We were not to be dissuaded from seeing the Temple Caves of Dambulla.

It was pouring rain. It was beyond an undetermined amount of steep, slippery stairs. We were still in the car and the kid was already complaining. And from our driver, ” I am trying to give you the best vacation. Listen to me, do not go.”

But like in the immortal paraphrased words of JFK, we choose to go to Dambulla and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard! No just kidding, we would have much preferred to visit sans torrential downpour. But when you travel you get the days you get and if it’s going to rain you might as well visit caves.

As our eyes adjusted to the dim light and we stood, drenched and in awe, among hundreds of mystical Buddha sculptures and paintings, we relearned a travel/life lesson. You are more likely to regret the things you don’t do. And it’s usually worth it to power through, set aside your temporary discomfort and allow yourself to experience life.