Week without Walls​
Sinharaja Rainforest
My First Thoughts:
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​This unfortunately was our last Week without Walls of our school years which meant that we had to make it extra special! The reason for choosing to go on this Sinharaja trip was based on two reasons:​​
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- To explore a part of Sri Lanka which I've never visited before and get to understand more about what my country has to offer
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- To explore my fantasy and interest in photography by now looking at the genre of 'environmental photography.'
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Overall, I was confident in my choice and was excited but at the same time, terrified due to the leech stories we had be warned about. However, I didn't let those tales get to me as yet...
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The Goals:
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​​Since this was my final trip, I thought that I should be open minded to experience what my country has to offer and to accept the risks that this trip brought upon us. This enabled me to create some goals:​
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- Accept every challenge accepted, especially when going on hikes and try to be at the front of the group in order to have a good and fast pace; burning more calories at a faster rate.
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- Take the advantage to explore my photographic skills and at the end have a bunch of photos that I can showcase to a wider audience and advice them for their opinions.
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- To interact with peers from the other grades in order to get more social and connect with them in a more personal way, rather than just see them in school.
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- Not to be afraid or 'freak out' when approached by a leech or any other kind of insect; just stay calm!
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With these targets in mind, I will be more aware of my surroundings and be courageous in or to stay safe in this environment. I'll also be patient in what setting we have to reside in and try to accommodate and adjust myself to whatever happens on the trip.​
The Basic Overview:
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​On the 28th of January 2013, a group of approximately 17 children from the Overseas School of Colombo left to explore and undertake on the journey to one of the most beautiful rainforests on the island of Sri Lanka. They were about to experience a roller coaster of memories, undertake new challenges, bond with new people and finally, take ample risks.
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Welcome to Sinharaja - 28th Jan 2013
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​​Our adventure has already started and tired and weary are the common feelings we that are surrounding us right now! However, I see some emotions of excitement and enthusiasm within the crowd…nice to be able to experience some laughter after such a day of fatigue. The introduction to Martin’s lodge was quite interesting as it was not what we expected. We are use to an environment which can be considered as luxurious but as we walked into the lodge…our faces dropped down…this was going to be a new surrounding we had to get use to. But the fact is, I was glad to be here as it was a place to escape and make me understand and realize how fortunate we are to be living in a place like this. ​
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Our first hike was a beautiful sight to see as we walked through the green forest of Sri Lanka…not the main rainforest but the edges of it; and the most amazing thing was we were able to see a green viper. I was able to take some magnificent shots as the snake just posed for me just like a normal model. We also spotted a range of beautiful birds, some colorful lizards and of course the greenery around us. Let’s connect back to the beautiful IB program by reminding ourselves that taking these photography fits into the creativity aspect of this service; and with my Nikon Camera, I was able to snap some pictures of spectacular creatures.
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To continue our excursion, we saw the blue magpie…a species which is apparently quite rare to see in Sri Lanka; so how lucky were we. However, the most exciting and tabulating part of the day…were the leeches and our costume of leech socks. I didn’t get a single leech on my today…Hallelujah! But the other were covered in blood by the terrible sucking creatures. Most importantly, I survived the first day in Sinharaja and I do feel a tad bit confident and fearless about the leeches; who knows, they might become my silent, annoying friends.
Oh...Cave- 29th Jan 2013
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​​Our adventure has already started and tired and weary are the common feelings we that are surrounding us right now! However, I see some emotions of excitement and enthusiasm within the crowd…nice to be able to experience some laughter after such a day of fatigue. The introduction to Martin’s lodge was quite interesting as it was not what we expected. We are use to an environment which can be considered as luxurious but as we walked into the lodge…our faces dropped down…this was going to be a new surrounding we had to get use to. But the fact is, I was glad to be here as it was a place to escape and make me understand and realize how fortunate we are to be living in a place like this. ​
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Our first hike was a beautiful sight to see as we walked through the green forest of Sri Lanka…not the main rainforest but the edges of it; and the most amazing thing was we were able to see a green viper. I was able to take some magnificent shots as the snake just posed for me just like a normal model. We also spotted a range of beautiful birds, some colorful lizards and of course the greenery around us. Let’s connect back to the beautiful IB program by reminding ourselves that taking these photography fits into the creativity aspect of this service; and with my Nikon Camera, I was able to snap some pictures of spectacular creatures.
​
To continue our excursion, we saw the blue magpie…a species which is apparently quite rare to see in Sri Lanka; so how lucky were we. However, the most exciting and tabulating part of the day…were the leeches and our costume of leech socks. I didn’t get a single leech on my today…Hallelujah! But the other were covered in blood by the terrible sucking creatures. Most importantly, I survived the first day in Sinharaja and I do feel a tad bit confident and fearless about the leeches; who knows, they might become my silent, annoying friends.
Motion Sickness - 30th Jan 2013
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​​​Today was not a great day!! NO NO NO! It started out well, with lots of smile and cheers that we were leaving Martin’s lodge. Then…we got into the car to undertake the adventure to getting to our new destination and the ride was TERRIBLE! I’m never a fan of winding roads and this journey was full of them! It as a huge contrast…just a few minutes before, I was taking pictures of water and beautiful landscapes, then next thing you know, I want to throw up!
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I was lying on Emily’s shoulder the whole time with a monstrous headache…then we stopped at a shop and few minutes later, BOOM…I fainted and I’m on the ground. Thanks to Dylan, Doctor Indrika and Mr. Pradeep, I began to regain my strength; however, to fill up my energy meter was a slow process and we stopped at a place called ‘Sri Kanda,’ a location where you can see the whole of Sinharaja. It was a spectacular view but I couldn’t enjoy it as much due to my drowsy and fatigue mood.
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But luck was in favor on me feeling better and so when coming down the hill, we found this massive python who couldn’t move due to eating a huge meal a few minutes ago. It was beautiful…marvelous…extravagant with a circular pattern on it’s golden skin and it’s luscious tale at the end…it was an experience. When I saw the python’s eye, I felt a bit sorrowful towards this reptile. Here we are, these alien human beings just touching his body…we actually were disrupting his privacy.
Interacting with this python gave me a boost of energy that kept me sane in the bus. I was told to look outside the window in order not to feel faintish…but that failed. Then….a few hours later… WE REACHED THE RAINFOREST ECO-LODGE! I’m rooming with Margi and the rooms are absolutely brilliant. It’s situated in a beautiful tea location and the rooms are made of lorry containers. First if all, that’s so creative and inventive; second, they have a shower which meant…bath time! Tomorrow is our clinic day and I am excited but again, a bit worried. I’m hoping we have enough vitamins for every child and that the clinic will be useful. Let’s just hope for the best.
WWW was a great experience as I was able to demonstate my photography skills as shown above!