Yes. Sri Lanka. Apparently it's awesome, and how likely is it that we'll ever go there again?

Heartbeat unites Israeli and Palestinian youth musicians to build critical understanding, develop creative nonviolent tools for social change, and amplify their voices to influence the world around them. As a positive alternative to the normalization of segregation, violence, and racism, Heartbeat creates spaces and opportunities for Palestinian and Israeli youth musicians to build critical awareness, respect, and trust while harnessing creative nonviolent tools for self-expression and social change. Engaging in a sustained music, dialogue, and empowerment process, Heartbeat youth musicians become agents of change; harnessing the tools of creativity to imagine possibilities, ask questions, and publicly address systemic problems such as violence, oppression, and inequality — partnering to create a safe, equitable future for all.

Sri Lanka, which means meaning “resplendent land” in Sanskrit, is a beautiful, diverse island, and amazingly so for its small size. The pretty coastline around Arugam Bay (aru-gam) is no exception, being the southeast’s most traveler- and surfer-friendly zone. Although many of its original structures were leveled by the 2004 tsunami and the country’s civil war hangover still lingers, things have slowly come back around, and Arugam’s long, user-friendly right points are as good as ever.

Sigiriya (Lion Rock Sinhalese: සීගිරිය, Tamil: சிகிரியா, pronounced see-gi-ri-yə) is an ancient rock fortress located in the central Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.

Nestled in the heart of the hills, the formal colonial retreat of Nuwara Eliya, or “Little England,” is home to the country’s oldest tea estates. Bicycle your way from plantation to plantation on a tea tasting - like a wine tour but without the headache! Learn the history of Ceylon teas, the role they play in Sri Lankan culture and everything about it from cultivation to cup.

Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. Divided into 5 blocks, the park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks and lagoons. Situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was designated a national park in 1938. Ironically, the park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles.

A country nestled in the Indian Ocean, known as Sri Lanka has become known for its rich history, culture and diving. Sri Lanka has been traveled by so many different people, and many of them have left their mark behind for all to see. It just so happens that some of the largest testaments to travelers are ships that were once carrying cargo and aiding in a county’s commerce. Ships that are now far below the water for a different kind of exploration, leaving divers treasure troves below to unlock on their excursions. With nearly 200 shipwrecks estimated to inhabit Sri Lanka’s waters, divers have still been searching for evidence to make many of these official. The top ten shipwrecks of Sri Lanka that have been verified and noted by divers has contributed to the desire for divers to come here in search of a rich diving experience, and a trip back in time.

Yael made me put this on our registry.