I’ve always been fascinated by elephants but the first time I encountered an elephant in a non zoo environment back in 2013, when I rode around and washed them in Chang Mai, left me with beautiful pictures, however oddly cold feelings. It was my first big trip and everything around felt so exciting, including elephant rides. But if I had to choose now, I wouldn’t do it. (more…)
Travel can be transformative experience. Alongside the actual trip (the air miles, unfamiliar dorm beds, indecipherable languages and alien landscapes), there’s a more personal journey. Foreign cities, different cultures and liberating getaways are often where we discover things we never knew about ourselves, or do things we never knew we would, or would dare to, back in the comfort and routine of home. (more…)
Before traveling to Sri Lanka, I did a little research on local transport and the best ways to move around. However, there wasn’t much information on that, so I decided to put together some tips and tricks to move around the island. If you’re planning to travel with taxis or three wheelers (Tuk tuk), don’t read further, as all my advice is directed to budget travellers. (more…)
After incredibly successful week with “Future Peace”, we decided to take a break and treat ourselves with ‘relax o’clock’. One of our team member Heshan’s family opened the doors to their family and offered to stay with them. So we lived right by Polhena beach, which has it all: amazing beach, sun, snorkeling, BBQs and incredible sunsets. (more…)
Dramatic change of events. New Year, new plans, new opportunities. The purpose of this trip was to eat our way around the world. But what if we get an opportunity to do more then this in the course of our travels. We will definitely take it. (more…)
Second border crossed, second visa obtained, another story begins.
Lithuania flag in Ahungalle beach
We’ve left India on the 29th of December. Six weeks in India felt rather perfectly spent, can’t imagine it better. But just an hour in SpiceJet plane and you land somewhere so different it makes you question your geography knowledge, ‘is this India’s neighbor?’.
Local catch
Very first things that caught my eye was green colour. Everything around seems alive, lots of water surrounding you and no rubbish! People are less religious conscious and wear anything from burkas to shorts and dresses. More tourists and less stares! Although it seems that less people speak English, that doesn’t stop them being extremely helpful. Also, so far it seems prices are fixed (and written) even in the markets, which gives me a hope that locals carry better missions on this planet rather than ripping you off.
First night we stayed in Colombo, which is just 15km from the airport and seems a very lively city, even tho it’s big and crowded. Also, humidity level seems to increase to what feels like 120%, making +35C hardly bearable. It wasn’t hard to find our couchsurfer, as everyone we stopped to ask for directions was more then happy to chat with us. Furthermore, my eye got caught by quantity of umbrellas and my mouth by variety of even more spicy food.
Buddhism main religion in Sri Lanka
Our plan is very vague at this point- move south, then a bit east and come back via central part visiting some religious places and temples. So next stop Galle, just 130km from Colombo, 2hours in a car and we are there. We were lucky as couchsurfer was going that direction and gave us a lift. Galle family lived just 5km outside the town in Karapitya, however we struggled finding them as it was already dark. Giedre knocked on random door to ask for directions and people living there were so helpful they offered calling couchsurfers number. He picked up and to our surprise announced, that he’s out of town and won’t be able to give us accommodation! BUT can arrange a room for 1000LKR ($8) a night. That’s when I lost my patience… I just hung up, no point arguing, as couchsurfing philosophy stretches further than trying to make money and fool people. However, people who opened door to us were so concerned about this scam, they offered to stay with them in exchange of information about souchsurfing. Hence, they never heard about it and were very keen on getting involved. That’s where I felt like apostle, spreading a good word:) They have two little girls, who were curiously running around and drawing us pictures.It seems that every time someone shuts the door, God opens the window. We ended up staying with them for two nights and invited to their relatives house for another three nights.
Malakas family in Karapitya
New years eve and we still didn’t have any plans. But the idea was to have a glass of shandy on the beach, overlooking midnight fireworks. And just as we lay in Unawatuna beach 11hours before 2014, a guy comes up to us and hands out a flyer for tonight’s pool party, 5min later he comes back with two free tickets saving us 6000LKR. Following good luck, New year was celebrated in style. Let me draw a picture: 5* hotel, British DJ’s, international people around, 3-2-1, bikinis on, we are in an infinity pool, overlooking the Indian ocean, fireworks and a glass of shandy in our hand. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Ready to greet 2014
Also had a chance to live in Ahungale village. Family was very big and friendly. And it was a real countryside! Outside, under the palm trees cold shower, overlooking the stars and curious monkeys. For breakfast freshly picked coconuts, pineapples, bananas and papayas. Deserted beach with massive turtles hatching eggs just 1km away. You can hardly find a tourist around but chickens, pigeons and dog size lizards are often seen phenomenon. Feels like we’re back in Flintstones era and owning iphone 5. In a good way ofcourse! Welcome coconuts not a news anymore, every day we get a fresh one to enjoy while making our way to the beach. I call it paradise at the end of the world. The only downside of such secluded living is lack of internet, almost impossible to find it. But I guess you can’t have it all.
Outside shower
Hello Galle
Galle light house
Unawatuna beach
Lots of colors!
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