Having come to Sri Lanka for book research, I hope to set an important scene at Polonnaruwa, an ancient city-state of culture and power in the central upcountry area. About 1000 years ago, the visionary king set out to create an enduring civilization. To maintain a water supply, he built a great reservoir lake, now left to the wild elephants to enjoy.
His irrigation canals are still in use, too.
Otherwise, much of his development has fallen into ruins, which I begin to explore in search of a dramatic spot for a secret meeting. We tromp around the king's swimming pool.
His great Buddhas and temples.
His palace.
Then, just up from the lake, an eye-catching butterfly leads us to an intriguing site...
The old library. I can see my character creeping up from her lakeshore picnic into the shrubbery...
Viewing the clandestine rendezvous through crumbled openings.
