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.....