Having visited 20 different countries, I can confidently say that I truly love to travel. This love began when I was little, visiting and discovering new countries with my family, and has now grown into a passion that I am lucky enough to call my job.
I took a year out before university to explore the world, but this time alone, I found myself backpacking through the Himalayan hills, volunteering in rural Nepal, climbing Machu Picchu, and hostel surfing in Peru and Bolivia. It was one of the best years of my life and one which I will remember forever.
I ventured off to Sri Lanka for a month this recently, absorbing as much of the country as I could in the time that I had. Sri Lanka is a country that truly fascinates me. Whether it be its rich culture and history, stunning landscapes, sandy beaches, beautiful wildlife, or unbelievable food scene, it really has it all.
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Q&A with Madeleine
What tips would you give for people who want to visit your specialty destination?
The food scene in Sri Lanka is second to none, so my advice would be to try everything (even if the spice does blow your socks off!). The culinary culture in Sri Lanka is incredibly rich, offering a wide range of options from breakfast to dinner, so you are never short of choices. I would highly recommend string hoppers and black pork curry, and if possible, enjoy them together. Honestly, they are some of the best foods I have ever eaten in my life, and I can promise you, when you try to make them at home, it doesn’t taste the same. If you are worried about the spice levels of local dishes, don’t worry, I have learnt that if you ask for ‘tourist level spice’, they normally remove a few chillies from the recipe.
What is your most vivid travel moment?
That is a very hard question; there are so many to choose from! The one that comes to mind must be when I was trekking in the Himalayas. It had been a long day of walking; it was pitch black, and camp couldn’t come soon enough. The next morning, after a rough night’s sleep in -5 degrees, I opened my tent door to witness the most beautiful sunrise I had ever seen. The sky was filled with hues of orange, pink, and red, and in the distance, you could see the snow-topped Himalayas, and even Everest. It was truly one of the most incredible views I have ever seen, and it always reminds me to look up at the view, as sometimes the best sights are when you don’t expect them.
Where would you love to travel next?
Kyrgyzstan has to be at the top of my ever-growing travel destination list. I would absolutely love to explore the extraordinary landscapes that it has to offer, traveling on horseback to rural yurts and being totally disconnected from the rest of the world. Although I haven't had a huge amount of horseback riding experience, it is always great to try something new.