I remember perfectly well how I was in Sri Lanka for the first time . Apparently it was decided by fate. One of the friends of divers told me about a wonderful country, where he visited literally a couple of months ago. The story of his trip did not leave me indifferent, on the contrary - I realized that this is the place where I should visit.

After returning home in a week I told the family about everything that I managed to get from Edgar with rapture. Particularly imbued with my half. As a thorough and practical person, she literally raped all the forums, where there was at least some information about Sri Lanka. Literally by bit, within a couple of weeks, she collected everything that might come in handy. A small home presentation in a week, generously flavored with her emotions, left no doubt in the choice - We're going to Sri Lanka!

I must note that the travelers at that time were none of us - we were 100% tourists, raised in "Turkish all inclusives" with a standard set of exotic things in the form of Taya and Dominican Republics . Traveling, buying airplane tickets on their own, doing docking, book hotels - all this was a novelty . Nevertheless, most gurus unanimously declared - Sri Lanka is almost ideal for starting to travel independently . We believed - and were not mistaken . Was found guide from local (Lankans), composition en route, bought airline tickets and set up a company of 11 people .

Edgar did not lie a word - Sri Lanka took us from the first smile from the first person we met. I did not imagine that green has so many shades in real life. Despite a tight seven-day tour schedule, during which we traveled around all the main sights, we were really happy and subdued by everything we saw.

And a week after the return we realized that we did not just have to, but must go back to the paradise island by name Sri Lanka. It became clear and obvious why Marco Polo called this island one of the best in the world, and the great science fiction writer Sir Arthur Clark lived here 53 years writing his best works.

Two months later we again returned to Sri Lanka and live here already the last two years. We are already quietly traveling through Asia, and with a smile we remember ourselves two years ago. If you want to taste the independent rest, to see life not only from the bus window or from the hotel fence, then Sri Lanka will be the ideal beginning for a fascinating and interesting life called travel.

In any country in the world, places of maximum accumulation of tourists spoil the local population. Do not be lazy to take a scooter, bike or a simple bike for hire and ride inland. Just 30 minutes drive, you will see quite different people, sincerely smiling to you just like that. And if you leave in the wilderness of the country, the difference will become even more noticeable. Be polite and smile in return, and everything will be as in the song:

"... and a smile without a doubt suddenly touches your eyes,

and a good mood will not leave you anymore."