"Sri Lanka - where I am originally... " a Sri Lanka Travel Page by Samanthi

A friend of mine persuaded me to write this page about Sri Lanka. She mentioned that during a time period when the country can do with some back up and support. Because there is a whole another side to our day-today-life in Sri Lanka than what you get to see on BBC or CNN. This girl is very special. I only knew her briefly during my IBM days but we are still in touch. She had all the reasons to hold her head high but she is one of the most humble, modest human beings I have come across in my life. This is the main reason why she is so appealing to me. So – Okay , this basically about how our life, love and everything else happened in Colombo. I am offering few tips to what to do and where you hang around. Perhaps its more of a story that I intend make catchy. Some information may not be 100% correct or up-to-date due to lapse of memory. Also this is what I basically experienced from 1991-1998 or so. Since then I have been out of the country. I was last there in March 2007 to be with my mother who had by-pass surgery. This is after a three year absence. Actually a lot has changed. Colombo is never getting any better traffic wise. I just don’t understand from where we get the money to buy these flashy expensive vehicles when we have struggled with a war that is lasting for 20 years and as a developing nation. Traffic has doubled and so congested. Hmmmm then again that is Colombo – something very unique for this city. Honestly I will never recognize Colombo without its traffic madness.

Colombo is where I spent my bitter sweet adolescence which I think lasted a bit longer. I came from somewhat a middle class family & all-in-all life was comfortable. Most of all my folks made sure that all three of us in our family were reasonably educated. So – we all became financially independent. I have to say that I have pleasant memories of Sri Lanka. Life was way easy and relaxed in general. My favourite food was string hoppers with dhal curry and coconut sambol. I do miss not having to eat these. Well it is not the end of the world and food was never my biggest concern. Unfortunately now I do get sick from eating very hot and spicy food.

Life was relaxed and laid back. Its now fascinating to think that I never had to cook or even wash my clothes and yet I only came from a very ordinary family. I miss that life style. I have to say my father is the most easy going human being I had ever known. He actually never worried about anything I believe. He usually had a drink in the evening and come around to say hello. He'd pat our heads and say "everything ok Charlie". God knows why he addressed everyone as a Charlie - let it be a girl or boy. The only Charlie we knew was the guy who came to pluck king-coconuts from those few trees we had. Anyway this is a statement not a question and therefore there was no need to answer. To me - this comment largely represented our lives in Colombo. It was a complete "no problem" saga. There was always tomorrow to deal with whatever headaches. In Colombo - people have all the time for you. Which also means they want to know every bit that's going on in your life. If you don't tell them - you can be assured that they will find out. One way or the other. Once a upon a time - we were living next to a very wealthy attractive couple. And the wife was having a secret affair with her equally attractive house-keeper. But the whole neighborhood knew the details. It was their cook who went around gossiping and others bribed him with food or money to hear the gossip. I was 25 and going out with 20 something girls and boys - all my sisters friends and had no plans to settle down. This was such a head ache to my relatives and I know they pestered my mother. I am not sure what excuse she had to justify my life style but they never approached me.

Nicest part of this life style is that we are never in a hurry. Whenever I go there - the first thing I notice is how slow people walk. It is also true that if you walk faster - you could be sweating to glory because of the hot sunny weahter. When I look back - I think the plus points are that - lack of depressions and we don't even know what are tranquilizers and life is simple and lot less materialistic. Sri Lanka I knew was not poor - no one suffered from hunger or anger. People I knew partied a lot and helped each other a lot. We also watched lots and losts of cricket and had fun. You are never alone - surrounded by all the time. In good time and especially bad times. If you had a problem - you would be forced to share it and someone will provide you with an answer. I am a person who like to be left alone and this interfering part of my culture was something I could not stand. When I left Sri Lanka - there were no elderly homes and no one ever thought of such a thing. Everyone took care of their older parents but I hear that this is changing now.

Well I mentioned that Sri Lankans are slow but that does not mean we are lazy all the time. Its a total different behaviour at work. Education is the key. Since the day you enter kindergarten, we are given targets. I remember having to attend dancing, elocution, music, swimming and extra math classes after school. These were extra stuff in addition to school. Usually your family will map out your future including how many A's and C's you should get at your Advanced /Ordinary Levels. Rest is all set thereafter. Education is the ticket to many key issues in life. Not just for a better career or a lifestyle but acceptance, status and blah blah and yes of course a suitable marriage partner.

I remember myself as a someone who went out a lot. I think this is partly because of my happy-go-lucky sister who had loads of friends. She was attached to the travel trade and was never home. If she was home - our telephone was constantly engaged. She could not keep up with her friends. There was something happening every Friday night. A dinner out, go dancing, go visit friends or have a bbq somewhere or a weekend-getaway. I was always included. I was something 5 years older but she did not forget to include me. Although I was not a much of a talker - I did not mind them. Bunch of girls and boys who could not shut up. She actually ended up marrying an equally free spirit. My brother was simply different and regarded our activities as a complete waste of time and money. He'd rather stay home and read. He and I have this unspoken understanding of each other & life.......& our journey on this planet earth.

Now back to Colombo - it is not a tourist destination and totally different from the rest of the country. It is noisy , polluted, hot & humid and another wacky place that does not sleep. During the day traffic in this city is totally unbearable. Not quite sure how to describe it. You just have to experience it. It is our unique style of driving and we experts at blowing horns. You should not even think of driving unless you have previously driven in Colombo. I would not even recommend 'three-wheelers' if you are just visiting. My husband - a Belgian just drove only once and we almost had a fatal car crash ! The city of Brussels between 17.00 - 18.00 hrs sometimes reminds me of Colombo but have to say that we produce a much superior version! But please - I love Colombo and had all the fun in the world during my twenties. It is a damn good place to live as long as you are financially stable and can handle those social expectations/obligations.

The norm is that by the time you reach 25 and if you are a female --- you should have completed your education - have a career - husband and children and juggling everything else around you. Otherwise you are an odd character - I survived as an odd ball because I lived in the suburbs of Colombo and there were so many other odd balls living there - both male and female. So it was kind of ok to go against the norms.......

Night time is a different story. As that hot sun goes down - you will notice that another side of this city will begin to appear. There is so much to do. I was a night bird myself - can confirm that Colombo has very active night life. If you just take a walk down the Galle Road - you will notice the number of Lounges, night clubs, pubs, casinos and restaurants etc etc. This town will offer just any type of entertainment that you are looking for. If you want to go out with friends - have dinner and just chill out & watch how that city life pass you by....... Listen to jazzy music and have a drink somewhere or dance the night away. Just anything but for a price. Sadly - Sri Lanka is all about pure capitalism ! Ones who have - have it all. Somehow you can enjoy a walk down the Galle Face Green for free ! Then if you are a non-Sri Lankan guy looking for a fun evening with a local girl. Sorry - you are in the wrong country. I knew girls who did dope - went out a lot - quite forward type. Nevertheless - getting involved with a non-Sri Lankan is out of the question. A fling - no way. You will notice that all the girls who came to a night spot would have been with their partners or a bunch of friends. Never alone or looking for company.
More to follow......