Wild Mushroom

 In a symphony of the heart

A string that unwinds 

Tunes to the heart 

To a smile that killed none but

Silently stole the secrets long unknown 

Surrender to the hesitation 

As we breathe together 

In a strong hold

My travel Map to this day

 The countless blessing includes my passion for travel and the job that allows to me to see more places than i could have imagined. I have lately been thinking about documenting and marking the places I go to with my runs. It's been a few years now exploring this thought, but I am finally taking a plunge to draw a map of words around the places I have been to and what better way to start than from the extreme tip of the south Asian continent Srilanka. 

Sri Lanka Travel Log

1. Basic Information

• Name of Place: Sri Lanka
• Country/State/City: Sri Lanka (Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya)
• Date of Visit: December 2019
• Duration of Stay: 10 days

2. Travel Experience

• Reason for Visit: Vacation & Cultural Exploration
• Mode of Travel: Flight to Colombo, then road trips within the country
• Accommodation: Mix of hotels, beach resorts, and a homestay in the hills

3. Highlights of the Trip

• Top Attractions Visited:

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Temple of the Tooth (Kandy)
  • Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya
  • Galle Fort & Unawatuna Beach
  • Yala National Park Safari

• Memorable Experiences:

  • Climbing Sigiriya at sunrise for breathtaking views
  • Taking a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella
  • Seeing wild elephants up close in Minneriya National Park
  • Relaxing on Mirissa Beach and watching blue whales
  • Exploring the colonial charm of Galle Fort

• Food & Cuisine Tried:

  • Traditional Sri Lankan Rice & Curry
  • Hoppers with spicy sambol
  • Fresh seafood in Galle
  • Ceylon tea tastings in the highlands

• Cultural Insights & Local Traditions:

  • Learned about the significance of Buddhism in Sri Lankan culture
  • Witnessed a traditional Kandyan dance performance
  • Experienced the warm hospitality of locals in homestays

4. Reflections & Learnings

• What I Loved Most About This Place:

  • The mix of history, nature, and beaches
  • The warmth and friendliness of the people
  • The incredible variety of landscapes in a small country

• Challenges Faced:

  • Humid weather in coastal areas
  • Some long road journeys between destinations

• Would I Visit Again? Why/Why Not?
  ✅ Yes! Would love to explore Jaffna and the northern parts next time.

5. Photos & Souvenirs

• Best Photos Taken:

  • Sunrise from Sigiriya Rock
  • Elephants in the wild at Yala National Park
  • Colorful tuk-tuks in the streets of Colombo
  • The picturesque tea fields of Nuwara Eliya

• Souvenirs Collected:

• Handcrafted wooden masks
• High-quality Ceylon tea
• Batik fabric from Kandy

• Hong Kong Travel Log

  1. Basic Information

  • Name of Place: Hong Kong
  • Country/State/City: Hong Kong SAR, China
  • Date of Visit: October 2018
  • Duration of Stay: 5 days

  2. Travel Experience

  • Reason for Visit: Vacation & City Exploration
  • Mode of Travel: Flight to Hong Kong International Airport, local transport via MTR, trams, and ferries
  • Accommodation: Stayed in a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui

  3. Highlights of the Trip

  • Top Attractions Visited:

    • Victoria Peak (The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428)
    • Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) & Po Lin Monastery
    • Avenue of Stars & Symphony of Lights Show
    • Disneyland Hong Kong
    • Temple Street Night Market
    • Star Ferry ride between Kowloon and Central

  • Memorable Experiences:

    • Watching the skyline from Victoria Peak at night
    • Exploring the bustling streets of Mong Kok and its vibrant markets
    • Taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to see the Big Buddha
    • Experiencing the thrilling rides at Disneyland Hong Kong
    • Enjoying a traditional dim sum meal at a local tea house

  • Food & Cuisine Tried:

    • Dim sum (Har Gow, Siu Mai, BBQ Pork Buns)
    • Egg waffles from a street vendor in Mong Kok
    • Roast goose at a famous local restaurant
    • Pineapple buns & Hong Kong-style milk tea
    • Seafood dinner at Sai Kung

  • Cultural Insights & Local Traditions:

    • Learned about Feng Shui influences in Hong Kong’s architecture
    • Experienced the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations with glowing lanterns
    • Noticed the balance between modern skyscrapers and historic temples

  4. Reflections & Learnings

  • What I Loved Most About This Place:

    • The dazzling skyline and harbor views
    • The efficiency of the public transport system
    • The fusion of Eastern and Western influences in the city

  • Challenges Faced:

    • Crowded streets and busy tourist spots
    • Humid weather and occasional rain showers

  • Would I Visit Again? Why/Why Not?
    ✅ Yes! Would love to explore more islands like Lantau and Lamma, and try a junk boat experience.

  5. Photos & Souvenirs

  • Best Photos Taken:

    • Panoramic night view from Victoria Peak
    • Giant Buddha at Lantau Island
    • The neon-lit streets of Mong Kok
    • A bustling dim sum table full of delicacies

  • Souvenirs Collected:

    • Lucky cat figurine for good fortune
    • Hand-painted Chinese fans
    • Traditional Chinese tea from a local shop

From Strangers to being Strangers !!

It all Started on a way to a cycle to nowhere

On a morning, I knew nothing about. 

There you were on, starting a journey, to become unknown

A string here and a string there

Tangling like a rope, over time

Bond was like I had never known

Shared every morning lost in the due

Like it was a dream not wanting to be Woken 

Then came the summer and all it went 

Into the dust like wind swept on the shores

Bellows of memories nothing to hold

I know I cannot Sail

But who can stop for a cycle to nowhere

what began on a morning ended like a storm

In that I found my soul and lost it too

For the journey was never to be alone 

But lost in it were the two, holding but a hay!!

Trying to put together a Journey to the unknown 

From strangers to behaving like strangers

I have come a long way, looking for no one but you again.....

Wandering on the road

 On a quiet start to a distant melody

The heart pounds to the roaring breeze

You ask why I love the fleet

The solo ride on a winding street

To what has the melody has the song

The words are missing but not the thoughts 

On every turn there are memories 

Some more cherished some left desired

Today the warm sun bracing my path

Showered Light to show me the path

One step at a time syncing to the rythme of my walk

Know not what I find but to be found

Rise again says the birds in the Sky

Turn to me as I take flight

Cherish my color as I blossom on the plant

Says the flower brimming to me