Mirissa, a paradise on earth

What comes to your mind when you think of vacation? For me it's a beach destination - waking up to the sound of the water hitting the shore, going to sleep overlooking the reflection of the moon in the water, letting the ocean water wash away my fears and rediscovering myself in the solitude of nature. 

When I planned my trip to Sri Lanka, I never thought of it as a vacation, rather it was a travel expedition for me. A 2-week long trip around the country, exploring and learning about different heritage and UNESCO sights, immersing in their culture and hospitality, and soaking in the pureness the country had to offer. Since the time the seed of wanderlust was sowed in me, the concept of vacationing has become a distant reality. But after travelling for a few years now, I have come to understand the importance of having to relax while travelling, especially while travelling solo. And for me, it was Mirissa. 

A beach town situated approximately 150 kilometres south of Colombo seemed like the perfect place to conclude my travel around the country, rejuvenate and start a new year on a fresh note. With no agenda on the table, I headed to Mirissa just to do two things - to relax and soak in some vitamin sea. 

Having been a beach person all my life, Mirissa made me happy beyond what words could explain. I woke up the sounds of the water hitting the shore, snoozed to the reflection of the moon in the water, let the waters wash away my fear and rediscovered myself in the solitude of nature. Indeed a vacation of my dreams. But the thing that added charm to this and made it even more special was my beachfront stay at Satori Beach Hostel. Satori, meaning sudden enlightenment or awakening, was precisely what I expected my ‘vacation’ to be. It felt like the universe gave me what I was looking for, just at the right time in the right amount. And as I write this all of it feels surreal and I’m counting my blessings. 

New year on a fresh note

I have never believed in the concept of ‘new year, new me’ or have been a fan of new year’s resolutions because one, I have never been able to fulfil them and if I wanted to bring in a change in my life, I look forward to bringing it right away rather than waiting for a new year to flash way on me. However, the one thing that I do every new year is to write down a list of things that I want to accomplish that year - it could be something small, or something big because I believe that this gives me a sense of hope and purpose to live, to my life. And what’s the best way to go about making this list, sitting by the beach in Mirissa, watching the ocean hug the shore and listening to the sounds of the waves. 

A fresh perspective was something that I was looking for, and I couldn’t have chosen a better place. 

Bonfire, beer and lots of love

I welcomed 2019 with my friends, went to the midnight mass and a glass of wine. And the years before that have been with my family, anticipating a fresh start for all of us. But for 2020, I wanted it to be a little different, and I welcome 2020 in the company of strangers in a beach town in Sri Lanka, drinking beer, eating delicious and mouth-watering vegan food, a bonfire to keep me warm as the fireworks spread colours in the dark starlit sky and locals singing their favourite songs by the beach while being on good ‘spirits’.

Retrospecting now how the 2 weeks went by, a lot has happened between then and now. But if there is something that travelling through this beautiful country has taught me is to be kind - to myself and others, and to not lose hope even when things don’t seem to go fine. 

What’s your idea of a vacation? How did you welcome the new year? And, what has travel taught you? Let me know in the comment section below or write to me at weirdlyrosh@gmail.com. Follow me on Instagram @weirdlyrosh to stay updated on my travel and other shenanigans.