I will miss Sri Lanka

I totally agree with Tomi my friend from Finland... He said: "Having gone through this experience I don´t take anything for granted anymore. I forbid myself of seeing just one side of the coin, of judging that there´s only one way of doing things, living, making decisions and co-existing with the rest of the world. Maybe it is increased tolerance or maybe it is that I´m now more ready to see and explore other ways of leading one´s life"

What exactly will I miss?

Sounds of life: It´s not just tuk-tuks, music, prayers and tooting horns but also the sounds of nature. In Sri Lanka you feel as part of nature. It surrounds you. You are part of it. And every living creature around you is your fellow citizen, not just the human beings.

Being recognized: As awkward it might have been in the beginning, I will miss the fact that complete strangers greet you on the street. And for them you are “Madame”. New people that you meet are genuinely interested of where you´re coming from, how is your country and how do you like their country. For them you are someone interesting, someone different, someone.

Diversity of nature: The parrots, crabs, slugs, spiders, stray dogs and the huge flying foxes (enormous bats) are just a fraction of the nature. You observe the trees and without turning your head you see ten different ones. Within just a couple of hundred km radius you shift from city to hill country to a paradise beach. It´s all there - all you need - compact on one small island.

The beach life: You jump into a bus and in three-four hours you are in paradise (namely Mirissa beach). So far you´ve spent 50 cents. You spend your weekend there among coconut trees, crystal-clear ocean water, fine-grain yellow sand, and absolutely no one bothering you. You eat and drink well for the whole weekend and still end up spending just about 20-30 euros. It´s affordable, no? And the best thing is that it seems like made for you. Just a handful of tourists lingers on and on the low-season it´s just you and your friends.

Solitude among chaos: The weirdest thing is that though in the city (Colombo) the hazzle is omnipresent – except after nine in the evening – you somehow find a lot of time for reflection. You can walz among the chaos and still feel that it´s just you with your own thoughts.

Anti-materialism: Except for my laptop (that enables me to create text, sounds and images) I managed to rid myself of nearly all materialism. Going around in far-from-perfect clothes was ok. And the so called necessities like fridge, TV or an oven became distant luxury.

Tuk-tuks: No matter how much hazzle you have to go through to bargain a reasonable price or how annoying it is that 50 drivers bug you on your Sunday walk, the tuk-tuks – or three-wheelers – are a very convenient means of transport. They are everywhere, anytime! You just hop in and they take you to your destination saving you the trouble of walking or using a crowded bus.

My extended family: Mareena's and Anura's home.. That were two families where I felt like home. With all hispitability and comfort of being with people whom you love and who love you...

Time freedom: Being the master of your own time and not feeling any external pressure to hurry is such a good state of being.

Food: Though you quickly get fed up – no pun intended – of rice and curry when you have it every day that will be something I will miss. So elegantly mixed tastes of different curries and sambols mixing and matching with the plain rice… and the best thing is that you could use your fingers for eating! Also the seafood, deviled dishes, kotthu, wade etc will always remain in my memories… and hopefully again on my plate one day.

Sun: It seems that I´m physically made for a place with an everlasting sun shine and warmth. I feel better, I look better, and my friggin´ skin is not dry!

As per my previous experience people don´t seem to care where I have been or what has happened. What they do care – and that is more important – is that I´m back with them. Still, I would like to share this extraordinary experience with others. If you are reading this it means I´ve managed to do it.