers. This works in the short term. Then I open them again. "Tired madam? Tuk tuk good price". A kind lady who runs one of the numerous Adam's Peak tea shops helps me out by saying there is a bus as she has to get to work at her shop. Want to kiss the driver when he arrives. "My friend" - she points. "Mine too!" I bellow.
So after bus debarcle I arrive at Adam's Peak village in the dark and rain. But, as usual locals point me in the right direction and The Green House has rooms. I enter the crazy rickety green gazebo'd Disney-esque garden (plastic reindeer greet me) and am surprised to find Ray Charles runs the show. Or a very good Sri Lankan equivalent. In classic blind person cliche he is an incredible listener and seems to be able to read your mind. My room has a view, in fact having a window appears to be a score, of the surrounding mountains. Of course I don't know this yet. It's dark. Off to bed for a few hours sleep, as the climb of the Peak needs to be started at 2.30am. Yes that's 2.30 in the morning.......