Sri Lanka: Hatton, Central Highlands, Sri Lanka. 08:21am. 9th December 2013.

After a long sleepless night in Sri Lanka David Noton prepares his kit to capture the beautiful and natural views of this astounding location

I should know by now, always eat the local fare. The chicken sandwich ordered in my jet lag fug was a big mistake. I’m now eyeing Sashi’s rice and curry enviously. I end up shamelessly raiding his accompaniments; I’d forgotten how good Sri Lankan food is. That’s it, from now on I’ll go native. It feels good to be heading east up into the hills, pictures on the wall of the roadside rest stop indicate this is where the film Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. I can see why. We’re only a couple of hours out of Colombo, but already the landscape around the deep valley is lush, tropical and verdant.

The next morning I have no trouble awakening for our pre-dawn departure, probably due to the fact I never actually got to sleep. One dog in the courtyard below saw it as its unquestioned duty to bark all night long. No matter, I’ve lain awake staring at many a ceiling in the middle of the night, waiting for the buzz of the next mosquito. I’m sure I’ll stare at many more.