Sometimes, a trip is bound to encounter some hiccups. The most important thing is seeing how you handle these little problems. This time on my Sri Lanka trip, there were quite a few unexpected issues. For example, today I vomited several times, and after that, I had diarrhea. Fortunately, the diarrhea only started when I arrived at the airport—much luckier than if it had happened while I was still on the road.
Speaking of the airport in Sri Lanka, to my surprise, the facilities and the attitude of the staff were worse than I had imagined. Or rather, most of the shops and restaurants are concentrated inside the restricted area, leaving passengers waiting to check in with nothing to do but sigh at the glass doors.
For instance, on my way back from Kandy today, I had originally bought a second-class train ticket. However, two carriages of that class were locked, making the remaining space extremely crowded. But because of that, I ended up meeting a new friend. This friend is Ian from the Netherlands, who owns an NGO. The NGO built an elementary school in the suburbs of Kandy and also helps manage it with the locals. He believes that knowledge changes fate, and the most direct way to achieve that is by connecting with the local community, involving them, and making them realize their own importance.
And during those short three hours on the train, I also got to know some Sri Lankans. They were all very friendly and eager to chat with you. From time to time, they would point out the window to show you what scenery lay ahead. In just a few days of conversation, my impression of the Sri Lankan people was that they are kind and always smiling. These experiences were the little joys of my trip.
Every journey may have moments of anger or frustration, but if you don’t dwell on them, they fade away. So whether a trip is enjoyable or not depends on your own sense of satisfaction. The old saying “contentment brings happiness” actually holds true.
Text and photos: Dan @ The Story of a Half Travel Journalist
Photo by Nikon D810
Other Sri Lanka travel articles
Sri Lanka Travelogue – Good Market
Sri Lanka Travelogue – Avani Hotel Experience