Sri Lanka Calling

Aditi Ghosh

Sri Lanka is slowly opening up this month after a long nationwide lockdown for the 2nd wave. This pandemic probably taught all of us many important things including valuing more small things of life. A frequent traveller like me was a little anxious about post-covid international travel. On the contrary, it went smooth and pleasant. With limited travellers, it seems everyone giving it a little personal touch instead of behaving like a machine.

The immigration officer in Colombo airport, touched his own mask to indicate that time for me to take off my mask for the picture. When I did that, the first time seeing my face, he smiled (saw it in his eyes! ) and asked how am I and if my journey was fine? It was such a wonderful gesture.

In Delhi airport, when I am the next in the immigration line to reach the counter, the officer decides to take a break and close the counter. Instead of again queuing in another line, I headed towards the diplomatic counter for my immigration clearance. I need not explain my case, the officer on the counter happily stamped my passport with little chit chat. Asking if I am travelling for tourism or work.

When I said, it is all work- his next question intrigued me. He asked- ‘Is it your own business or do you work for a company? Believe me, as a single woman traveller, I always faced a patriarchal attitude from these officers in India. Maybe, Covid and the economic crisis have changed some of the traditional gender roles in many families. And Indian woman travelling abroad alone for their own business/ work is no more alien to them! Enjoy a few pictures from my room and morning walk! More in coming days from other parts of Lanka.

Aditi Ghosh is a development professional and a globe traveller