Beat

There are songs in my head
So I couldn't care less.
The world is at my feet
As I will be moving to the beat.

There's friendly banter in the background,
And people reading in their seats.
Typing on the keys
And swaying to the beat.

Footsteps heard in the corridors
Laughter echoing off the walls. 
Rain pattering on rooftops
Creating a funky beat. 

To complement, not complete

Have we established the fact that I am a girl? Well, if not, I am. Now that's off the way, I have heard many people, irrespective of their gender say they found the perfect partner, their better half. The one person who completes them. 

Now I don't know about the few of those who say that, but I for one (and some others I know for that matter) have a problem with this term 'better half'. Do they imply by saying their significant other is better than them, that the one saying so, is in some way, worse? Or that they are the lesser being of the two? When put that way, wouldn't you have a problem with those words?

I don't believe you should get into a relationship to find a better or worse person in anyone. You should accept the significant other as they are. A human being. And this human being shouldn't have to complete you either. And with that, I come to my other point. 

Why do people say their significant other 'completes' them? Does this mean they are not whole? Or that they lack a part of them? If that were the case, is it then wise to embark on a relationship? I mean if you're is incomplete, then shouldn't you be investing more into who you are and figuring out what you want, rather than in a relationship, trying to understand and make the relationship work? 

I do understand that nothing is perfect. But I also know that expecting someone else to be your happiness, to generate it and be the source of it can be detrimental. What if that source goes away - and I sincerely hope it doesn't happen to anyone, but what if? Where does that leave you? At rock bottom for sure. For you don't know what makes you happy alone as you have invested and are dependent on your happiness from a single source, a person, your significant other. 

So, I say, go figure yourself out first. Understand what makes you tick and what makes you happy. Learn to be at peace with yourself. Enjoy some solitary time. It's by being alone and truly alone that you learn to look within and know yourself. Trust me, this journey is as important as any other. For in knowing who you are, you learn to understand what you want in another. A partner. A significant other. 

When you know yourself, you know your happiness is depended on you, your own actions and not anyone else's. You learn to be a complete person, irrespective of having someone significant in your life or not. You are at peace. 

Photo credit: lisacrunick.com

With this peace comes understanding. This understanding leads you to knowing what to look for in your partner. You understand that the 'other' won't complete you, as you are a complete human being on your own. You then understand that the 'other' will only complement and add beauty to your life. That they too are complete on their own and thus will only inspire you towards greatness. And this isn't fluff or a fairy tale. It's all true and you will know when you find that person who complements you and makes you strive to achieve your completion all on your own. 

Ladies and gentlemen (because I am hoping I have a gender balanced readership) don't let the source of your happiness be an external
person. Don't rely on another to make you happy. Let happiness come from within you, and trust me, you won't regret it. 

So all the best and let that happiness shine from within. Peace. 

Assumptions vs Curiosity

I have recently been told that I am too curious, that I question things too much and that I assume things. I don't know what to make of these. So I have reflected on this thought and I have come to realise that I have always been interested in the 'Why's. Why some thing happens the way it does, why people behave the way they do, why... why... why....?

I, of course decided to take this in a positive light. It appears people have mistaken my curiosity towards life to assumptions. My curiosity generally doesn't mean any harm to anyone as I merely want to know whether some thing I have assumed is either prove it right or wrong. It's a personal thing. 

http://www.s-curiosity.com/

This curiosity is innate to me. It's probably my curiosity towards life that makes me want to know and understand how and why things happen. My curiosity is varied. For example it can be towards wanting to know why my dog behaves a certain way in wanting to know why a certain concept is what it is to understanding the communication styles between people. 

And this curiosity is most likely why I am doing what I am doing right now. I am engaged in research and I am really happy doing so, as I get to unearth the 'why's. And in research, the 'why' is generally referred to as the hypothesis. :) As an academic and a researcher, our main purpose is to find a reasons to embark on research. A gap that needs to be filled. 

So I'd say this curiosity of mine is working fine for me in my career as I get to question away, until such time I prove something right or wrong. And that's what research is all about! You prove a theory, a thought, a concept etc true or false. 

Oh! I may have a reason and a valid job to be curious or question things, but do remember, a person's background and previous experience too plays a major part in these things. 

A State of Peaceful Happiness

Content. What does this mean? It's a word that's been constantly flung around by a lot people. People say they are content or they are not. But what do they really mean?

The Oxford English Dictionary says it is being "in a state of peaceful happiness". And this is something I have been feeling of late. I am really very happy about myself and my life. I know most will gasp at this, but that's how it is. I'm just happy. 

It's simply being satisfied. Satisfied about how things currently are and how things are progressing. It's a state of not worrying about the future. A state where I'm confident about how things will turn out. It's also a state where I have come to terms with the past. I'm neither saying I had a horrible past nor that it was a smooth walk. But I have dealt with the bad experiences, learnt from those mistakes, and come to where I am today; the present. And I suppose, this, makes me happy. 

Being content probably also means you will not let day-to-day problems affect your attitude towards life. That you will take the problem by the horns and will attempt to understand why it either bothers you or what affect its pros and / or cons will have on your life. It's the understanding that comes with it.  

I also think being content has a lot to do with who you are. Raise a few eyebrows and give me a quizzical look, perhaps? What I mean is, coming to terms with your individuality. Understanding who you are. And this is something i have been doing for a while, and I believe I am starting to see the benefits of it. It doesn't mean I am obnoxious and unpleasant about what I know about myself or my self-confidence. 

Contentment is also probably a state of self-awareness. It means, I understand my strengths and weaknesses and know what qualities I need to improve and what I need to relieve myself of. 

So this is my take on being content. It's probably a feeling. I don't know the exact word/s. I don't think phase would do justice to it. But I know I intend to let this last for a long time. 

Hope you also find contentment in your life. And hope the little insight from mine will help you towards achieving it. 

Credits: upfluence.com

Validation

Validation, validation, validation

The likes, the comments and the shares,

We seek it,

We eagerly wait for it.

This is what new media has done to us.

This is what we have all become.

We seek validation. Approval for what we do.


Validation, validation, validation, 

This is the new human force.

You make and break people with the likes. 


Validation, validation, validation

Oh! How you have ruined us!

We are no longer able to live without seeking mass approval.

Why seek it? Why go behind it?

The culture today dictates it.

Oh! What has become of humanity? It seeks a lot of validation.

It doesn't serve any purpose. 

A validation that neither benefits nor be fits a person. 

Think again before you seek this validation. 

Validation you mean thing!

We must change this.

Silence

Silence,
You surround me.
Your presence is overbearing.
And indeed you make yourself known.

Silence,
You're a void, that needs to be filled.
An emptiness that's still.
In the years you only seem to have grown.

Silence, 
I beg you, leave me alone.
I don't want you around,
For in your presence, I drown. 

Sinharaja Rain Forest: 2nd Episode

I was really excited when my colleagues said we will be going to the Sinharaja Rain Forest. Excited in general, that I was going on a trip. Excited that I was going on a trip with this fun bunch, and excited that I was going to the Sinharaja Rain Forest! Yes, there was an overflow of excitement there! :)

It was only during the planning stage and the ensuing conversation that I realised I haven't been to this world of natural wonder in just over 3 years. So naturally, there was more excitement and those of us who had previously visited Sri Lanka's only rain forest swapped stories with those who hadn't. I even showed them photos from my previous escapade. 

This is the view from atop the Sinhagala which is roughly 10.5kms from the Kudawa COnservation Centre. It's the 3rd highest peak in the Rain Forest at 743m. 

After all the planning - yes there was a lot of planning in to this short trip - and discussion - why, of course we must spend a day talking about the leeches - we finally embarked on our day's tour to the wilderness. Some hoping against all hope they wouldn't encounter one of those nasty blood suckers and others hoping the weather gods would be kind towards us. 

This is a leech

The journey started a little later than our expected time of departure because one, a colleague of mine was sent on a wild goose chase early in the morning and two, our mode of transport didn't turn up on time. Not really my kind of start to a journey, for I appreciate punctuality. Anyhow, an hour later, we were on the road, heading towards the Sinharaja Rain Forest. We took the Galle Road to Kalutura and turned off at the Nagoda junction towards Mathugama. And from there, we head straight to Kalawana for that was where we were headed. One of the borders of Sinharaja. 

One of my colleagues had a friend he has known for long years from this village and his visit from the land of the red, white and blues was the reason behind our visit. The said friend and his family were such lovely hosts. They were overjoyed to see us all there and were very very hospitable. And they had planned quite a relaxing day for us. 

The makeshift bridge

After the preliminary introductions and a warm cup of plain tea - the tea was really good as it was from their own estate and was the low country variety. We then got back in to our van and head towards the bridge. Now this said bridge had collapsed due to the monsoons and hadn't been repaired since it has collapsed. It's a sad story because people have to cross a makeshift bridge made of bamboo and incur double the cost, be it for transporting goods or people travelling from one end of the route to the other. We too had to get down and cross the makeshift bridge and get into another vehicle to continue our journey. Our hosts had arranged for another vehicle from there. The sun was rather warm but the cool breeze more than made up for it. Whilst waiting for the second vehicle we caught up on the scenery and of course took some selfies - I mean why not right? It's the thing of the age - and some hilarious photographs of the others - these will be good for those birthday cards. :D 

The tea estates on either side

Armed with bags of manioc, kithul toddy, bathing gear and soap we head towards the river situated quite a bit away in Pothupitiya. Up and down hills we went, crossing a few paddy fields and tea estates with the dense forest of the Sinharaja Rain Forest encapsulating us. It grew thicker as we head towards the river. Everyone's eyes were on the ground when we got off the jeep, for some remembered the friendly neighbourhood leech! The others, like me, stood open mouthed, looking at the beautiful view and the mountains far and beyond. 

The view

As the saying goes in these areas 'issellama yana ekkenage koodello ellenne naha' [leeches won't latch on to those who tread first]. So keeping this in mind, we followed our self appointed guide, a 12 year old boy, towards one stream to get to the other. As we stood perched on some rocks, we briefly scrutinised our feet to see if any unwelcome guests had arrived. And indeed, - I really shouldn't be surprised here - there was one nasty fellow making its way up on mine. As I stood looking at it, a colleague jumped to my rescue and took it off before it could make any permanent damage - read on and you shall know. After that drama we took to crossing the stream sans a bridge. And those who have encountered this experience would know how exciting it is. :) 

Towards the dry patch of land

After a short trek in ascending terrain we came across a dry open patch of land and those of us first timers were wondering where the river was or even better where the road leading to the river was. Of course, we all began scanning our feet, for dry land means no leeches and we were safe to wander about. Then came the leech soap. It was the first time I heard of this magical thing, and it apparently wards off the leeches! "Hah! You nasty thing, you have no way of getting to me," or so I thought. Two in the group were vigourously applying this wonder soap, and I too thought knowing my luck, I should have a go at it. So apply I did. [The anti-leech soap is white in colour and sort of reminded me of salt. It needs to be soaked in water before applying. It should ideally not leave a colour for if a white substance remains on your foot, I was told it means the soap hasn't been applied properly and you will slip when getting in to water.] 

The next portion of the trek involved going through some thick forest cover where at times the path was not visible at all. And this meant there was sure to be some leech or the other lurking in a dark patch of soggy leaves. Yup, really not the kind of thought you want when heading to a water hole. Oh! But we made it, quite leech free all thanks to quick strides and of course, the leech soap. ;) 

Our final destination: the river

The aforementioned water hole - the river - albeit small as it was upstream was like a  secret hideaway, a magical land of sorts, where one could escape and get alone. I didn't plan on swimming because I just wanted to chill sitting on a rock. But my colleagues wouldn't hear any of that and provided me with shorts to swim [I had an extra top on me] and I am right glad I did. The fish kept attacking my feet and the strong flow of water gave quite a lovely massage. I must say I was thoroughly happy. In and out of the water I went munching on manioc and a rather spicy onion and nai miris sambol. Oh! But it did wonders to beat the chill. I am yet to experience of the effects of the kithul toddy. :P 

The approaching rain clouds

After a solid 3 hours by the river, we decided it was time to head back as the skies depicted the rains were going to be on us. Once again a bumpy ride with many stops along way to collect bananas, jack fruit and narang [a variety of orange] we hopped in to an open roof jeep and sped away! I must say I really enjoyed standing and going in an open air vehicle. I was only a tad bit worried I'd fly out head first if the driver braked too strong! :D Some times being tall does have its glitches. But the wind in my face, the speed and being able to enjoy a panoramic view really does make up for it! 

View from the open air vehicle

Once we reached our host's home, we had a quick simple homemade meal, some wakara [ripe jack fruit] and a warm cup of plain tea, we head set journey to head back to our respective homes, singing some local songs and interesting stories. 

Waraka a.k.a. ripe jack fruit

Cultural displacement

I have always found it difficult to explain to people where my hometown is. Coming from Sri Lanka, where everyone seems to have an affiliation to a certain city or village, it's difficult for me to explain and for the listener to understand what I am saying. 

When someone asks me 'where are you from?' I always reply with Colombo, as I have been living in the heart of the city for most of my formative years and I don't associate myself with the place of my current residence. At which point, people would give me a quizzical look and ask me 'where do you live now? To which I reply with my current location but add that I have lived in Colombo for most of my life. I still in the suburbs of Colombo, but there's something about not being in the city itself. 

I have two theories for this thinking of mine. The first is that as I have lived in a foreign country for a while again during my childhood, I associate a bit of that country, it's lifestyle and practices. Therefore, experiencing this during the time my mind was developing and grasping everything around me, I would see certain traits I find comforting, thereby seeing myself not liking the Sri Lankan set up. Therefore living away from the place i was initially brought up in would have messed with my childhood mindset. 

I know this is complex, but having said that I closely associate with the foreign characteristics I also closely associate myself with the Sri Lankan way of life. I think I have now properly put you to sleep! :)

The second theory I have is that the generation who are born in cities don't have a hometown. This is because the their parents' generation would have internally migrated to live in or closer to the main cities for employment purposes. Therefore, these children understand their hometown to be the city whilst adding XYZ is where my parents are from. At least this is what I do and have observed most of my generation do the same. 

This is a little difficult to wrap one's head around, especially for those who have not experienced long years in a different country or the latter, where you lived in a city completely different to your parents, or from where you currently stay. 

Homi Bhabha describes cultural displacement and connects it to broader issues of cultural identity and national identity. So I guess what I am experiencing is legit! But a lot more work has to be done on my part to understand all this. After all they say the human mind is an interesting subject to study! :)

Only Child

Dear only child
How I pity you,
For not having siblings to play with,
Goof about and talk to.

Dear only child,
I don't know how you manage,
For you are a lonely being, 
Without social skills.

I'd hate to be you,
For your parents are your only friends
And you don't know a world above and beyond.
You're alone.  

Dear only child,
I like the person you are,
For overcoming hardships albeit alone,
Without a sibling near.

Dear only child,
I see your suffering
When you see the warmth between siblings 
Something you never enjoyed.

Dear only child,
I hope no one has to be like you
And go through the world  
For this dark place isn't safe for you to tread alone. 

Dear only child, 
I wish you saw the joys of the great outdoors 
And not opt to stay in your room.
For the world has a lot to offer, not just the sorrows. 

When You

When you think there's no more hope,
He walks out and touches your heart.
When you are lost and lonely, He comes across with his hand in your.
When you look about the millions,
You spot the only eyes that speak of love,
When you think there's no more love,
He spreads his love, as warm as the sun.
When you find yourself in darkness,
His smile is the light of your life.
When you are lonely at night, you know no solitude.
'Coz he's with you in every dream, you dream.

[Came across this in my drafts and thought I'd post it without deleting it. It's from the past - obviously - and speak of better days when I was probably infatuating over some guy. :D] 

Commitment or the lack thereof

This is generally not the type of thing I write about, but I thought of penning a few words seeing the increasing trend and having to come across many individuals who practice this lifestyle. And I write at the risk of coming across as old-fashioned or worse yet, judgmental. 

So I am talking of people not liking the age-old concept of commitment in relationships. I have come across quite a large number of people who feel they are not ready to commit and feel they need to explore all opportunities available in terms of not being exclusive to a single partner. 

And no, this is not all merely in my head, and was voiced by some professional counsellors, with whom I have been interacting with for work related things. According to them, people want to opt out of their relationships, including marriage, the moment they encounter hardships. They don't want to face the challenges and instead just walk out. I have seen this happening increasingly as well. And it makes me wonder about what our parents and schools taught us about being committed to something we love, both animate and inanimate. 

I understand it is important to have your options open and experience as much as you can in life before settling down. Perhaps this will ease any difficulties in a relationship, in knowing what you want from one. But what I don't understand is why the present generation doesn't want to invest their time in a single relationship. Instead they engage in multiple casual relationships, hookups, flings, call it what you may, but it's all the same, anyway. 

What I am trying to understand with all this is the, WHY. Why have the youth become like this? And the WHAT. What made them behave this way. So, please do enlighten me as to why this happens and what causes this. Because the reasons I have come across thus far aren't sufficient to explain this behaviour. 

Achieving Positive Peace in Sri Lanka

Six years. It doesn't seem like that long ago, but some memories are vague. And that's how long it has been since Sri Lanka eradicated terrorism from the country and ended a gruelling war of nearly 30 years. 

I still remember, though rather vaguely, the moment the news was announced. We were at the BMICH, rehearsing for that night's performance at the Colour's Night of the University of Colombo. The news arrived when we took a break and was waiting for the rehearsal of the Latin dance item to be over for us to do a sound check on stage. I guess more than anything I remember how I felt and the sigh of relief we collectively let out when we got the news. I still remember us all screaming with excitement when one of the choristers broke the news! 

Thereafter the 'war ending' became our slogan for the next few months whenever there were slight disagreements within the university choir. Someone or the other was bound to say, 'calm down, the war is over.' And that inevitably had us feeling lighter in spirit. 

Sri Lanka has come a long way in the six years since 2009. But deep down, I know as someone who has, albeit briefly, studied on 'peace', that the country has more to do to cultivate 'positive peace' in the country. Johan Galtung, the father of peace studies, introduced two definitions on peace, positive and negative. 

Definitions

Negative peace is the absence of violence. In order to create negative peace, we must look for ways to reduce and eliminate violence. A cease-fire would be an example of an action for negative peace.

Positive peace is the presence of social justice and equality, and the absence of structural or indirect violence. It is characterized by the presence of harmonious social relations and the “integration of human society” (Galtung, 1964). In order to further understand positive peace, it is important to understand structural violence. 

We all understand that Sri Lanka has achieved the former - negative peace - but has not, or is yet to fully achieve positive peace which sees the restoration of relationships, the creation of social systems that serve the needs of the whole population and the constructive resolution of conflict. We need to identify and address the root causes that really led to all these problems in the first place. People may criticise me for all they want, but we all know deep down in our hearts that none of these small problems that keep arising will be laid to rest until we really address the root causes. 

Imagine a tree with a trunk and lots of branches above the ground, and also lots of roots running deep underground. The top portion of the tree i.e. the tree trunk and its branches symbolise negative peace. Therefore, when we address the issues on the surface, we manage to attain a certain level of peaceful living that is calm. Peace can be defined as 'freedom from disturbance; tranquillity' or 'a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended'. But like in any practical situation, we all know we have to address the issues that really cause the problem, symbolised by the deep roots of the tree below the surface. It is what cannot be seen that causes distress. And therein lays the problem.

But once addressed and properly put to rest, the deep rooted issues will never arise again. It will also enhance the quality of the relationships right across the Sri Lankan society. Therefore as a Sri Lankan I feel we all need to pull our socks up and get the ball rolling on achieving positive peace. Because, without which, we will never be able to properly live in a peaceful environment. True, we don’t have bombs going off every now and then, but think about it, is this really how you want to live your life? Is this the way you want your children and the generation after that to view the country? Is this the Sri Lanka you want to leave behind?

A Lesser Known Yaalpanam

The sun had almost reached its zenith when we set forth on our journey to Jaffna, the land of palm trees, the famous public library and of course, the mouthwatering cuisine. Originally it was only the three of us, but we met two friends at the Colombo Fort Railway Station, from where we boarded the Uttara Devi Intercity Express to Jaffna. My friends and I had homemade sandwiches for the ride and lots of water. The journey was going to be long and the blue skies indicated sunny weather. 

There wasn't much to complain about the train ride, except maybe for the fact that it took two extra hours for us to reach our destination. But as the saying goes, "it's not about the destination it's about the journey", so we enjoyed ourselves as we deserved it. I must say the weather wasn't all that in our favour, as it was melting hot and it only seemed to get worse the closer we got to the north. The air was dry and there was no wind except if you put your head out the window and caught the breeze from the whizzing train. So we downed quite a bit of liquid, whilst engaging in casual conversation with the Ticket Checker, the Railway Security and of course the most helpful Station Master at the Anuradhapura Station who even gave us 5 litres of bottled water, simply because we were conscious about the environment! How about that for a change?! 

Having enjoyed the day's setting sun, we finally made it to the Jaffna Railway Station around 8pm. As it was late, we had a quick meal at a small restaurant in Jaffna town and head over to the hotel we were staying the next few days. Located in midst of the town it was a safe distance from both the Jaffna Public Library and the Jaffna Fort. Then we decided to call it a night as we were tired from both the long journey and the unbearable heat. 

St. John the Baptist Church
Chundikuli

We were up early the next morning and head back to the top of the road to grab something to eat. I had steaming string hoppers whilst my friends had bread and oranges. The latter was unfortunately unwell hence the fruits. Pharmacies only open after 9am, so it's advisable to carry your own medication in the event you're unwell. But most shops and eateries are open from 7am. 

Besides wanting to travel around the Peninsula, my friends and I were there to partake in a mutual friend's wedding. So, after our early breakfast and a quick nap, we got in to our sarees and kurtis and head over to St. John the Baptist Church in Chundikuli, roughly 4kms from the place we stayed. The ceremony itself was long yet simple. Unfortunately I did not understand much as the whole service was in Tamil, and my limited knowledge of the language didn't help. The service was followed by lunch and I must say I haven't enjoyed ice cream as much as I did that day at the reception! 

Nallur Kovil

We had the services of a tuk tuk whilst there and after a quick change of clothes back in the hotel, we had Baskaran - our driver for the next few days - take us to visit a few lesser known historical sites in the Peninsula. But of course, we had to make a short stop at Nallur Kovil before we ventured forth. One of the friends I was travelling with had made an elaborate list of places to visit and the first stop was the King Sankilian Statue. When we went for a walk behind the statue - an area mostly deserted and full of weeds - we came across two cute dwarf donkeys taking shelter under some ruins. 

King Sankilian Statue

Yamunari

Thereafter we walked about an abandoned children's park and then went to Yamunari. It's a pond located in the midst of narrow roads and houses. 

I think we were really lucky to have Baskaran with us, for if not, navigating those narrow roads and finding these locations between modern civilisation would have been a little more than tricky. At this point, a friend of mine called to say he was nearby and could see me. I had called to let him know I was in town, so decided I should say hi. 

Rajamanthru Walauwa

He came just as we arrived at Rajamathri Walauwa. And thanks to him, we caught up on the history of the peninsula. As we took off from here to head to our next destination, we had a flat tire. A quick change of tires with us holding the tuk upright, and we were back on the road heading to Karainagar. 

On the road from Karainagar

As we were making our way through town, we spotted Rio Ice Cream and we just had to make a quick stop for some well deserved yummy ice cream. My friends both had scoops of ice cream whilst I had a mango juice with two scoops of ice cream! Trust me; the heat makes you do these things! And the shade and air-conditioned environment was a welcome relief from the glaring sun.  

We were nothing short of sunny skies full of white candyfloss like clouds, my favourite! The road to Casurina Beach from the Karainagar junction was like a dreamland, absolutely picturesque! The long two-lane, narrow road is set in the middle of the lagoon and on one side, we saw prawn farms. Of course my friends were highly excited in seeing this, as I am sure they imagined their dinner!  

A little drive later we arrived at the Casurina Beach, which was bustling with people soaking up some sun before the avurudu celebrations. We quickly took off after taking a few photographs and enjoying the view. We bought a packet of peanuts for the road. The heat was really getting to us. 

Casurina Beach

Our next destination was Fort Hammenheil. I was more than a little excited as I have heard many people speak about this place, yet I had never got to visit. I was really happy my friend had included this in to his list! 

Fort Hammenheil

Fort Hammenheil was nothing like I had expected it to be. You can approach by taking a right turn from a little way from the Casurina Beach in the midst of the wilderness. The Sri Lanka Navy is doing a wonderful job with its upkeep and I couldn't have asked for a better sight! It's a magical place to be. The fort itself has to be approached by boat, which the Navy provides. There are four rooms that can be occupied, with I am told, a beautiful view! Unfortunately, all the rooms were occupied, so I couldn't have a peak myself. 

But the guy who took us across the sea was kind enough to give us a tour of the Fort. After giving us a brief historical description of the Fort, he took us inside and explained the functions of the then prison. We were taken in to the common cells as well as the cell Rohana Wijeweera had once been locked up in. We got to see the inscriptions on the wall Wijeweera himself had made. He had even drawn a caricature of himself! 

After relaxing for a while, chilling with a nice cold drink, we decided to head back to Jaffna town. It was a tiring day so we caught a small nap on the way back. And before we knew it, we were back in town. Baskaran our trusted ride dropped us off at the Jaffna Fort where we were able to catch a glimpse of the setting sun. Needless to say, it was breathtaking! 

Some of our friends were already at the fort, so we caught up with them, and enjoyed the view. As it got dark we reluctantly followed the stream of school children out of the fort. One among us was a Nigerian, and the school children were really excited. And they were really inquisitive of how she had braided her hair. From the little I could gather, this was the first time they had seen an African and kept asking to touch and feel her hair! 

Bidding goodbye to the school children we made our way across town in search for a decent meal. One of my friends was from Jaffna, so together we walked to the restaurant he recommended. The stories we heard of the historical importance of some of the landmarks such as of the Duraiappa Stadium, the Jaffna Clock Tower, the Memorial Tower of S. J. V. Chelvanayagam and the Jaffna Public Library filled our minds though we were on an empty tummy. We also witnessed the enormity of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Dinner was a simple affair with us enjoying vegetarian food. The vegetarian in me was delighted in having quite a choice! I had masala dosai, whilst the others had onion dosai, ghee masala dosai and paper dosai. I also enjoyed a glass of fresh milk. I must say it was one of the best meals I have had. Replenished we bid farewell to each other and the two groups parted ways, with the promise of meeting again the following day.

The following day, Sunday, my friends were up early as they were heading to Nagadeepa and a few other locations before taking the night mail train back home, to Colombo. I, unfortunately, had to come back early, due to the inability to book tickets on the same train. So post breakfast and bidding farewell to my friends, I went for a stroll in the market. I spotted king coconuts from afar and made my way to the vendor to drink one to beat the heat. Thereafter I wandered towards the library and had a casual chat with the security who inquired about my visit. I'd say he was a rather forward fellow! After stocking up on some vadei for lunch, I head to the station to board the Colombo bound Uttara Devi Intercity Express. My journey was not to be the least bit boring as I met a lovely old couple who like me had come for a function. We ended up talking about everything under the sun! I think they really took a liking to me as they pampered me with biscuits and vadei during the journey. And when we parted ways at the Colombo Railway Station, they wished me all the best after inquiring about my journey home from there.

Though brief, this was an eye opening journey for me, as I got to enjoy the company of both friends and strangers. The sites visited taught me that some times, we have to look beyond the bigger picture. I was also humbled by the kindness of strangers and the wealth of knowledge one can gain from simple conversation and faith instilled by random acts of kindness. The journey also drove home that reconciliation comes from communicating with one another and minute acts to promote it will go a long way. I don’t know who the lovely old couple are, but I know their story as they do mine. So I close my eyes for the day thinking about the memories made during this brief yet unforgettable journey to the Jaffna Peninsula. And my advice for those reading and planning to travel up north, please avoid the months of April and May as it gets quite hot over there.