Monday, January 25, 2010

January 2010: Thoughts on the first days in Sri Lanka by Terri

We started out with a long flight to Hong Kong. The food on Cathay Pacific was great. We arrived in Columbo at midnight then had a five hour drive to Tangalle on a very windy road. They drive on the wrong side of the road here and they drive crazy fast, swerving in and out of traffic, around the tuck-tucks (little 3 wheeled taxis). We stopped at a roadside cafe and had samosas that were delicious. We pulled into the local hospital to use the restroom. Once we arrived at Palm Paradise Cabanas I realized where they got the name. They have majestic palm trees, tropical flowers of every colour and the beach is white sand with aqua marine water. The sand is so fine it almost feels like flour.

We went to work at 10:00 am the day we arrived digging out and prepping slabs for the concrete pour. We're pouring 8 to 9 yards a day by hand. We all come home tired and dirty. The Sri Lanken masons are very skilled tradesman, especially given the equipment they have.

The Sri Lanken people are very special. They have the warmest smiles and very white teeth. They are beautiful people with big hearts. They are so appreciative we're here helping them. We are served tea daily at work by our Sir Lankan co-workers. It is such a feeling of them giving back to us during tea.

We have quite a diverse Developing World Connections group here in Sri Lanka. We range in age from 14 to 76. We have gelled together amazingly well. The younger girls bring a youthful energy, they are full of excitement and adventure. The older ones bring knowledge and wisdom and stories to be shared by all. I am totally enjoying by experience here.

-Terri Norton
DWC Volunteer Participant

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