Beating the school holiday blues
View(s):To beat the holiday blues we’ve put together a list of things you could be doing (apart from staring in front of the television or PC) this school holiday season.
Set off on an adventure
You’ll have plenty of options to choose from here. Little Adventures in particular offers one day excursions to wild and exotic locations like Utuwankanda, where you’ll live and breathe the Legend of Saradiel and Kalpitiya, where you’ll have the chance to get up close with dolphins. Call them up on 0722266688 for the next adventure.
Go paintballing
‘Splatter Paintball’ in Gampaha offers the chance to get yourself pelted whilst wandering through acres of wilderness. They’ve got plenty of trees and rocks for you to sneak behind while taking aim, and plenty of fresh air to make up for the holiday quota. Contact them on 076 799 9300 for reservations.
Volunteer for a worthy cause
The Lanka Alzheimer Foundation (LAF) began their fundraising activities a few weeks ago; raffle tickets sold in popular shopping malls in Colombo raise much needed funding for the foundation’s activities. Help Lorraine Yu and her volunteers by dropping in to help sell tickets! Contact LAF on 2667082 for more information.
Learn to sew your own clothes
Sewing can be therapeutic and it’s also a great way to keep occupied. Barbara Wijesinghe has been teaching the art of wielding a needle and thread for many years, and offers lessons on weekdays. A three hour session each week will soon have you proficient, and before you know it you’ll be designing and sewing your own clothes! Contact her on 0777 587781.
Brush up on your P’s and Q’s
Let etiquette and grooming expert Nedra Wickremesinghe guide you through the world with a deft touch; the Arden Institute offers great programmes for those keen to learn the finer points of social etiquette. They have a special teen etiquette summer programme from August 25 -31-contact them on 011 2575762
Browse for secondhand books
Deen the Bookman in Slave Island is legendary for his extensive selection of secondhand books at affordable prices. He runs a bookshop and lending service and you’d be hard pressed to leave this store without a selection of books clutched close to your heart. Most titles start from 200 and usually cost little more than that, so you won’t end up spending a fortune for some good reading. Find the shop opposite the Victoria Bakery near the Slave Island junction.
Visit the German Toy Museum
The von Heimendahl collection is a spectacular selection of German toys lovingly collected and curated by Gayangi von Heimendahl. The museum is home to toys from a cross section of generations and times-each with an interesting backstory. Visit them at No. 421, Havelock Road, Colombo 06.
Paint your way to the perfect vacation
The Charcoal Gallery on Hotel Road in Mount Lavinia is not just a place to see some great art-you can also get your hands messy and join art lessons at The Secret Garden. Lessons happen from 4.30-6pm on weekdays and 9.30am onwards on Saturdays. They’re great fun, and the fresh sea breeze coupled with great music and yummy treats from the café downstairs make for a perfect way to while away the hours. Call them on 011 2 715717
Kids Summer Holiday Programme
MILK on Barnes Place offers kids holiday workshops until the 30th of August-activities include art and crafts, sessions on modern art and world cultures, pottery painting, jewellery making and t-shirt painting. Contact them on 0112696286.