While I do believe that there is nothing like getting out to see the world to change our perspective on life, I also feel there are many ways to develop the mindset of a traveler without ever leaving home.  Because the more I have traveled, the more I have come to realize, it’s not about seeing another church or another museum, another beach, or another touristy site. What it is about is showing up.  Living in the moment.  Being spontaneous.  Letting life happen to me instead of me trying to happen to life.  It’s about the people I meet.  Learning about different cultures.  Trying new foods, smelling new smells, and…

I am excited to announce to everyone that I have a second website that I’ve been working on,Travel Scamming.  I  still have a lot of information to add, but I wanted to let everyone know about it.  Many of you probably remember the scammers who tried to take me for a ride in Sri Lanka.  Well, one of the comments, I got on that article was that there should be somewhere for people to go to read about the scams that can happen in certain areas when you are traveling.  Well, I thought that was a perfect idea, so I took it and ran with it.  I will also be…

Train travel in Sri Lanka is a common way to get around. If you go to Sri Lanka, don’t miss out on taking the train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya.  You will see stunning views of tea plantations, waterfalls, misty green valleys, interesting people, and lush tropical foliage.  I was so upset when I heard the train was supposed to go on strike, and thought I might miss this experience.  The minute I heard they weren’t going to strike, I headed to the train station and lucked out and got the last ticket in the observation car. I also met an incredibly nice Sri Lankan family.  I spent the day…

If you want to go whale watching in Sri Lanka, the best area for this is in Mirissa.  In fact, that is the main reason to visit Mirissa.  The beach isn’t spectacular, but the blue whales that swim in its water are incredible.  The blue whales are the largest animal that have ever lived.  Blue whales are even bigger than the biggest dinosaurs.  The whale watching trips leave at 6 am, so you will be getting up early, but the early morning harbor views are just gorgeous. I highly recommend going whale watching in Sri Lanka with the group Raja and the Whales.  Raja is a researcher with the University,…

The Lonely Planet says that Sri Lanka is the best place to visit in 2013.  Since many people may follow these words of advice and be planning to visit soon, I must let you know about the scams that are going on in the city of Colombo.  Right now, I feel anguish and like I’m on the worst vacation I’ve ever been on.  I am hoping this will change, but my first impression of the people here or at least the tuk tuk drivers is that they aren’t to be trusted.  I think that one of the worst things that can happen is to be lied to.  Today on the…