'Nothing lasts forever, the only thing that remains the same is change.' (Frittenbude)

The past ten days have probably been the longest of my life so far. And probably also the most challenging, I must say. But let me tell you in order. I have been in Sri Lanka for about two weeks now. Even from the plane, I can see a lot of green land and it comforts me a little bit about the pain of leaving India behind.

But before I can explore nature and maybe see some animals, I have a few days ahead of me in the cities of Colombo and Kandy. Since I can't immediately get a train ticket for the next day in Colombo, I have to spend a little more time here than planned. So, I have almost two full days to explore the capital of the island state a little more closely. And after the little frustration of the fully booked train has subsided, I am also motivated to leave my room at the hostel and take a walk through the city.

Almost like in Hamburg here

... like India just clean

On the way back to the hostel, I see a band playing on the other side of the street and spontaneously find a seat, order a beer, and observe the people. Later, it gets really crowded and everyone dances in the street. Somehow, everything here seems very European to me. I no longer feel like I am far away. Even though I didn't miss that, it's still an interesting change of pace.

This woman is trying to earn some money by selling stamps.

The next day, I stroll through the market district, where the beautiful Jami Ul Alfar Mosque is also located. Unfortunately, I cannot see it from the inside, as it is prayer time and I am not allowed to enter.

In the late afternoon, I walk to the city beach 'Galle Face Beach'. I read in another travel blog that it is supposed to be beautiful here at sunset and that you can also get delicious food. I want to convince myself of that.

I haven't been by the sea for a long time and I enjoy the fresh wind for a while.

I spend the rest of the time just walking up and down the promenade and watching what people do here. You can't really go swimming here, but definitely dip your feet in the water.

In a large area behind the snack stands, children of all sizes are flying kites.

And then the sun sets.

Now it's time to try some of the goodies.

The next morning, I take the first train to Kandy. The city is mainly on my travel route because I will be doing a ten-day meditation course nearby. It is also possible to apply for a visa for India here. Did I mention that I want to go back to India? ...

The train ride allows me to experience the beauty of nature in this country a little bit more, and I enjoy finally sticking my head out of the window while traveling by train.

Kandy is a pretty big city on a plateau in the middle of Sri Lanka, surrounded by mountains and forests. The arrival at my accommodation is a bit amusing. There is only a very friendly, older woman there who calls someone and then hands me the phone. The male voice on the other end of the line tells me that the bed sheets and towels are not completely dry yet, and I cannot check into my room yet. He will come by in about an hour to finish everything. I am hungry anyway, so I go back to the city to get something to eat.