Sri Lanka - first impressions

I've only been in Sri Lanka for a couple of weeks so I haven't seen too much yet. Nor have I many photos to share because after one night stay in Colombo we went straight to our next workaway in Kandy and stayed there for 12 days. Having said that, I think I've seen enough to give me a good feel for what's to come so here are my first impressions... Many people say that Colombo is very busy. I can't really agree. Sure it's populated and there's plenty going on but it's well organised so it doesn't feel overcrowded or hectic. Maybe I've been conditioned by the chaos of India. I don't know. Peoples comments about Kandy are the same. I think it's active and has a bit of a small city bustle, but that's it. Unless I've missed something (and I probably have), to me it's a simple, little, densely populated city with a multicultural feel to it. A large man made lake, numerous temples, some intriguing alley ways and some awesome views make up the main attractions.

Sri Lanka is even more green than I imagined. Although, I've spent most of my time so far in the centre of the island, the jungle, so that's probably to be expected. The train ride to Kandy from Colombo and from Kandy to Haputali were fantastic. In fact the latter was the most scenic train ride I've ever had in my life. There were moments when it felt like I was riding the Abt railway line back in Tassie and the journey lasted 6 hours.

While we're on the topic of trains, the engines and carriages are from a time gone era but really well maintained. The train stations are the same. The small ones at least. They're un-modern, simple and have plenty of character. They're controlled by a Station Master dressed in a brilliant white uniform and looks just like he stepped of a navy vessel, the Conductors signal with a simple wave of a flag, the gardens are immaculately manicured, rest rooms contain Georgian style brown timber furniture from the 50's and trains depart with the sound of a whistle.

Drivers obey the road rules. Somewhat unbelievable for an Asian country. And even the pedestrians use the marked road crossings and walk to the signals. I expected Sri Lanka to be clean but I'm impressed at how clean it is. They have rubbish bins and people actually use them! There are signs asking people to not litter and keep "your" environment clean. I saw some civil workers the other day wearing high vis vests and cordoning of the work area with witches hats! Sri Lanka believes in OH&S or at least make an effort. Another first for me in Asia. The people are very friendly. I've had limited opportunity to meet any locals but those I have met have been warm, interested and kind. I'm looking forward to meeting more in the coming months. Oh yeah, months. I've already extended my visa to stay longer than the typical tourist. That's the kind of feeling I have for this place already. Something tells me Sri Lanka has plenty to offer and I'm excited about what lies ahead.

If I had to describe Sri Lanka in one word from what I've seen and experienced so far it would be......Charming. Charm is definitely the first word that comes to mind. It oodles with charm. Some days I feel like I'm in an old British colony movie. The kind of movie that's tells the story of a family who've moved to one of the colonies and attempts to assimilate with the people and adapt to the environment. Seriously, it has this residual colonial atmosphere and visual to it. It's holding onto the past and developing into the future at the same time.