Before I came here, I never imagined Sri Lanka's beauty and lush greenery. The people are incredibly helpful and always smiling. My elephant experience was truly wonderful, and this being my first visit to Sri Lanka has been unforgettable. Originally planning to stay for just a week, I've decided to extend my stay to over three months. The weather is delightful, with constant sunshine, and the fresh fruits and local foods are delicious. Sri Lanka has truly become my second home. I can’t wait to return!

I I am passionate about exploring diverse travel experiences. Having been a couch surfer and traveled solo across Europe, I've immersed myself in local cultures, stayed in international youth hostels, and made lifelong friends from various backgrounds, often sharing stories late into the night. This time, I chose to embark on an international volunteer mission as a team leader. My goal was not only to witness beauty but also to contribute to creating it.

Sri Lanka, a captivating island in the Indian Ocean, evokes a sense of wonder just from hearing its name. The desire to engage in international volunteer work and experience Sri Lankan culture has long been in my heart. Finally, I found the perfect opportunity between graduation and starting work to let these aspirations flourish. Escaping the cold winter and distancing myself from the noise and haze, I embraced the warmth of Sri Lanka at the fifth-degree north latitude. This journey has been transformative, and I am deeply grateful to Sri Lanka for this enriching experience.

Before coming to Sri Lanka, I had heard it described as a country of smiles, but experiencing it firsthand was even more touching. Each morning, as I set out with my camera to capture the beauty of the island, I was greeted with warm "Good Morning Madam" from the locals, all of whom seemed to embody genuine, ever-present smiles.

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean. Historically referred to as the Lion Kingdom in ancient Sinhala, it is renowned for its agricultural economy, with Ceylon black tea being a major export. Additionally, Sri Lanka's favorable geographic location has made it rich in gems, earning it titles such as the "Gem Kingdom" and the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." Marco Polo even considered it the most beautiful island.

My volunteer travel aimed to deeply understand, explore, and experience life in its purest form. What I found was a vibrant, genuine existence—barefoot, smiling, and hands clasped in unity. This simplicity, authenticity, and natural beauty define Sri Lanka for me. I am profoundly grateful to DS NGO for providing me with this life-enriching experience.

Coming from a family of teachers spanning generations, I initially resisted the idea of following in their footsteps. However, the concept of volunteering and teaching always held a special place in my heart. This opportunity to volunteer arose unexpectedly when I saw a recruitment notice shared among my friends. The advertisement captured my interest immediately, so I applied and was thrilled to be selected.

Reflecting on this experience, the phrases I found myself repeating the most were "I'm so happy!" and "I don't want to leave." Sri Lanka, with its joyful spirit, made it difficult for me to part ways. I fear that I might never find another place that brings me such immense happiness. This trip exceeded all my expectations, and I am deeply grateful for the thoughtful arrangements made by Junxing and the attentive care provided by the team. Special thanks also go to Lusia, a girl from home who met me, and Maria, a wonderful young woman born in the 2000s. Meeting like-minded people made this experience even more memorable.

Thank you, Sri Lanka, for a truly unforgettable journey.