The first underwater painter in Ceylon, it’s hard to believe but this story happened 150 years ago. He used a special submarine to paint underwater life in the ocean… “…a strong header from the edge of the heavy boat brought me into the depth. Immediately I found myself in the diving bell; cautiously I slid inside and started breathing in the confined space, in which all the sounds had a benumbing
Alina Kręcisz has been contributed to a whooping 66 articles.
Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Buddhism in Sri Lanka is inextricably linked to Mihintale, the place of an extraordinary meeting during a June full moon, where the mystery of the mango tree, properly solved, changed the history of Sri Lanka forever. Overcoming another one of the 1840 stairs leading to the top of the Mihintale hill, a picturesque vista of greenery, my imagination goes into overdrive and re-enacts the course of one of the most important
Julian Fałat, to Ceylon and around the World
Julian Fałat, one of the most outstanding Polish watercolourist, traveled to Ceylon and around the World in 1885. It turned out to be the adventure of his life. He had studied painting at the Krakow School of Fine Arts and became its rector. He had studied in Zurich and Munich and became the court painter of the German Emperor. He had traveled around Europe and then went on a journey around
My travel to Ceylon with Witkacy and Malinowski
At the beginning of 2020, the book “My journey with Witkacy and Malinowski to Ceylon” was published in Poland. Why did I write this book and what about the story exactly is ? Sri Lanka is my favourite place – it’s full of colours, smells, tastes and sounds. I have visited the island several times and got to know its centuries-old culture and admired the unusual exotic nature. Gifted with exceptional
Sri Lanka | Ceylon cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is one of the most famous spices in the world. Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years as a medicine, a food preservative, a flavour enhancer, as well as an embalming fluid. “Good morning, madam. Do you need a tuk tuk?” The question came from a passing 3-wheeler. “No, thank you.” I replied briefly, not wanting to encourage further discussion. He drove off. It seemed that he understood my
Sri Lanka | Peradeniya Gardens
Peradeniya gardens or Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya located about 6 km from Kandy. There are several thousand species of flora from Sri Lanka, Asia and many countries around the world. Peradeniya gardens are undoubtedly pleasure gardens. It is nice to walk unhurried among the colorful flower alleys and gigantic exotic trees or to listen to birds singing in some romantic corner. Although they are called Royal Botanical Gardens, they certainly
Sri Lanka | Yapahuwa, the forgotten capital protected by lions
Yapahuwa was the ancient capital for a very short time in fact only 12 years.This was an extremely turbulent time for the Sinhalese kingdom was falling because of a mixture intrigue, a betrayal and invasions from the south of India. Recognizing the defensive potential of Yapahuva, the King Buvenekabahu I decided to build the capital there. He built a fortress with a double line of defensive walls separated by a moat.
Sri Lanka | Delft Island, where live wild horses
Delft Island, an coral island located on the west of the Jaffna Peninsula. It can be reached by daily ferry. What did we discover during our one-day trip… It was almost half past eight, a navy boat which should take us to the Delft Island was just visible at the end of the long jetty. The day had began with a quick breakfast, prepared especially early by extemely polite manager of the Blue
Sri Lanka | Colombo, what to see
The largest and most modern city, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. What to see in Colombo, full of hustle and bustle … The dilemma: to stay in Colombo or not? Many tourists coming to Sri Lanka ask themselves this question. I did not use to have enough time to get to know Colombo better. However, it attracted me like a magnet, regardless of other people’s opinions, never ending
The best place to stay in Negombo
The best place to stay in Negombo is near to the Bandaranaike International Airport. A place for an unwind after your arrival and before your departure. When you arrive to Sri Lanka, especially during the night or in the early morning, you probably are tired after your long flight and dreaming about a place where you can rest and refresh yourself. That’s how it was with us. After a long 13-hour