Int’l travel bloggers, theatre artistes positive on revisiting Sri Lanka
Following the Easter Sunday attacks things are slowly settling in Sri Lanka, the Business Times emailed a few international travel bloggers and theatre artistes who visited the country during the last few years. Here are some of the comments they expressed in revisiting Sri Lanka this year.
International Theatre Director and Choreographer, Jonny Bowles said he planned to revisit Sri Lanka this August together with an international musical director. He said, “I had the pleasure of visiting Sri Lanka last year. As an international theatre Director and Choreographer I’ve had the opportunity to visit so many wonderful countries in my career but visiting Sri Lanka was an absolute highlight. From the beautiful locations I managed to visit to the outstanding hospitality I received, so friendly and welcoming. I had a wonderful experience visiting Sri Lanka and I look forward to visiting again.”
Travel Writer and Editor Ethan Gelber stated, “My connection to Sri Lanka began in 2004. Divided by ethnic strife, the country was 20 years into a civil war and facing bitterly contested presidential elections. Then the Indian Ocean Tsunami hit, dealing the nation a brutal beating. Despite this, the people we met were warm and proud, and we developed a powerful bond with respect for them. Since then, I’ve visited as often as possible, writing about Sri Lanka and singing its praises, though not excusing ongoing unrest, largely self-inflicted.”
Unsurprisingly, Sri Lanka’s recent troubles are a great worry, but also a reminder of the people’s resiliency, culture’s depth and beauty, place’s indomitability; the pressing need for lasting peace too. As it always has, Sri Lanka will get beyond today’s setbacks. And anyone who visits the country will easily see why, he added.
Copenhagen Traveler, Founder and Editor Regitse Cecillie Rosenvinge expressed, “I had the pleasure of visiting Sri Lanka few years ago and it certainly won’t be the last time I set foot in this remarkable country. From the moment I arrived, I encountered the warmest hospitality imaginable. Sri Lankan people are very friendly and curious and I met some amazing people during my trip. The country’s stunning nature will forever be encapsulated in my mind; from lush, green tea plantations to steep mountains, wildlife reservations and a surfer’s palm-tree paradise in the South; you literally have it all here. Sri Lanka is not only a grand adventure but also a feeling and a lifestyle. I already look forward to going back.”
Noted Travel writer and blogger, Janet Newenham: “Having visited the wonderful island Sri Lanka four times in the last three years, it will always hold a very special place in my heart. Sri Lanka is one of my favorite travel destinations in the world and I believe it has so much to offer the visitor. From waking up to the smell of freshly made hoppers filled with coconut and spices, to hiking up Sigiriya, going on jeep adventures at six o’clock in the morning through Yala National Park to exploring historic Galle Fort, there’s beauty around every corner. The Sri Lankan people are so warm hearted and welcoming and I always feel ‘part of the family’ every time I land in Colombo.”
Travel Blogger and Photographer Dave Anderson said, “Ever since my first visit to Sri Lanka, I’ve been absolutely in love with the country and everything it has to offer: From its unbelievably delicious cuisine, breathtaking landscapes and welcoming locals. Being in Kandy back in 2014, when I saw a newspaper article titled ‘Sri Lanka welcomes its one-millionth tourist’ and thought it was so special I was able to explore this unique destination before it became so globally popular. While it may be small when looking at it on a map, it’s absolutely packed with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, national parks and cultural landmarks. I can’t wait to get back to Sri Lanka and I’m sure anyone who visits will fall in love with the country just as much as I have.”
Chef, Author and Photographer, Emma Galloway, added: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Sri Lanka on a couple of different occasions in the past few years and each time I am taken aback by the generosity and warmth shown to me by the people of Sri Lanka. Surely the beautiful palm-lined beaches, ancient temples, wildlife parks, world renowned tea plantations, delicious food and UNESCO World Heritage sites are absolutely amazing, but to me the most endearing thing about Sri Lanka is the people. I’ve travelled extensively throughout Asia and the people of Sri Lanka are truly some of the kindest hearted people I have ever come across.”