A lot of people think travel is just an escape—a chance to party, to relax, to chase the next adventure. I used to think that too. But Sri Lanka changed that for me in a way I never expected.
As I lay in bed with a fever, staring at the ceiling, a fundamental truth about travelling hit me - it isn’t all about the freedom. Before, I travelled for fun, adventuring up the east coast of Australia with like minded people. This was fantastic, but as I lay reflecting on my latest experience in Sri Lanka, I suddenly appreciated that this trip was unlike any I’ve had before. Here’s why..
Sri Lanka was different. It was simple. We stayed predominantly in home-stays, which fostered a real connection with the people there. We travelled mostly by local bus, which meant rattling along narrow roads, a plume of black smoke in our wake, with no idea what time we might arrive, but we always got there! We met and chatted to lots of people this way, something that may not have happened in private, comfier transfers. Everybody we met was incredibly friendly and seemed genuinely happy, despite being materially the poorest we’ve seen on our travels. One thing that stood out in Sri Lanka was how cut off it felt. I couldn’t always get what I wanted. No cadburys, no home comforts. The menus were very similar across the whole country. I found myself eating local food rather than my usual Western food. And in a way, that made me feel even closer to the place.
Sometimes, I visit a place and get this raw feeling of wanderlust—like I’ve truly stepped into a world unlike anything I’ve known before. I felt it in Japan, with its unique culture and incredible efficiency. I felt it in Kuala Lumpur, with its extensive diversity. And I felt it in Sri Lanka, maybe more than anywhere else.
One of my most memorable experiences happened in Dalhousie at the foot of Adam’s Peak. Our accommodation was secluded, and I was out recording a video when a young man approached me, asking if I made YouTube videos. After a brief chat, he gestured for me to follow him into his family’s home. The house had no windows, just openings for them, and was filled with bags of coconuts and other raw materials. They had a small production line set up, making a type of cake similar to flapjack. They offered me some—it was good. The heart of their home was a large furnace with a pot of thick syrup bubbling away, and in the corner, stacks of the finished product. Before I left, they gifted me some. There was no expectation of anything in return—they simply wanted to share their world with me.
I think we should all experience these moments. The ones that broaden your mind, make you stop and reevaluate. The most memorable parts of my trip are never the cheap drinks on a busy beach, or the familiar food in the shape of McDonald’s or pizza. Instead, the moments I hold onto are the ones where I connected with locals, embraced their way of living, and let go of my own expectations. It’s often outside of my comfort zone, but that’s when I feel like I’m truly traveling. And the biggest rewards always come from stepping beyond what’s easy and familiar.
That’s my challenge to myself moving forward. My next stop is Thailand. And yes, I’ll probably drink a cheap beer on a touristy beach. But beyond that, I want to meet more locals and fully immerse myself into different ways of life. I want to truly connect with the places I visit, and if you’re reading this, I challenge you to do the same.
I hope you enjoy some of my favourite pictures from Sri Lanka:
