Sri Lanka Travel: Things not to do

2. Go alone up the „single tree mountain“

I could have run back up again, but I knew that he could be faster and up there was nobody to help me. I could have tried to fight with him but he was a man with a bottle in his hand. I decided to speak really loud that I don’t want to show him my body or do anything else. But he became angry in his face when I stated to shout – with the hope somebody would hear me and help. Then I decided to speak to him – normally and from person to person. I said him that please he should let me pass my way and „that’s it“. Nothing will happen.

I don’t know how many minutes I spoke to him like that for, but… suddenly a red car came up the road (!!!) and the man disappeared. I didn’t stop the car which was on the way up but said „thank you“ in my mind and continued quickly on my way down.

What else you might find interesting about Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka you find different religions living peacefully together: the major ones are Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

 

Language

When Sri Lankas want to say Yes with body language, they don’t shake their head like we do, but move their head a little bit from right to left (tending their head). First I was very confused, but then I checked it.

Train ride

In my opinion it is enough to pay a 3rd class ticket. Often you find a seat in 3rd class.

Bus ride

Cheap as well, you pay for a long ride of 3-4 hours like 150 rupees, that is about one euro. Be aware not to sit under a music box, because the Bollywood style music sometimes can get very loud! Don’t forget your earplugs. Some bus drivers drive like crazy – very fast and always honk –  but the truth is that mostly they are really good drivers and usually on time.

Is Sri Lanka safe for women travelling alone?

I would say: yes! In general, locals here are very friendly and interested in others. You should perhaps not go separately when you want to climb a mountain or visit a lonely place, better join a group. In the beach you can speak to a family group or a couple to have an eye on your belongings when you go for a swim.

Have some self esteem when you travel – that always helps due to the fact that the most asked question of me was if I was married. Some woman have photos from a friend in their pocket and will say that’s their husband – I didn’t (and could have at least 5 new husbands here…). But normally men are not pushy (like sometimes in some South American countries).

What does the dot in front of their head mean?

When woman get married they put a red point on their head. Often their paint also a black or red point on babies heads to wish prosperity in their live.

Money

You should always have „little“ money with you: Due to the fact that lot of kiosks don’t have enough change for 5000 or sometimes also 1000 rupees, I always had some 100 rupees with me. ATMs you can find in every major city. I recommend a Visa Card from DKB (Deutsche Kreditbank) with this you get money in every country and every ATM without fee! I have this credit card some years now and never had any problems.

At the end

Thanks for being interested in other countries, culture and people! I hope I could help you with some information about Sri Lanka and the really nice people here. It’s a country worth visiting because it is relaxing, fun, safe and easy to get around.

My first language is German and I am not a real expert in English. If you see any mistakes, I would be glad if you tell me!