Sri Lanka Tripping
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Late last year, I was lucky enough to join my company on their trip to Sri Lanka. The only reason I was so excited was because it's not a place that will ever pop into my mind when planning my own trips, and we were guided by a Sinhalese and Singaporean photographer who travels there often, therefore I was sure the trip was bound to be interesting with amazing views.
True enough, every single day I get to see breathtaking views and gain new experiences. Such as sleeping on the bus through the first night upon arrival, which was quite scary as the road was dark with no street lights and the road was so narrow, you must really sway your vehicle to the side to give way to oncoming vehicles.
Our very first destination, Yala National Park. We spent an unforgettable night camping outside the park, surrounded by tall trees and bushes. It was definitely a test for me, pushing me way out of my comfort zone as I was also surrounded by ants, worms, frogs and all sorts of flies which I'm terrified of. I remember freaking out in my tent when I found a huge black butterfly and frog, as well as lots of flying insects stuck on the curtains and mosquito net surrounding my bed. When I was bathing using water they extracted from underground (it taste salty by the way), I couldn't keep my eyes off the worms that were right in front of me. However once I jump into the net, lying on my bed believing I was safe from everything I was terrified of, lights off, immediately a sense of tranquility dawned upon me. The silhouette of tress in the moonlight and the cool air surrounding me put me to sleep real quick, and it was one of the best sleep I ever had. Sleeping and waking up among nature brings on a special feeling (as long as I don't think about the insects). We drove into Yala National Park on a jeep, finding all the wild animals we hope to see. Wild animals are entirely different from those that we see being locked up in zoos, they look much healthier, much more alive. The best part of the safari? Seeing deers almost everywhere, my favorite animal!
Next part of the trip started with hours long of driving up the mountains in Ella. With the cool air surrounding us, Ella Mount Heaven was such a wonderful place to stay at as we get a panoramic view of what you expect to see on postcards. Mountains among mountains, the view is even more amazing while catching sunrise. We went hiking up one of the mountains in Ella, and life seems so amazing when I reached the top. The feeling brewing inside me and the view I captured deep into my memories was indescribable.
When we were leaving, we walked through a village and a group of children came running to us happily. With their hopeful smiles and beautiful eyes looking at us, all of them extended their hand hoping we brought things for them. I wish I knew in advance and I would have prepared lots of snacks and games for them, however all I had with me were a few packets of crackers and chocolates. However it was more than enough for them to smile brightly upon receiving it, some of them held on to it tightly, while some tore the wrapper apart and ate it immediately. A huge wave of emotions drowned me immediately. I felt really happy yet sad and thankful all at the same time. Another thing I will bring for sure on such a trip in the future, is my polaroid. Simple things like camera which we all have and take for granted, there are people who don't have it. The children and grandmas in the village were so happy and amazed when they saw their faces appearing on the screen of my camera. Pictures of themselves is something they don't have.
Towards the end of our trip, we drove up and down mountains again to get to the Hatton. By this point in time, I thought I've sort of got over my fear for bugs and any creepy crawlies. That is until we visited the tea plantations which was filled with leeches. When the people around me started to scream and run as leeches were on them, I immediately flew into a state of panic. I ran up the slippery hill which I was trying to balance myself on while strolling down just moments before, took off my jacket and shoes to check, and became paranoid for quite a long while. Thankfully, I didn't became one of the victims. You couldn't tell the tea plantation site was filled with leeches as the ladies working there were so quiet and calm as they pick the tea leaves.
Our very last night in Sri Lanka was the most luxurious out of all. We stayed in a bungalow filled with staffs whom take care of the place, cook and bring food to our plates. I've never seen such a beautiful house that carries old English style in every single corner, to even spent a single night there was unthinkable.
This trip to Sri Lanka was definitely beyond amazing, unforgettable and an eye-opener for me.It reminds me exactly why I love travelling. The things you see, the experience you get is something not within your grab if you stay within your comfort zone.
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