Daily Archives: 18 May, 2023

I remember from when I was barely ten years old that I asked my father what is important in life. He then replied that it is good to travel because you can carry your memories to the grave. Rather serious words, if you think about it. Since I grew up in the countryside, the church has always been a natural meeting point for people in the village. Nothing strange, or in any way, overly religious about it. Therefore, my father’s answer felt natural and I didn’t think more about it.

Before the pandemic took hold, I had traveled quite a lot and I am happy about my journeys. I have been able to remember my travels and people I have met, during the years with the coronavirus. Today the pandemic is over, but then the war started. We are still reminded of Covid 19. However, it seems that common respiratory infections are starting to take over. However, the infections are no longer a public health emergency. Instead, the world’s eyes are on Ukraine, which has, somehow, become the new Vietnam.

When I visited my friend in Sri Lanka a few years ago, she recommended Nuwara Eliya with tea plantations. Sri Lanka has long been known for its delicious tea. Compared to tea plantations in Malaysia, tea production in Sri Lanka is much more industrial. Cameron Highlands in Malaysia was difficult to access, but it was also a bumpy road by bus to Nuwara Eliya. The British spirit felt very present in Sri Lanka.

I spent a whole day visiting different tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya. The area was very reminiscent of various vineyards found in France with chateaux. At the last tea plantation of the day, it was time for afternoon tea. Perhaps this was the most international tea plantation because there were flags from all over the world much similar outside the United Nations building in New York. During the guided tour, I ended up in the same group as a Danish family. They rented a small bus and traveled around Sri Lanka by themselves. The tour of the tea plantation ended with afternoon tea. Although I love chocolate, I could resist a chocolate cake with my tea. I just wanted to have a cup of tea. I captured an eternal photo that you can see above with the Danish family. The Nordic countries were united in a successful afternoon tea. The Danish family traveled on and I continued and visited my friend and her family in Colombo.

Summer is almost here in Sweden. The dark time of the year is over. Every season has its charm. Instead of tea, I will have fruity smoothies over the summer, but then, when autumn takes hold, I look forward to lighting candles and having tea again. With chocolate cake!