Tragedy hits Sri Lanka
Two and a half years have passed since we traveled to Sri Lanka seeking new adventures. While recalling the smallest details of our trip, writing them down and composing this blog post, the shocking terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday happened. It was reported all over the news that nine suicide bombers carried out the attacks in Sri Lanka that killed more than 350 people and injured more than 500. The coordinated blasts targeted Christians at Easter Sunday church services in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa, as well as tourists staying in luxury hotels in the capital.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Sri Lanka.
Having written down all those happy moments we spent in Sri Lanka, I had mixed feeling whether to publish this post or not. With my deepest sympathy and respect to all the wonderful people we’ve met during our trip, my only wish is that one day we accept one another and live in peace on this earth and that this hatred and anger be replaced with love, forgiveness, and compassion.
This unfortunate event brought my mind back to the words of Mme. Shithra – The sweet and charismatic lady managing the Lanka hut in Negombo where we spent a memorable stay upon our arrival to Sri Lanka.
Religion Vs. Philosophy
“Religious extremists are the cause of all the misery in the world. Hate crimes are taking place all over the world in the name of God or in the name of a religion which is peaceful at heart” she said. “That is why over time I favored the Buddhist philosophy. I don’t want to be associated with any religion that worships God. Buddhism is a philosophy. God is everywhere. God is in me, in you, in her, in this little running ant,” and she pointed to an ant making its way up on a nearby coconut tree. “Everything is God” she continued while she served breakfast for the four of us, with a wide smile on her face showing a shiny set of pearl white teeth. “I was a rich lady. I owed a jewelry chain across Sri Lanka and I was well off”. “My children got married and some of them moved away from the island with their families. I thought to myself why I would need all this. I distributed my belongings to my kids, family and those truly in need. Here I am now, managing these 3 modest beach huts and providing the best experience possible to my visitors. For what profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” she ended her morning philosophical speech and in her hand were two ice cold pineapples that she just brought to complement our protein rich breakfast of scrambled eggs and spicy omelets.
We didn’t engage much in her conversation as it was our first morning in this new land, and we were still not sure whether to venture into such topics or if it would be culturally accepted or not. Based on what I’ve read about the bloody history of Sri Lanka I do understand her point and her possible resentment towards religions. Sadly, after a relatively stable period, Sri Lanka was hit with this hate and religiously motivated tragedy.
We really enjoyed our chat with her and we respected her sincere and courageous story. The time has come, we had to pack our things and head to our next destination which was Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla followed by the Sigirya rock citadel.
Memorable experiences
It is in search of such memorable experiences and acquaintances that we travel the world. We’ve been to many south and southeast Asian destinations such as Goa in India, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao in Thailand, Manila and Palawan. While each of these destinations had left us with a distinct and unique quality, the welcoming and hospitable Sri Lankan smile was remarkably full of kindness and sincerity.
We took off at around 11:30 am with a feeling like we had known Shitra for a long time. We walked out to the van and started loading our bags and stuff. Before we left she made sure that we knew the way there and she recommended a few other sites that we could check on our way.
We said goodbye and took the left side of the road and drove off. At first, it felt weird, but it didn’t take us long until we perfected it.
More about this memorable trip in upcoming posts.
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