As the snow was blasting our city yesterday I received a notice that I had a certified package at the post office.

I was thrilled to find a package from my friend and fellow iReporter Sunethra ( Shari) from Sri Lanka.

We met in the very very early days of iReport and have been the best of friends since. We share our lives, customs and traditions and religious beliefs.

She is Buddhist and I am Christian.

We have laughed, cried together and helped each other solve daily problems through moral support and prayer.

I am so thankful for finding her through iReport.

The gift for my up coming birthday was a extra ordinary gemmed elephant carrying the "Tooth Relic" of Buddha and representation of the sacred festival of  Esala Perahera.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relic_of_the_tooth_of_the_Buddha

I am in awe of the of the beautifully  adorned elephant.

Shari explained to me is was quite difficult to send the gift as it had to go through special customs and handling for gems.

I am overwhelmed with the kindness and thoughtfulness of my  international friend from Sri Lanka.

I used the sari that she sent to me for Christmas to

make a back drop for the elephant's photos. I am still waiting for someone that knows how to take so much material and drape the sari properly, so I can send a photo to Shari.

In Sri Lanka

from wikipedia

Sri Lankan women wear saris in many styles. However, two ways of  draping the sari are popular and tend to dominate; the Indian style  (classic nivi drape) and the Kandyan style (or 'osaria' in Sinhalese).  The Kandyan style is generally more popular in the hill country region  of Kandy from which the style gets its name. Though local preferences  play a role, most women decide on style depending on personal preference  or what is perceived to be most flattering for their figure.

The traditional Kandyan (Osaria) style consists of a full blouse  which covers the midriff completely, and is partially tucked in at the  front as is seen in this 19th century portrait. However, modern  intermingling of styles has led to most wearers baring the midriff. The  final tail of the sari is neatly pleated rather than free-flowing. This  is rather similar to the pleated rosette used in the 'Dravidian' style  noted earlier in the article.

Kandyan style is considered as the national dress of Sinhalese women.  It is the Uniform of air hostesses of Sri Lankan Airlines.

Thank you Shari!

Thank you iReport for International friendship.