Sri Lanka - Kandalama

Our first walk through the Centre of Colombo was with a local passionate historian, Mark Forbes. He commenced our city tour at the 17^th Century Old Colonial Dutch Hospital built in 1681 which has served different purposes over time. Today it is a restaurant precinct, but the architecture has been preserved. Amazing when you are standing absorbing the architecture and Mark says, now look up. Just beyond the roof of this beautiful building is a glass contemporary skyscraper. The changing face of Sri Lanka. Like so much of Asia.

Former Dutch Hospital built for their Army and Navy personnel. 

How poignant that I should find myself traveling with one of our son’s family whose children’s genealogy include Dutch Burghers from Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon. Wonderful to see the children with their other grandfather David who grew up here before his family migrated to Australia. His tales about his childhood as we drive or stop off at places on the way, is a bonus. It all seems right, that in the same year I am writing a tale about another lineage of these grandchildren’s heritage. A wonderful coming together is what comes to mind. To have the opportunity to enjoy it with them is special indeed. History in the making for this next generation of descendants who lives will be considerably different to ours as they grow up.

“TO RISE ABOVE THE RACISM OF THE PAST,

WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE IT.”

(Quote from the Editor National Geographic)

Before I left Australia, I packed, ‘The Special Issue National Geographic April 2018’. This month’ issue focuses entirely on, ‘The Race Issue’ which celebrates, “…the 50^th Anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination, we explore what race means in the 21^st century.” Whilst I was reading through the articles I found myself reflecting upon what was happening between 1830’s – 1960’s in the Hokianga and King Country in regards to race.

Since 2011 I have spent time in India, Nepal and Vietnam involved with projects in relation to Women and Youth employment in the NGO Sector. This time it is purely for a holiday, but my research and sociological lens informs me that technology, mobility, and our cross-cultural children and their biracial children will continue a trend captured by, Patricia Edmonds in the April edition, "The Many Colors of Matrimony across racial and ethnic lines",will continue to break down racism. 

Staying at the amazing Kandalama which has been built into a rock face.

So much to learn from this captivating country, its history and its people. 

Until the next time - go well.

Viti