Hope you guys enjoyed the video! After a month of touring the country, I have created a Sri Lanka Google Map Travel Guide to help make your trip planning that much easier! Sri Lanka Google Map Travel Guide: www.alinamcleod.com/travel-guides/alinas-sri-lanka-travel-guide Hotel I stayed at: booking.tp.st/TvBpMoxF Higher end hotel in the area: booking.tp.st/ayoJJ5hH Budget hotel in the area: booking.tp.st/AlQRZWHw
Hi Alina the Hopper you eat is historically called Appam. Go to Kerala the best breakfast is Appam and Stew. Try both the vegetarian and the chicken or mutton stews. I hate restaurants changing names, especially if it is Srilanka’s best food. FYI en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appam and here you have the history. They serve you with sweetened coconut milk on top and the Appam swells up with taste and flavour. This is historically one of those fermented food, which we seeking today. Made with rice and toddy, the natural drink which ferments. Today restaurants use yeast. The Appam that comes out is bland.Try the original food as you go into rural Srilanka and fall for it for life.
What about Tamil, Moslem culture? Aren't you aware that as about 40+ ETHNICITIES have lived in Sri Lanka. Extremists don't want to admit, but Chinese, African, Portuguese and other bloodlines are present here. A good number of so-called Sinhalese and Tamil and Moslem and even Burger people are of mixed blood. Some highly placed politicians have foreign imported names.... Religious and Racial extremists use race and religion and even poverty to their advantage..
I spent 6 months in Sri Lanka in 2006. Thanks for refreshing my memories. I was doing tsunami relief work in Kalutara, south of Colombo. Kandy and Ella in the interior are definitely worth the train ride.
@@AlinaMcleodIn Ella, I stayed at a guest house run by a guy named J.P. It was something like the equivalent of US$10-$15/night at that time. He prepared, at additional cost, a Sri Lankan meal for me, with the full spread of spices and he answered all of my questions. The view of the mountain from my balcony was incredible. I did a tour of a tea plantation in the area too, which was interesting and educational. Watch out for scams from people who say "Don't you remember me from your hotel?" They will then offer tours and, yes, shortly after I arrived, I was a victim, but it only cost me about US$10 :)
@@jps0117 : If you do not mind, May I have the info about J.P. contacts/name of the Guest House, address and contact info would be highly appreciated. Many thanks.
I'm a Sri Lankan student who is currently studding in Canada, your videos' inspired me to know lot about Canada. Even though, currently country is facing an economic crisis, their are plenty of things to do and enjoy in Sri Lanka and it is a safe place to visit. Usually, Sri Lankans have a good hospitality and many of them are friendly. Sri Lanka has plenty of things to do and enjoy. I'm glad that you come to visit our country. Stay safe and enjoy your journey. Thank you.
Sri Lanka has always been on my bucket list. Now that the civil war has ended it's become much safer, although the country is struggling economically due to government mismanagement. There are good package deals from the UK so I might give it a go later this year or early next. Are you going to go to the northern Tamil areas?
Yeah I would definitely recommend checking it out, a lot of British tourists here. I won't be going north because right now is actually the monsoon season there. The north and south have quite different climates so make sure you plan your travels accordingly depending on what you want to see.
Yes, that "creepiness" of guys around the Fort is a somewhat isolated feature in Sri Lanka - focused in the Central tourist part of Colombo. It is very rare once you are out of the Center of Colombo. Most Sri Lankans are genuinely good people - and very safe to associate with. . . . I live on the edge of Colombo . . . and, definitely, catching a Trishaw in downtown Colombo is much more prone to fraud and over-charging than one will encounter anywhere else in the country.
0:56 No Dear 🙂Sri Lanka does not have two capitals. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the real capital of Sri Lanka 🙂Colombo is a main financial city.But Colombo was considered the capital of Sri Lanka until 1980. After 1980, it was changed to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Many foreigners think Colombo as the capital of Sri Lanka. But it is not like that. Welcome to my county 🤝 🙂 🇱🇰
I'm fascinated to see the real Cinnamon Gardens after reading the novel Cinnamon Gardens by Canadian-Sri Lankan author Shyam Selvadurai. The novel is set in the 1920s, so I'm sure what I see in your video is quite different. It's still great to have a visual of it, though. Thanks!
Back in the late 1950s I spent a couple of months in a private hospital in Colombo , there have been a lot of changes since then , but I remember the people being very easy to get along with , and the countryside was wonderful. I really enjoyed watching your very thoughtful presentation. As an aside , I have been learning Ukrainian for the past two years , having learned some Russian before that. Best wishes from Oakville Ontario.
My parents lived in Columbo in the late 1940's where my dad was an RAF Medical Officer and ran a medical clinic for the local population once the WWII had ended. My mother had many happy memories and really enjoyed interacting with the local people whom she found very cultured. She employed an entire family to look after the household, including a young boy who would climb a coconut tree to get fresh coconuts. A very different world back then.
Hello from Australia Alina. My goodness, Ceylon is not the country that I remember. Back in 1954, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visited several countries in the Commonwealth, Ceylon (now Siri Lanka) we were living back in Scotland my home country. After Her Majesty arrived in Ceylon which was around February 1954 the Shaw Saville liner "GOTHIC" came into collision with another ship in Colombo Harbour. My father who was a Former Royal Navy Chief Engineer, and was working as a Engineer for Lloyds of London, was asked to go out to Ceylon to supervise and expedite the repairs on Gothic. Dad was then asked to stay on in Ceylon by Lloyds and offered him a contract for 2 years. My Mum, myself (I was 8 years old at the time), my younger brother and my sister who was only 3 years old, went out to Ceylon, where were found a house by Lloyds at *CINNAMON GARDENS.* When I saw the film you shot at Gale Face Green, where dad used to take us kids to play on the balmy nights, I was quite shocked. When we lived there, there were no tall buildings that you showed in your film footage. Everything on the right hand side of the Galle Road, looking toward Colombo Harbour was nothing more than green mounds of grass, with Gun Emplacements facing out to sea . Beyond the guns was the Ceylon Army Barracks and living quarters for the troops and their families. I cannot believe the change in the country. We remained in Ceylon until 1961, as Lloyds kept extending Dad's contract, but by the end of 1960, the country was starting to descend into anarchy. The Prime Minister was assassinated, the common language was changed from English to Singalese; a language that none of us could speak or understand. The old man decided to leave that place and applied for a position in Australia. Dad was successful and we sailed for Melbourne, Australia on a P&O & Orient Line ship RMS "ORONSAY" on 12 April 1961; 63 years ago. I can understand why you decided against staying over in Colombo CBD. Yes the men are creepy as hell. Looks like things haven't changed in 70 years. Stay safe Alina. Safe travels and watch out for those touts and scammers. A mate of mine who recently visited Sri Lanka was charged 2000 rupees for a cup of black tea, which equates to AUD$9.98. Be cautious, and if you (heaven forbid) fall for a scam, the Sri Lankan Police have a special branch that investigates fraud against tourists, They are pretty efficient. Heaven forbid if you get taken by a scammer contact the Tourist Police and they will take care of matters. Cheers. Angus MacKinnon.
Sri Lankan men aren't creepy lmao. Also why the hell would you live in Sri Lanka and not even learn the local language? People like you are part of the problem
Thanks for doing this . Sri Lanka is a truly great place to be . Sri Lanka has so much to offer in a small geographical area . To see everything you see in Sri Lanka you may have to travel to multiple countries in other parts of the world.
I have to admit that I thought I only knew some of the cities and the country's names until I realized that Sri Lanka was the independent name for the country formerly known as Ceylon, when under British control. It was only then that I understood how I knew names, but didn't really have a context. The civil war with some of the Tamil population then made more sense. Still your videos will be my main source of information about the part of South East Asia. All I can add is that I hope you had a Happy Birthday despite being another year older, with a number of creepy guys in your wake. Aging does not show. I guest that Avocado stuff really does work.
What I like the best is your humble way of showing us the different areas of Colombo and the problems you had in Fort Colombo, Your kindness is on your face, Thank you keep it up.
Hello! Come to Hiriketiya! My bf is from Canada too)) , we live here for three years and went through the crisis and after crisis seasons. So many stories we can tell) he also is selling pure Sri Lankan coffee. If you read about the history of coffee in Sri Lanka, you’ll find out that actually before the tea, they had coffee! And coffee here is incredible! Unfortunately not everywhere you can find good one)
Thank you! Sadly I won't have time to go to that area on this trip but yes, I did hear that the British tried to bring coffee here first but weren't able to make it work on a big scale. Would love to try some Sri Lanken coffee!
Happy belated, birthday Alina!. Perhaps you had yours in my area of Colombo while I was having mine with many members of my family including one with a similar name as yours in a neighbouring country. As you said we will overcome the current problems and catch up with the developed countries; it's only a matter of few years.Thanks to all who have expressed their possitive impact with local people.
Central Colombo really is a far different place than the rest of the Country . . . . and, it is indeed changing very rapidly . . .in another 5 years and beyond - considering the increasing trade links with India and the region . . . . its going to be much different.
Hi Alina, I live in SK. The food you had at Danish Hospital shopping mall is not hopper, it is called Appam. It is made from raw rice flour batter and fermented either in coconut water or Coconut toddy. Its a famous Tamil cuisine and it is popular in South India and Srilanka. Hope you had a nice vacation in Srilanka
Thx for ur videography...Many thx for sharing. I have something to ask about the the MIC u r holding...why u did not buy a clip? so that the hand is free...just an idea...Thx for the quality video. Like the background music. Hope u have enjoyed the country safely till the end...TC
You always have great destinations. You go to places I would never think of but by the end of the video I feel inspired to there myself. Also I have a lot of respect for you traveling by yourself as a female and navigating those unique challenges. Once again I have to say your music choices are awesome!
Your videos are so addictive! I can't stop watching them...Such an awesome UA-cam channel and you have a great and beautiful personality. I'm Canadian and live in Toronto 😊.
@@AlinaMcleod : Get an authorized official certificate and proper detail receipt...also mentioning the number of carrot in that ring. Hope it was a recognised jeweler !
Belated wishes for your birthday, happy to hear that you are walk and exploring the beautiful island in the middle of Indian Ocean. SriLanka is the land for Culture and Nature. Good luck..
Happy Birthday Alina 🎂 !!! If you pronounce Hopper in French it will sound like Opper, and incidentally Opper sounds like Appa which is the Sri Lankan native word in the Sinhala language for the Hopper, so there may have been some French connection for the word to be called Hopper for Appa / ආප්ප (noting that the French word "thé" for Tea is similar to the word තේ for Tea in the Sinhala language in Sri Lanka.) Appam in Kerala India is similar to the Sri Lankan Hopper/Appa. For transportation you might like to checkout the services of PickMe as well. Among Sri Lankan Citizens PickMe is more popular than Uber (PickMe unlike Uber, is a Sri Lankan company that provides the service like Uber in Sri Lanka.)
I truly enjoyed by watching your beautiful video in my home country of Sri Lanka. Hope you will have nice experiences in there. Thanks for visiting my country.
Wow, cool vid, that hopper food looked yum! Sorry to hear about the safety issue, you made the right decision moving. Never compromise on your personal safety!!
Cool vid I must say! I've recently visited Sri Lanka after 11 years and I've already been to the Island multiple times in the past. I indeed enjoyed my stay in Kandy but Colombo didn't meet my expectations unfortunately. The temperature was too high to walk around during my short stay in Colombo.. The infrasture has improved quite a bit in and around the city though. Its btw a bit unusual to know about being followed and stared at by the described 'creepy' guys.. Good you timely relocated yourself to a better place.. Stay safe
Belated birthday wishes! Very good video, as always! The aerial shots of Colombo city were breathtaking, thanks. Aside, some tips from the subcontinent: Unlike Thailand, Tuktuk is called as 3-wheeler or a trishaw (sensible names😂). All these are imported from India and in India these devils on the road are called 🛺 Auto Rickshaw.....
Hello Alina nice to watch your video. In every main city of the capital, that kind of culprits will be there to make a bad impression on the country. Ignore them and move on. all the 5 fingers are not the same. Have a great, safe, and enjoyable holiday in SL ahead,
Hi Alina Happy birthday sorry about your experience in Pettah and Fort . Sri Lanka has not fully recovered from the economic fall out .People feel uncomfortable at you filming them as they are trying to eke out a living. The average wage is $ 200 a month wages have not kept up with inflation. Kandy should be your cup of tea milder climate beautiful temples and vistas I went to school in Kandy. It will be nice if you could connect with a Sri Lankan U tuber to show you around and give you some travel tips . Hope you have a wonderful time in Sri Lanka Greetings form a sunny Florida
Thank you! To be honest they mainly approached me when I wasn't filming. Most Sri Lankens have been absolutely lovely and I haven't had any issues since, but it was really around the fort that it was so noticeable. Even crazy Pettah Market was way better.
Colombo is not the capital city of SL, it’s Sri Jayawrdenepura Kotte ( I know it’s a mouthful 😊) which is close to Colombo. Actually Colombo is the financial capital of SL
Happy belated Birthday Alina! Really enjoyed this video. Glad you made the move to a place where you felt safer. Can't wait for your next video! Please stay hydrated in the heat and stay safe as well.
We have been. We enjoyed our time in Kandy, Galle and Colombo. Alina, I'm glad you were able to stay safe in Colombo. We had the same vibes there as you did only we were a couple. Nevertheless, The food was very tasty . Cinnamon Garden beautiful. Looking forward to that beautiful gem on your finger. And most of all, Wishing you a Happy Birthday ! (albeit one day late) 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂 Alina. Hugs🫂 and Kisses💋 from Harriet, Jim and Yuki Richmond, Va,
Thank you for describing my country to world dear. It is a perahara in gangarama temple. It is for worship lord buddha and elephants are used to carry lord buddhas "datu". Thank you a lot again...❤
Great video. Beautiful country and amazing people. The food of Sri Lanka is amazing. One of my favorite countries. The Western girl at Seed Cafe with her shoes off and on the couch…..come on. Show some respect, you’re not at home. Don’t get this younger generation going to another country and not respecting that others sit there and don’t want to put their hands where her bare feet were.
Hi Alina! 😄🙏👋🌟 I hope your having a wonderful day! This is really a excellent super marvelous video! 😁👍❤️👏📹🇱🇰🥇💯💫✨🌟 Wow! The city of Colombo looks so absolutely magnificent! Also Galle Face Green, Colombo Fort and Cinnamon Gardens looks really fantastic! The Colombo National Museum and Gangaramaya Temple is truly amazing! Even the food at the Ceylon Curry Club restaurant looks very delicious! I would definitely like to visit the city of Colombo one day. It really is a incredible city! Thank you so much Alina to share with us this fantastic video. You are the best and greatest world traveler adventurer ever! 🙂👍👏✈️🌎📹🥇💯🏆💫🌟 I wish you Alina a marvelous excellent glorious blessed day. Enjoy your visit in Sri Lanka! 😊🙏❤️👋🇱🇰👍✨🌟
Happy belated birthday Alina, i ve watched your videos in other countries, specially in Thailand. Based on your type as i have understood, you better do research on what type of places you need to stay and visit. There is a lot more better hidden places than many vlogers visiting. For gems, better try places recommended by gem and jewellery authority.
Hi Alina, Yes I have been to Sri Lanka. It was many Years ago. 20+ Unfortunately I have not seen much of Colombo. Or at least I have not too much memories. The train line next to the ocean reminds me a little bit to the train to Machu Picchu. Form Kandy and the Tooth Temple I have more memories. And I learned about tee production and qualities. Regarding Juweliers. My Mom bought a stone in Kandy and got tricked. The stone was of very low quality but it was not easy to recognize because its mounting limited the view. The stone was only half and the other half was white transparent which was almost not noticeable looking on it only from top and bottom. So when You receive Your piece, look out and verify, that you really got the stone You chose in Your ring and not a low quality replacement. Best regards, Ralf
Yeah I will definitely be inspecting the stone when I get it since I haven't paid for it yet. But thankfully the jeweler I went through has a very good reputation and has been around for a very long time.
Even before you mentioned it, I noticed a lot of creepers checking you out. I know you are well travelled but still gotta say it, stay safe. Cheers and happy belated.
I am delighted to see you coming to Srilanka which is my country. I am an ardent follower of your vlogs since long. No doubt Your presentations are amazing. Wish I could say hai to you in person. I live in Colombo. Enjoy your stay Alina. You should have brought your father as well. 😀
Very well presented video, sorry for the inconvenience for you from some of the locals, believe me not all Sri Lankans are like that. Thanks for visiting and promoting our country.
❤ Happy Birthday Alina.😊 You were right about the creepy vibe there, I felt this just watching the blog and wondered if you would stay safe. Please be careful...
I used to walk and experience the sunny weather in Colombo during the day and I felt unbearable because the sun was so strong. While watching your video, I was very worried about your beautiful, clear skin 🎬
It’s absolutely shameful as a srilankan nationalist who currently living in Canada now, I haven’t got any chances to visit some places when I was there, I was really enjoyed your videos and you recommended me some new places for me to visit. Thanks 🙏
Quite informative but please get your pronunciation right. Galle is pronounced’gawl’ not ‘gal’. Tuk Tuks are pronounced’took took’ not tuck tuck. And just to clarify the Dutch hospital is outside the Fort whereas the Petra is inside the Fort.
Thank you so much for sharing great places to visit in Colombo. What is the most convenient way to travel in the city? Is there any online ride hailing with fixed fare? Thank you!
Hello Alina, Many thanks for promoting Sri Lanka with your wonderful video. Sri Lanka has a population about 22.5 million. As many visitors experience this country is full of nice people; among them you find a very small minority of bad or odd people. In cities and places frequented by foreign visitors one would come across scammers, touts, illegal guides etc., etc.. These cunning people do not want to do a job but go behind foreign visitors to earn a fast buck. If a person comes to a foreign visitor (in Colombo, Kandy, Ella and other places visited by them) to offer tours, cheap souvenirs, cheap guest houses etc., he's surely a scammer, tout or some other crook. Please do not start a conversation with them; just smile and ignore them. If you happen to say NO, they know very well they can somehowother get the answer YES or OK after bothering you for a couple of minutes. The attire for foreign female visitors also plays a vital role here in Sri Lanka. When ladies wear shorts or mini skirts they could be understood by local males in a different way! Because of the extreme humidity and temperatures nobody should tell you what to wear. If a lady or a girl wears a light dress covering the knees also many unwanted experiences could be avoided. This is just a suggestion, not an order. This is my experience after working more than four decades in tourism in Sri Lanka. Many thanks for your very nice video and also for the professional narration. All the best for your other visits also. Please visit this beautiful island again. A Sri Lankan
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Hope you guys enjoyed the video! After a month of touring the country, I have created a Sri Lanka Google Map Travel Guide to help make your trip planning that much easier!
Sri Lanka Google Map Travel Guide: www.alinamcleod.com/travel-guides/alinas-sri-lanka-travel-guide
Hotel I stayed at: booking.tp.st/TvBpMoxF
Higher end hotel in the area: booking.tp.st/ayoJJ5hH
Budget hotel in the area: booking.tp.st/AlQRZWHw
Hi Alina the Hopper you eat is historically called Appam. Go to Kerala the best breakfast is Appam and Stew. Try both the vegetarian and the chicken or mutton stews. I hate restaurants changing names, especially if it is Srilanka’s best food. FYI en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appam and here you have the history. They serve you with sweetened coconut milk on top and the Appam swells up with taste and flavour. This is historically one of those fermented food, which we seeking today. Made with rice and toddy, the natural drink which ferments. Today restaurants use yeast. The Appam that comes out is bland.Try the original food as you go into rural Srilanka and fall for it for life.
දිව දාන්න ආසයි රත්තරන්💖💖, සජිත්ගෙ ශ්රී නාමයෙන් මම දවසක ඔයාට දිව දානවමයි.💖💖💖💖💖💖
happy belated birthday to you Alina! i just celebrated mine 2 days ago!!
@@MissShareOn Thank you so much and happy birthday to you as well!
@@grgeMakingSense we sri Lankan say Appa in Sinhala... & in English hoppers .. so what's your problem respect the country..
I've been to Sri Lanka many times and I really love Sinhalese culture. I consider Sri Lakan my second home.
That’s awesome!
I'm happy to hear that.....❤
Thank you very much ❤
What about Tamil, Moslem culture? Aren't you aware that as about 40+ ETHNICITIES have lived in Sri Lanka. Extremists don't want to admit, but Chinese, African, Portuguese and other bloodlines are present here. A good number of so-called Sinhalese and Tamil and Moslem and even Burger people are of mixed blood. Some highly placed politicians have foreign imported names.... Religious and Racial extremists use race and religion and even poverty to their advantage..
you must be one of them. Everyone knows there was genocide against minority
I spent 6 months in Sri Lanka in 2006. Thanks for refreshing my memories. I was doing tsunami relief work in Kalutara, south of Colombo. Kandy and Ella in the interior are definitely worth the train ride.
Currently in Ella and loving it!
@@AlinaMcleodIn Ella, I stayed at a guest house run by a guy named J.P. It was something like the equivalent of US$10-$15/night at that time. He prepared, at additional cost, a Sri Lankan meal for me, with the full spread of spices and he answered all of my questions. The view of the mountain from my balcony was incredible. I did a tour of a tea plantation in the area too, which was interesting and educational. Watch out for scams from people who say "Don't you remember me from your hotel?" They will then offer tours and, yes, shortly after I arrived, I was a victim, but it only cost me about US$10 :)
Sri Lanka has changed a lot since 2006.
@@jps0117 : If you do not mind, May I have the info about J.P. contacts/name of the Guest House, address and contact info would be highly appreciated. Many thanks.
@@pushpanathannnThis was in 2006. I don't remember anything except "J.P.". Sorry.
I'm a Sri Lankan student who is currently studding in Canada, your videos' inspired me to know lot about Canada.
Even though, currently country is facing an economic crisis, their are plenty of things to do and enjoy in Sri Lanka and it is a safe place to visit. Usually, Sri Lankans have a good hospitality and many of them are friendly. Sri Lanka has plenty of things to do and enjoy. I'm glad that you come to visit our country. Stay safe and enjoy your journey. Thank you.
Thank you! Hope you have a great time in Canada!
@@AlinaMcleod Yes of course, Canada is a beautiful country. Being as a student in here is a new experience for me too.
Great Sinhala stud from Srilanka. Canadian ladies take cover.
Sri Lanka has always been on my bucket list. Now that the civil war has ended it's become much safer, although the country is struggling economically due to government mismanagement. There are good package deals from the UK so I might give it a go later this year or early next. Are you going to go to the northern Tamil areas?
Yeah I would definitely recommend checking it out, a lot of British tourists here. I won't be going north because right now is actually the monsoon season there. The north and south have quite different climates so make sure you plan your travels accordingly depending on what you want to see.
Yes, that "creepiness" of guys around the Fort is a somewhat isolated feature in Sri Lanka - focused in the Central tourist part of Colombo. It is very rare once you are out of the Center of Colombo. Most Sri Lankans are genuinely good people - and very safe to associate with. . . . I live on the edge of Colombo . . . and, definitely, catching a Trishaw in downtown Colombo is much more prone to fraud and over-charging than one will encounter anywhere else in the country.
0:56 No Dear 🙂Sri Lanka does not have two capitals. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the real capital of Sri Lanka 🙂Colombo is a main financial city.But Colombo was considered the capital of Sri Lanka until 1980. After 1980, it was changed to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Many foreigners think Colombo as the capital of Sri Lanka. But it is not like that.
Welcome to my county 🤝 🙂 🇱🇰
Thank you for the clarification. Online is still had a lot of articles saying there was some judicial work that goes on in Colombo but good to know.
Thank you very much Alina for coming to our country, but I express my regret for the problems faced there. Happy birthdays to you.
Thank you very much! Things improved a lot after those first two days, Ella has for sure been my favorite so far!
I'm fascinated to see the real Cinnamon Gardens after reading the novel Cinnamon Gardens by Canadian-Sri Lankan author Shyam Selvadurai. The novel is set in the 1920s, so I'm sure what I see in your video is quite different. It's still great to have a visual of it, though. Thanks!
Cinnamon gardens (colombo 07) is where most luxurious and upper class people live in sri lanka.
@@PasanArunajith It's depicted as such in the novel, too. Interesting to know that it's still the case a century later.
Back in the late 1950s I spent a couple of months in a private hospital in Colombo , there have been a lot of changes since then , but I remember the people being very easy to get along with , and the countryside was wonderful. I really enjoyed watching your very thoughtful presentation. As an aside , I have been learning Ukrainian for the past two years , having learned some Russian before that. Best wishes from Oakville Ontario.
That's awesome, thank you!
My parents lived in Columbo in the late 1940's where my dad was an RAF Medical Officer and ran a medical clinic for the local population once the WWII had ended. My mother had many happy memories and really enjoyed interacting with the local people whom she found very cultured. She employed an entire family to look after the household, including a young boy who would climb a coconut tree to get fresh coconuts. A very different world back then.
@@susanstewart1402 : thx for your appreciation about the people of Ceylon at that time.
As a Sri Lankan living in Oakville, Ontario, this comment made me happy.
Hey Alina, I really appreciate you showing the good and the bad to the world. It has increased more awareness and I wish you a very happy birthday
Hello from Australia Alina. My goodness, Ceylon is not the country that I remember. Back in 1954, when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visited several countries in the Commonwealth, Ceylon (now Siri Lanka) we were living back in Scotland my home country. After Her Majesty arrived in Ceylon which was around February 1954 the Shaw Saville liner "GOTHIC" came into collision with another ship in Colombo Harbour. My father who was a Former Royal Navy Chief Engineer, and was working as a Engineer for Lloyds of London, was asked to go out to Ceylon to supervise and expedite the repairs on Gothic. Dad was then asked to stay on in Ceylon by Lloyds and offered him a contract for 2 years. My Mum, myself (I was 8 years old at the time), my younger brother and my sister who was only 3 years old, went out to Ceylon, where were found a house by Lloyds at *CINNAMON GARDENS.* When I saw the film you shot at Gale Face Green, where dad used to take us kids to play on the balmy nights, I was quite shocked. When we lived there, there were no tall buildings that you showed in your film footage. Everything on the right hand side of the Galle Road, looking toward Colombo Harbour was nothing more than green mounds of grass, with Gun Emplacements facing out to sea . Beyond the guns was the Ceylon Army Barracks and living quarters for the troops and their families. I cannot believe the change in the country. We remained in Ceylon until 1961, as Lloyds kept extending Dad's contract, but by the end of 1960, the country was starting to descend into anarchy. The Prime Minister was assassinated, the common language was changed from English to Singalese; a language that none of us could speak or understand. The old man decided to leave that place and applied for a position in Australia. Dad was successful and we sailed for Melbourne, Australia on a P&O & Orient Line ship RMS "ORONSAY" on 12 April 1961; 63 years ago. I can understand why you decided against staying over in Colombo CBD. Yes the men are creepy as hell. Looks like things haven't changed in 70 years.
Stay safe Alina. Safe travels and watch out for those touts and scammers. A mate of mine who recently visited Sri Lanka was charged 2000 rupees for a cup of black tea, which equates to AUD$9.98. Be cautious, and if you (heaven forbid) fall for a scam, the Sri Lankan Police have a special branch that investigates fraud against tourists, They are pretty efficient. Heaven forbid if you get taken by a scammer contact the Tourist Police and they will take care of matters. Cheers. Angus MacKinnon.
Sri Lankan men aren't creepy lmao. Also why the hell would you live in Sri Lanka and not even learn the local language? People like you are part of the problem
Thanks for doing this . Sri Lanka is a truly great place to be . Sri Lanka has so much to offer in a small geographical area . To see everything you see in Sri Lanka you may have to travel to multiple countries in other parts of the world.
Greetings from London, enjoy your journey in one of the most beautiful islands on earth. Take care and stay safe. ❤❤❤
You have so much guts to do this on your own, use your experience, your instinct like you did with the hotel change, keep on trucking strong lady!
Thank you so much 🙂
Sri Lanka the hidden diamond of Asia. Really a unique experience.
Happy Happy Birthday, Alina. May the coming year bring you fabulous health, abundance, and happiness.
Thank you very much ☺️
From one Alina to another, congrats on a great video! I, too, just love this paradise island. Going back a fourth time later this year. All the best !
haha thank you so much, Alina! Hope you have a great time!
Great stuff as always, Alina. You sure know how to pick the exciting places...Colombo, never been there. Seems a magical place. Stay safe!
Thank you very much!
Thank you Alina for a great Video.
I never thought about Sri Lanka. I now am ! Great presentation
My pleasure 😊
I have to admit that I thought I only knew some of the cities and the country's names until I realized that Sri Lanka was the independent name for the country formerly known as Ceylon, when under British control. It was only then that I understood how I knew names, but didn't really have a context. The civil war with some of the Tamil population then made more sense. Still your videos will be my main source of information about the part of South East Asia.
All I can add is that I hope you had a Happy Birthday despite being another year older, with a number of creepy guys in your wake. Aging does not show. I guest that Avocado stuff really does work.
Thank you! The avocado toast is definitely the fountain of youth!
Sri Lanka my mother land, colombo my home town
first viewer of this video..love from india😘
I am in the running for a job in Colombo. I had no idea it was so beautiful! Thanks for the tour!
Hope you have a great time there!
What I like the best is your humble way of showing us the different areas of Colombo and the problems you had in Fort Colombo, Your kindness is on your face, Thank you keep it up.
Hello! Come to Hiriketiya! My bf is from Canada too)) , we live here for three years and went through the crisis and after crisis seasons. So many stories we can tell) he also is selling pure Sri Lankan coffee. If you read about the history of coffee in Sri Lanka, you’ll find out that actually before the tea, they had coffee! And coffee here is incredible! Unfortunately not everywhere you can find good one)
Thank you! Sadly I won't have time to go to that area on this trip but yes, I did hear that the British tried to bring coffee here first but weren't able to make it work on a big scale. Would love to try some Sri Lanken coffee!
You should visit place called La Baguette French Bakery & Cafe. She has the best coffee and the best croissant 😍
It’s in Colombo 3:)
@@Sabina_ug : Thx vm for the info. May I know the location address please?
Happy belated, birthday Alina!. Perhaps you had yours in my area of Colombo while I was having mine with many members of my family including one with a similar name as yours in a neighbouring country.
As you said we will overcome the current problems and catch up with the developed countries; it's only a matter of few years.Thanks to all who have expressed their possitive impact with local people.
Thank you very much!
Central Colombo really is a far different place than the rest of the Country . . . . and, it is indeed changing very rapidly . . .in another 5 years and beyond - considering the increasing trade links with India and the region . . . . its going to be much different.
Hi Alina, I live in SK. The food you had at Danish Hospital shopping mall is not hopper, it is called Appam. It is made from raw rice flour batter and fermented either in coconut water or Coconut toddy. Its a famous Tamil cuisine and it is popular in South India and Srilanka. Hope you had a nice vacation in Srilanka
Thx for ur videography...Many thx for sharing. I have something to ask about the the MIC u r holding...why u did not buy a clip? so that the hand is free...just an idea...Thx for the quality video. Like the background music. Hope u have enjoyed the country safely till the end...TC
Thanks! It does have a clip but I like holding it :)
You always have great destinations. You go to places I would never think of but by the end of the video I feel inspired to there myself.
Also I have a lot of respect for you traveling by yourself as a female and navigating those unique challenges.
Once again I have to say your music choices are awesome!
Aw thank you very much! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Alina! I hope your day was special!
Thank you very much!
Your videos are so addictive! I can't stop watching them...Such an awesome UA-cam channel and you have a great and beautiful personality.
I'm Canadian and live in Toronto 😊.
Aw thank you very much!
@6:55 - Hopper is the name given by the Britishers in the colonial time in Sri Lanka. The local name of this dish is called "Aappa" (ආප්ප).
can't wait to see the ring! Thank you for the video!
My pleasure! I'm so excited to see it completed :)
@@AlinaMcleod : Get an authorized official certificate and proper detail receipt...also mentioning the number of carrot in that ring. Hope it was a recognised jeweler !
@@pushpanathannn yes, it is recognized by the Sri Lanka Gem Authority and comes with all certificates :)
So interesting I have never been to Sri Lanka and am watching this with special interest!
Belated wishes for your birthday, happy to hear that you are walk and exploring the beautiful island in the middle of Indian Ocean. SriLanka is the land for Culture and Nature. Good luck..
Thank you!
Thanks Alina. Happy birthday. I am Jey. From Ontario. Originally from land like no other srilanka. Take care 😢take it easy
Happy belated birthday Alina, enjoyed your recent travels in Thailand and videos with your father!
Thank you and I’m glad!
Thank you so much to come our country and expose to the world.
Have a very good year!
Happy birthday, Alina. Glad you are in a cool place for it. I wish you many more to come.
Thank you so much!
Happy Birthday Alina 🎂 !!! If you pronounce Hopper in French it will sound like Opper, and incidentally Opper sounds like Appa which is the Sri Lankan native word in the Sinhala language for the Hopper, so there may have been some French connection for the word to be called Hopper for Appa / ආප්ප (noting that the French word "thé" for Tea is similar to the word තේ for Tea in the Sinhala language in Sri Lanka.) Appam in Kerala India is similar to the Sri Lankan Hopper/Appa. For transportation you might like to checkout the services of PickMe as well. Among Sri Lankan Citizens PickMe is more popular than Uber (PickMe unlike Uber, is a Sri Lankan company that provides the service like Uber in Sri Lanka.)
I truly enjoyed by watching your beautiful video in my home country of Sri Lanka. Hope you will have nice experiences in there. Thanks for visiting my country.
Thank you very much!
I really appreciate your positive comments about Sri Lanka and its lovely to watch your videos ❤
Happy belated birthday alina.thank you for visiting sri lanka . The perl of indian ocean .enjoy
Wow, cool vid, that hopper food looked yum!
Sorry to hear about the safety issue, you made the right decision moving. Never compromise on your personal safety!!
Agreed
Belated Happy Birthday, Alina. Another excellent video. That meal looked delicious and the price was amazing!
Thank you! They do have fantastic food here!
Cool vid I must say! I've recently visited Sri Lanka after 11 years and I've already been to the Island multiple times in the past. I indeed enjoyed my stay in Kandy but Colombo didn't meet my expectations unfortunately. The temperature was too high to walk around during my short stay in Colombo.. The infrasture has improved quite a bit in and around the city though. Its btw a bit unusual to know about being followed and stared at by the described 'creepy' guys.. Good you timely relocated yourself to a better place.. Stay safe
to be exact it's 26 years of civil war... nice video... good luck and love from Sri Lanka.
Great video coverage, and thanks for promoting Sri Lanka. Good job👍 . Love your content.
Belated birthday wishes!
Very good video, as always! The aerial shots of Colombo city were breathtaking, thanks.
Aside, some tips from the subcontinent: Unlike Thailand, Tuktuk is called as 3-wheeler or a trishaw (sensible names😂). All these are imported from India and in India these devils on the road are called 🛺 Auto Rickshaw.....
Beautiful! You actually made it look peaceful !!
Sri lanka 🇱🇰 🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰🇱🇰
Belated Happy Birthday, Alina!
Hello Alina nice to watch your video. In every main city of the capital, that kind of culprits will be there to make a bad impression on the country. Ignore them and move on. all the 5 fingers are not the same. Have a great, safe, and enjoyable holiday in SL ahead,
Thank you very much!
Happy birthday Alina. Wishing you loads of travel in the year ahead.
Thank you very much!
wow very cool places to see over there , happy birthday by the way
Thank you!
Happy belated birthday, Alina!
Thank you ☺️
Nice presentation, no rush with a smooth flow, Well done
Happy birthday Alina. Many many happy returns of the day!
You are correct dear.. Accommodating in Fort is cheaper. But it's not much safer.. Cinnamon Garden is a better option with high class facilities. ❤❤❤
Hi Alina Happy birthday sorry about your experience in Pettah and Fort . Sri Lanka has not fully recovered from the economic fall out .People feel uncomfortable at you filming them as they are trying to eke out a living. The average wage is $ 200 a month wages have not kept up with inflation. Kandy should be your cup of tea milder climate beautiful temples and vistas I went to school in Kandy. It will be nice if you could connect with a Sri Lankan U tuber to show you around and give you some travel tips . Hope you have a wonderful time in Sri Lanka Greetings form a sunny Florida
Thank you! To be honest they mainly approached me when I wasn't filming. Most Sri Lankens have been absolutely lovely and I haven't had any issues since, but it was really around the fort that it was so noticeable. Even crazy Pettah Market was way better.
Interesting video Alina.
Colombo is not the capital city of SL, it’s Sri Jayawrdenepura Kotte ( I know it’s a mouthful 😊) which is close to Colombo. Actually Colombo is the financial capital of SL
Happy belated Birthday Alina! Really enjoyed this video. Glad you made the move to a place where you felt safer. Can't wait for your next video! Please stay hydrated in the heat and stay safe as well.
Thank you very much!
We have been. We enjoyed our time in Kandy, Galle and Colombo. Alina, I'm glad you were able to stay safe in Colombo. We had the same vibes there as you did only we were a couple.
Nevertheless, The food was very tasty . Cinnamon Garden beautiful. Looking forward to that beautiful gem on your finger. And most of all, Wishing you a Happy Birthday ! (albeit one day late) 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂 Alina. Hugs🫂 and Kisses💋 from Harriet, Jim and Yuki Richmond, Va,
Thank you so much guys! Sorry to hear you had a similar experience in that area.
Sun is straight locating to Colombo in March..So, nearby days are so hot..may be you were there on these days..if not its 29-30 degree hot..
Happy birthday ..! Alina..its beautiful video ..very clearly explained ...thank you ❤
Lovely video. Belated birthday wishes. Hope you had a lovely day and that the year ahead is going to be a great year for you 💐
Thank you!
@@AlinaMcleod you are welcome 🌹
Thank you for describing my country to world dear. It is a perahara in gangarama temple. It is for worship lord buddha and elephants are used to carry lord buddhas "datu". Thank you a lot again...❤
Happy Birthday! Stay safe!!
Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 Alina!
Thank you!
I just got back to Canada after 1 month of holiday from Srilanka, it’s unforgettable memories,,,
Hi. Alina. Great vlogs. Take care. Thanks mtl. Cdn.
Great video. Beautiful country and amazing people. The food of Sri Lanka is amazing. One of my favorite countries. The Western girl at Seed Cafe with her shoes off and on the couch…..come on. Show some respect, you’re not at home. Don’t get this younger generation going to another country and not respecting that others sit there and don’t want to put their hands where her bare feet were.
Usually I’d agree but here in Sri Lanka a lot of people go without shoes in many places lol
Hi Alina! 😄🙏👋🌟 I hope your having a wonderful day! This is really a excellent super marvelous video! 😁👍❤️👏📹🇱🇰🥇💯💫✨🌟 Wow! The city of Colombo looks so absolutely magnificent! Also Galle Face Green, Colombo Fort and Cinnamon Gardens looks really fantastic! The Colombo National Museum and Gangaramaya Temple is truly amazing! Even the food at the Ceylon Curry Club restaurant looks very delicious! I would definitely like to visit the city of Colombo one day. It really is a incredible city! Thank you so much Alina to share with us this fantastic video. You are the best and greatest world traveler adventurer ever! 🙂👍👏✈️🌎📹🥇💯🏆💫🌟 I wish you Alina a marvelous excellent glorious blessed day. Enjoy your visit in Sri Lanka! 😊🙏❤️👋🇱🇰👍✨🌟
Thank you very much!
Happy belated birthday Alina, i ve watched your videos in other countries, specially in Thailand. Based on your type as i have understood, you better do research on what type of places you need to stay and visit. There is a lot more better hidden places than many vlogers visiting. For gems, better try places recommended by gem and jewellery authority.
Happy belated birthday Alina. Another awesome video. ❤
Thank you! 🤗
Hi Alina,
Yes I have been to Sri Lanka. It was many Years ago. 20+ Unfortunately I have not seen much of Colombo. Or at least I have not too much memories.
The train line next to the ocean reminds me a little bit to the train to Machu Picchu.
Form Kandy and the Tooth Temple I have more memories. And I learned about tee production and qualities.
Regarding Juweliers. My Mom bought a stone in Kandy and got tricked. The stone was of very low quality but it was not easy to recognize because its mounting limited the view. The stone was only half and the other half was white transparent which was almost not noticeable looking on it only from top and bottom.
So when You receive Your piece, look out and verify, that you really got the stone You chose in Your ring and not a low quality replacement.
Best regards, Ralf
Yeah I will definitely be inspecting the stone when I get it since I haven't paid for it yet. But thankfully the jeweler I went through has a very good reputation and has been around for a very long time.
You are right, a good reputation and good independent reviews on google could help nowadays.
Even before you mentioned it, I noticed a lot of creepers checking you out. I know you are well travelled but still gotta say it, stay safe. Cheers and happy belated.
Thank you!
If they are "checking you out" it is only to compete in earning a taxi hire from you. Don't be so self-consious !
I am delighted to see you coming to Srilanka which is my country. I am an ardent follower of your vlogs since long. No doubt Your presentations are amazing. Wish I could say hai to you in person. I live in Colombo. Enjoy your stay Alina. You should have brought your father as well. 😀
Thank you very much!
Thanks Alina hope you had a wonderful Birthday .😄😄😄
Thank you!
Very well presented video, sorry for the inconvenience for you from some of the locals, believe me not all Sri Lankans are like that. Thanks for visiting and promoting our country.
It has been a lot better after the first two days! Kandy and Ella have been way more relaxed.
❤ Happy Birthday Alina.😊 You were right about the creepy vibe there, I felt this just watching the blog and wondered if you would stay safe. Please be careful...
I used to walk and experience the sunny weather in Colombo during the day and I felt unbearable because the sun was so strong. While watching your video, I was very worried about your beautiful, clear skin 🎬
Stay safe, and enjoy your visit.
It’s absolutely shameful as a srilankan nationalist who currently living in Canada now, I haven’t got any chances to visit some places when I was there, I was really enjoyed your videos and you recommended me some new places for me to visit. Thanks 🙏
Happy birthday! 🎂🙂
Thank you!
So nice information
Thank you
God bless you
Nice flow and nice presentation ❤❤
food are not actually that expensive in the country if you go to local shops without going to restaurants
Galleface ground is very beautiful place in SriLanka
Hi Alina, got a new phone, love to see you again!#
Alina what a ice 🧊 breaker to start of your video 📹 flub lol 😆 🤣 😊 glad 😊 your ok 👍 though 😉 love ❤️ you buddy 😄 jamie
Thank you for coming ❤❤❤
Quite informative but please get your pronunciation right. Galle is pronounced’gawl’ not ‘gal’. Tuk Tuks are pronounced’took took’ not tuck tuck. And just to clarify the Dutch hospital is outside the Fort whereas the Petra is inside the Fort.
Sri lanka is very butifful country . Everyone come to my country. Look at the beauty of
nice music score for the temple
Thank you so much for sharing great places to visit in Colombo. What is the most convenient way to travel in the city? Is there any online ride hailing with fixed fare? Thank you!
Yup Uber or the local Pickme app work great.
Hello Alina, Many thanks for promoting Sri Lanka with your wonderful video. Sri Lanka has a population about 22.5 million. As many visitors experience this country is full of nice people; among them you find a very small minority of bad or odd people. In cities and places frequented by foreign visitors one would come across scammers, touts, illegal guides etc., etc.. These cunning people do not want to do a job but go behind foreign visitors to earn a fast buck. If a person comes to a foreign visitor (in Colombo, Kandy, Ella and other places visited by them) to offer tours, cheap souvenirs, cheap guest houses etc.,
he's surely a scammer, tout or some other crook. Please do not start a conversation with them; just smile and ignore them. If you happen to say NO, they know very well they can somehowother get the answer YES or OK after bothering you for a couple of minutes.
The attire for foreign female visitors also plays a vital role here in Sri Lanka. When ladies wear shorts or mini skirts they could be understood by local males in a different way! Because of the extreme humidity and temperatures nobody should tell you what to wear. If a lady or a girl wears a light dress covering the knees also many unwanted experiences could be avoided. This is just a suggestion, not an order. This is my experience after working more than four decades in tourism in Sri Lanka. Many thanks for your very nice video and also for the professional narration. All the best for your other visits also. Please visit this beautiful island again. A Sri Lankan
Very nice video. Colombo looks a nice city and the food delicious. Great descriptilon of this city. Happy belated Birthday Alina!❤💐🥂⚘️
Thank you very much, Gabriella!
@@AlinaMcleod Take care!