Just before the lockdown in France, Carolina from Wissembourg took a big leap.
A few months ago, I decided to travel to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks, on my own. After some reading about the “jewel of the Indian Ocean,” it captivated my attention, and I felt the urge to visit it as soon as possible. It was February, cold and rainy in northern Europe, so going on an adventure and simultaneously escaping the winter blues? It seemed like a great idea! If not now, then when?
Normally I would take time to prepare, but this time I did not feel the need for planning or rethinking the idea. I decided to simply go and enjoy. And so, it was. At the end of that same month, me and my 11 kg backpack arrived at Colombo Airport, Sri Lanka.
As soon as I arrived, I exchanged Euros into Sri Lankan Rupees, bought a mobile SIM-Card, and got a Tuk-Tuk to the first hotel in Negombo. I was doing just fine! It was very warm and extremely humid. It felt like a dream, not real at all, I was alone in a completely unknown and unfamiliar place and that was exciting and scary at the same time. Everything was different. The landscape, the people, the energy, the traffic, the noises, the smells and of course the weather. All seemed a little disorganized however people were very friendly and helpful.
I arrived in Negombo, a fishing town only 30 minutes’ drive by tuk-tuk from the airport. It was stunning. By this time, I still could not really believe where I was, what I was doing and why. I felt so out of place yet relaxed, amazed by everything around and so grateful for this opportunity.
For two days, I explored Negombo, visiting the fish market, a Buddhist temple, the medicinal botanical garden, had an ayurvedic massage, tried many delicious fruits and seafood and drank King Coconuts! Negombo is a very easy-going town, just the perfect start for a Sri Lankan trip.