Sid, Fabs, Tinku, Masee, Teh, Prats, Kitty and Rachs - A young bunch that were chosen for a mission, to Sri Lanka...
Anticipations abound when we left. Amazing memories as we returned....
The First Impression...
Little things we come across everyday fade into the familiarity we come to accept. A bird living in the tropical rain forest comes to believe that the entire terrain is marshy. Similarly, us, arising from a country as crowded as India, were most intrigued by the seeming vastness and deserted atmosphere we were greeted with when we stepped into the domain of Raavana. On the contrary, it took our breaths away as we gaped at the riveting architecture blend itself into a glamorous city we were soon to be acquainted with.
Quality over quantity...
Despite the sparseness of the population, it was truly heartwarming to meet the amiable denizens of Sri Lanka as they strived their level best to make us feel at home – and lo behold! We actually did.
It is interesting to note that Sri Lanka happened to be rather similar to India itself. I for one, felt that I was just visiting the remote and yet to be faceted areas of India. It was astonishingly similar to the regions of Kerala which I was familiar with.
The Stay...
It was a gustatory adventure. The staple food being rice, with an aggravated abuse of coconut. It was a coconut haven whenever our tongue yearned to taste. Coconut oil, coconut pieces and even coconut milk! Unusual for someone brought up in the Garden City. Even more so was the “King Coconut” that was the equivalent of tender coconut, barring one difference – The “King Coconut” was a deep ocher yellow when the tender coconuts back home were green.
They were warm hosts, of course. I shall ever continue to be indebted to these people as they actually took up the burden of our stay upon their shoulders. The hosts went out of their way to give us all the comforts we were used to back home. My host went to the extent to which she would pain herself by repeatedly asking me what I cherished so she could cook accordingly. She was an amazing cook nonetheless. I was deemed worthy as a Princess as they were spoiling me with their extravagant hospitality.
For the first time I understood the saying "Love needs no Language". My host did not understand English or any other language I could communicate in, and I, did not know Sinhalese (the common language). Still, we managed, not just essential communications, but elaborate discussions of our daily activities. We discussed our day and even made plans for the days to come.
For the first time I understood the saying "Love needs no Language". My host did not understand English or any other language I could communicate in, and I, did not know Sinhalese (the common language). Still, we managed, not just essential communications, but elaborate discussions of our daily activities. We discussed our day and even made plans for the days to come.
Bollywood Calling...
Bollywood is something that you can never escape. Even in the remotest areas on the island, Indian cinema had followers. Although few understood the language, they would sing flawlessly.
Aashiqui 2 and Chennai Express topped the list.!
Not to mention their dancing Skills! The dance forms that the twenty million people practice and portray could easily fill a diary.
The tallest Indian fell for a sweet Sri Lankan (lets call her Tich), a Sri Lankan counterpart fell for the youngest lad and our 'host' had a crush...
The twist - the youngest lad was younger than her.!! Tich decided to pursue her studies in India. Our host, well, it was just a crush.!
Aashiqui 2 and Chennai Express topped the list.!
Not to mention their dancing Skills! The dance forms that the twenty million people practice and portray could easily fill a diary.
Love Bugs...There is no place and season for love isn't it. Here we were, miles from home, and cupid strikes.!
The tallest Indian fell for a sweet Sri Lankan (lets call her Tich), a Sri Lankan counterpart fell for the youngest lad and our 'host' had a crush...
The twist - the youngest lad was younger than her.!! Tich decided to pursue her studies in India. Our host, well, it was just a crush.!
The Streets...
It was rather curious to notice that we could spot no stray animal gallivanting on the street. We did spot a couple of “pet” dogs, but nothing like the cows back home that trudged annoyingly down the street, especially when one is in a hurry. We did spot some rabbits and deer at an enclosure open to public, then again, nothing crossing our paths.
Beaches.........
Endless coastline implies endless beaches. Crystal waters meeting the sky at the horizon were a sight to behold. The scenery was breathtaking – the sand, the sun, the waters and serenity.
We HAD to be at the beaches, although our schedules were packed to the brim. What did we do? Slept less, had a quick breakfast and drove to the beach right after Sunrise.!
We HAD to be at the beaches, although our schedules were packed to the brim. What did we do? Slept less, had a quick breakfast and drove to the beach right after Sunrise.!
Mmmmmm... Curiosities abound...
Well… lets save it for another time…
