by Sean | Jan 14, 2013 | Fulbright, Sarvodaya, Sri Lanka, Travel
Back in November, which seems like an eternity ago, I taught my students about the American Festival of Thanksgiving. I compared Thanksgiving to the Hindu festival of Pongal, which is celebrated in January. Pongal is a festival to celebrate the harvest. Pongal...
by Sean | Jan 12, 2013 | Food, Fulbright, Sri Lanka, Travel
Anyone who has traveled through Sri Lanka will be familiar with the plethora of food vendors that sell their snacks on trains and busses. Wadi, a fried ball of chickpeas, curry leaves, and seasonings, is a staple in Sri Lanka. Sometimes your food comes in plastic...
by Sean | Jan 9, 2013 | Fulbright, Sri Lanka, Travel
The smell of salt water, sounds of soft jazz and sight of the setting sun overwhelm my senses. I’m sitting on the green of the Galle Face Hotel sipping on a cocktail made of arrack and Pimm’s, garnished with mint, lime, and cinnamon. Today marks the...
by Sean | Jan 7, 2013 | Fulbright, Sri Lanka, Travel
Two transfers and eight hours in transit, its 11:47pm and I’m back home in Trinco. This morning I woke up early and headed to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. When I arrived it was about noon, and I spent a few hours walking along the ruins, and really enjoying...
by Sean | Jan 4, 2013 | Fulbright, Sri Lanka, Travel
Looking down at my watch I realized it was past 8:30 in the morning, time to get to work. I had lost my sense of time as I was consumed in my thoughts while sipping on a real cup of coffee. I headed out the door, and crossed the street. On the corner of Champa Lane...
by Sean | Dec 30, 2012 | Fulbright, Sri Lanka, Teaching English, Travel
After living in Trinco for about two months, I have finally found a home. It was a frustrating, and long process. But it taught me a lot about the city I’m living in. While searching for a home I’ve met with Trinco’s Mayor, the head of Trinco’s...