South Asia here I come! First Stop Sri Lanka!

So continuing my visit schedule next stop was my South Asia leg, beginning in Sri Lanka. This last leg is the last leg of my visits and my 12th country on the road, but how can I feel tired when I arrive to a greeting like the one I received in Sri Lanka. I was met at the airport by AIESECers from the MC and LCs, who promptly gave me a 'traditional' welcome, which involved chanting and waving leaves around before asking me to eat them :P. It was only after putting it in my mouth I realised the joke was on me :). From there I drank from a coconut before heading off to my homestay. What an interesting reception it was indeed.

People ask me if I am worried about my South Asia leg ahead, as many people talk about the conflict they see on CNN, BBC, etc. If only CNN gave you the whole picture you would quickly realise that there is more to the area than the conflict they report on. I was received so warmly in Sri Lanka, and even though I was in an element so completely foreign to that I am used to, I almost felt like I belonged :). Quite a feat I have to say given the short amount of time I actually had in the country. I suppose that is because of the kindness and generosity showed to be my the many AIESEC members I had a chance to interact with. From my homestay where I was staying with one of the most hospitable families I have ever met, to the various members who took me to and from the office everyday, as well as showing me around Colombo.

A couple of things that are immediately obvious when going to Sri Lanka, 1) It's really hot (or should I say humid), and 2) the food is super spicy. Sri Lanka has officially taken the crown from Korea as the 'So Hot Ryan Can't Handle It' Award. And then there is the fruits! Oh I wish I had more, the pineapple was the highlight, so rich and juicy I could have had two! The MC office is Sri Lanka was also a treat, being tucked away from the main road it what seemed like a mini jungle. Just trees and the sound of birds all around make for a very pleasant working environment. I think I spent a good five minutes marveling at a bird that had perched itself on a tree branch and was picking away at the fruit hanging off :). If this is what I say in Colombo, it makes me wonder how much more there is to see across the country!

I was amazed at the appreciative nature that Sri Lankan AIESECers displayed. I was pleasantly surprised at the end of my visit at a farewell party where everyone shared one thing they had learned or they appreciated from the country visit. It is hard for me to also share fully, how much I really appreciated the open mindness, proactivity and passion that the Sri Lankans brought to the visit. Leaving Colombo I think I am leaving the country with more gifts than I have from any other country (the luggage is slowing getting bigger and bigger, with some still sitting in Singapore :P). My visit also made me sad in a way, when I talked to the AIESECers about all the amazing opportunities they can provide to interns from abroad, yet they are finding it increasingly difficult to find people to come due to the reports of conflict happening within the country. Yet at the same time after my experiences I would say that many of those people are missing out on an absolutely amazing experiences in one of the most welcoming countries I have ever visited. I guess I just hope that people look beyond CNN, BBC, etc as their source of information, and take the time to fully appreciate the good as well.

So now I have left Sri Lanka, reenergised once again, and off to Bangladesh. I am now sitting in Dubai Airport waiting for my connecting flight, enjoying the free wireless :). After Bangladesh it will be on to the expansion countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan which I cannot wait to get to as well! So for now here is Ryan signing off again from Asia, and this time South Asia!