Comments for Our Year in Sri Lanka

Comment on Sri Lankan Driver’s Test by Gary Van Den Driesen

Gary Van Den Driesen — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 02:46:58 +0000

From my own recent observations over 2500+ kms of touring SL (with a highly talented and experienced SL driver at the wheel) this is a totally accurate insight into the Resplendent Isle’s traffic “behaviour”. Utter chaos combined with a casual laid back dexterity from all road users. A nightmare for Western drivers – and apoplexy for anyone from Sweden!

But guess what? It all works brilliantly. SL drivers/riders/pedestrians appear to have worked out how to truly SHARE the road, and apparently manage to do so with mutual respect, astounding talent and good humour. Very few cars exhibit even minor dents.

And Road Rage? What’s that?

Conclusion – If you have only driven in developed Western nations then you do not yet know how to drive (I humbly include myself).

Comment on Train from Kandy to Colombo and back by mazhar

mazhar — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:06:44 +0000

very informative articles to get first hand information before going to sri lanka, well done all

Comment on USPS gripe by Sumaga

Sumaga — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:43:43 +0000

I purchased two items separately on e-bay and the seller confirmed that the items were shipped without delay. It has been TWO MONTHS and 4 days, but i still haven’t received them in Sri Lanka.

Comment on Sri Lankan Driver’s Test by Atheist

Atheist — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 09:40:55 +0000

lol…I took the questions seriously…Didn’t get a single one right…I guess I won’t be able to drive properly in SL

Comment on Electrical plugs in Sri Lanka by Rahuman

Rahuman — Mon, 16 May 2011 07:59:11 +0000

Always go for a good extension cord like Belkin, they got internal Surge Suppressors that saves your hardware that is connected.

Comment on USPS gripe by Buddhika Thambugala

Buddhika Thambugala — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:32:33 +0000

nice bit of information Tim. I live in Sri Lanka, and have somewhat similar experiences with USPS and Colombo customs. I’ve ordered several items both over the phone and online, which were to be delivered through USPS. I dunno how many days it’s SUPPOSED TO TAKE, but earliest I received them was in 45 days (latest being well over 60 days with or without state department’s promises). And almost all of them were light packages, and less than 20 ounces. Although they weren’t apperantly opened or searched inside otherwise, I’m pretty certain about the delay being at Sri Lankan customs. And lately, the covers seem have been punctured with somekinda very sharp pin and sometimes custom’s declaration or other writings simply torn or scribbled on. First i had the impression that the cover was pricked with some hi-tech sharp ditector to search inside the package. Later on I was begining to think, mayb it’s a delusion on my part, but apperantly not. Your story simply confirms the horrors our packages undergo along the path..

Comment on Arranged marriages by BenDan

BenDan — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:25:31 +0000

Hi, geeze I think someone got over offended by Tim’s story – I appreciate it! I have a Sri Lankan boyfriend that was forced in and out of relationships by his parents and then finally gave in and married a woman (the introduced) he didn’t love – they have a child too now! He has separated from the arranged marriage now and we are together but his parents don’t know and he is afraid to tell them (because I am white)! I am afraid that this situation is not going to last and it is so sad for both of us because we love each other so deeply – but sometimes love isn’t enough when there are so many complications. I cannot believe that parents that claim to love their children can be so terribly cruel! This is so painful and unnecessary…why cannot two people that love each other just be left in peace to live their life as they please? Nobody asks to be born and just because you have children doesn’t mean you have the right to own them…it’s foul and very selfish!

Comment on USPS gripe by Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:21:16 +0000

Is it still happening in Sri Lanka, because i have a parcel to be delivered through USPS. Now i’m concerned, Will it take that long to deliver?? :S

Comment on How to pronounce Phnom Penh by Hil

Hil — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:56:49 +0000

Thank you, Tim! Entertaining and informative post.

I came here looking for the pronunciation of Phnom Penh, too. I’m writing a book – taking part in Nanowrimo.org again this year – and my main character is headed there as we speak!

Comment on Electrical plugs in Sri Lanka by Tim

Tim — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:49:45 +0000

Happy to help! I hope you enjoyed your trip.