Sri Lanka

Sigiriya in 2015

 

Country Information:

The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo. There are approximately 22 million people living here. The majority of Sri Lankans practice Buddhism. The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, while English is used often in government sectors.

Major exports of Sri Lanka include textiles and apparel, tea and spices, rubber manufactures, precious stones, coconut products, and fish.

Jim’s Perspectives:

Sri Lanka is ripe with natural beauty. When visiting, adventurers will enjoy Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress located in the Central Province. Also of interest is the Temple of the Tooth, a temple located in the city of Kandy. The temple is home to the tooth of the Buddha!

I got a very warm welcome in Sri Lanka and had a wonderful nights rest. Woke up early the next day for a flight to Sigiriya to visit the “Cultural Triangle.” Then went to the rock fortress built in the 5th century (probably modeled after Romans).

 

 

I learned how to snake charm a cobra! Then climbed up the Dambulla temple where there are huge rock sculptures of Buddha. The highlight of the day was going to the elephant orphanage at Habarana.  Priceless adventure and time in Sri Lanka!

 

 

At elephant orphanage in Sabaragwmuwa

Brazil

Legendary Iguazu Falls Country Information: Tropical Brazil is the largest country in South America. After nearly three centuries of Portuguese rule, Brazil gained independence in 1822. Because of this Portuguese is the most widely spoken language of Brazil and is the...

São Tomé and Príncipe

Typical streetscape in São Tomé Country Information: São Tomé and Príncipe is a volcanic chain close to the equator off the coast of western Africa.. The capital is São Tomé and the country’s population is about 250,000 people. The primary language is Portuguese, and...

Bulgaria

The famous lions in downtown Sofia, Bulgaria, Monument of the Unknown Warrior Kutrubes Travel planned an exquisitely complicated tour for me through "eastern" Europe, helping me to make the most of seeing the highlights of these countries in the most meaningful way,...