Recently I read an article on the Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, which is described by Wikipedia as an annual observance in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States and Canada in February and the United Kingdom in October.
Till then the only Black month I was aware of was Black July where the violence, political persecution and Anti- Tamil Pogrom pursued by the Sri Lankan state in July Eighty Three, was referred to as. There are other Black Months in the calendar with this distinctive prefix, but Black July in Sri Lanka was something I had experienced personally!
However; In the US historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week". This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Woodson created the holiday with the hope that it eventually be eliminated when black history became fundamental to American history. (Wikipedia) In Sri Lanka the Black July of Eighty Three was a culmination of simmering ethnic tensions that resulted in terrible consequences.
The history of Sri Lanka has been one of conflict between the South Indian Dravidians and the Sinhala Kings. (The Europeans came much later) The outcomes of these battles like a pendulums swung from side to side. In spite of this, there had been long periods of stability in this Pearl of the Indian Ocean which resulted in magnificent human achievements and a rich cultural heritage. The problem which has besieged this otherwise tranquil paradise could be landed on the doorstep of the British when they conquered the Island and decided to impose their favorite doctrine of divide and rule. The minority Tamils, accept those imported from India who had nothing at all, had a bigger slice of the cake than the majority Sinhala. The Island started breaking up at the seam after Sinhala Nationalism swept the Sri Lankan Freedom Party into power and ignited a time bomb in the guise of a just representative Language Policy.
Leaders of both sides of the divide are to be blamed for the run up to a bloody civil war that lasted almost three decades and the irreparable damage it has had on the collective mind set of its people. The majority never saw a need to solve legitimate grievances of a minority or the necessity of a multi ethnic society as a way forward for the collective good of the Nation and fostering one identity in one Country. The minority didn’t do very much either! The cast system both in the minority and majority were supplemented with the racial component of ethnicity. A practice still prevalent as recent as in this month’s data collection for the Island wide Population Census presently underway!!! Language barriers added to alienation and no attempt was ever made to introduce a link language. Nepotism and connections as opposed to qualifications permeated the Institutes of Government and steadily human rights and justice were compromised in the interest of the powerful. Messing around with the Constitution and enhancing power was a favorite past time to ensure that a few had all the levers to control and subjugate the people.
It was not only the young of the minority but also that of the majority that never found expression for their concerns. The opportunity to seek better standards of living was always elusive and neither were they educated and skilled to find suitable employment to afford one. Both the majority and minority young took to arms. Both were eventually suppressed! Unfortunately the cost in human life and suffering is still not accurately assessed or known. The leaders have forgotten that they are only custodians of governance and must be prepared not only to pass the baton to the future generations but ensure that the young are a part of the process. They instead abuse their office to guarantee perpetuity.
The Tamil Tigers were effectively decimated almost two years ago. (It will be so in May this year). It had to be done there was no alternative. However the Country faces charges of human rights violations in the last phases of the battle. Incidentally so does the enemy. The call for action initiated by the UN has landed at the UNHRC. Sri Lanka has no economic value to prevent these agencies from pursuing their objectives however much the State questions their motives. In this context it is quite ironic that a blatant violator of Human Rights, Israel, has unconditional support of the US!!!
The Sri Lankan State has as usual failed to deal with these charges effectively long before it got to Geneva. International pressure will continue to mount and an effective counter attack would be if we learn from Eighty Three and not continue in self-denial. A golden opportunity to resolve this issue is being fritted away! Commemorating Black July as a month of reconciliation would be a start in tandem with genuine efforts to find a durable political solution. The state can muster the numbers in parliament and has the all-powerful executive if it desires to do so! Soon Black July will be obliterated from History books. I couldn’t find any mention of it in the local media last year, and I doubt any of the new generation is even aware of it. Unfortunately the problem is not likely to disappear nor can it be swept under the carpet.
Nothing in this world is permanent and our Leaders seem to forget that. The young are getting restless and mobilizing. There is a sense of urgency that it is time for freedom and they have to act now. The need for change and the events in the recent past are astonishing. The Arab Spring and the Occupy Wall Street movements are clear evidence of the real possibility of the establishments everywhere of the old guard being unceremoniously booted out. The forces that are replacing the old have an appeal that caters for the yearnings of the young. They seem to understand them better and have an empathy with the problems the future generation is facing. As one commentator in a talk show aptly articulated the young are concerned that there will be no tomorrow for them if they don’t take action now! They seem to be ready to do so even at the cost of their own lives!!! Let’s hope that steps to find that elusive peace in Sri Lanka dominates the national agenda. It’s still not too late! Indifference may cause this Nation and its people dearly.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
THE IDES OF MARCH.
The first thing that I associated with the Month of March was the Soothsayers warning of the impending death of Julius Caesar, the caption of this post. There is another which describes the arrival of spring and the promise of the four leaf clover. In my childhood I have on many an occasions searched for this elusive mutation of the abundant three leaf variety and never had any success or for that matter ever seen one!!
My visit to India was the only highlight and memorable of the first two months of this year. Two events of some significance occurred in January. My Mother gifted me a four leaf clover! This is the first time in my life I had seen one, let alone become a proud owner. Another was a gift from my aunt, that of a silver ring of Lord Ganesh, a Hindu deity, the Elephant God. The circumstances under which this ring ended up in my possession are so bizarre that I still find it hard to believe!!! Unfortunately I cannot narrate the story as it would I was told, negate any positive vibes this ring would bestow upon me.
I have been distracted and preoccupied with a sequence of events from September last year. The situation overwhelmed me so much and my physical well being had deteriorated to such a dangerous level that I had to be hospitalized in December. I returned back to the half way home to recover both physically and mentally. Incidentally the hospital now offers a ten percent discount on my bill in keeping with my status as a regular!!!!
I intend to write about these events in the future but for the moment I need to ensure that I occupy myself productively. My recovery thus far has been slow but steady and I have commenced a daily evening walk on the beach and at last find myself fit enough to spend a good forty five minutes a day covering approximately one and half miles. My appetite has improved and the weight I had lost during my stay alone away from the half way home is back to where it was in June last year.
The problem is I am so distracted and procrastination still seems to be a major hurdle to overcome. So I have designed a time table to ensure that my interest in music and writing will be pursued daily. I sincerely hope this schedule will ensure discipline so that there will a tangible output at the end of every day.
I have at last got a resume ready; it is time for me to find a job! My need for interaction with a broader spectrum of society has become essential. It will also be a stimulant for writing as there is so much happening in my Country at this point in time and being away from the action, so to speak, is not in my best interest. I need to be away from my village, which I have outgrown. It should only be a sanctuary of retreat for rest and recreation. The time has come for me to seek a far more fulfilling personal and professional life.
My Serendipity is going through her own headaches and my being isolated in this part of the Country doesn’t auger well for the two of us. We are heavily dependent on each other for support and that is something else we need to address and resolve. Both of us have to find some stability and security so that whenever the occasion demands, support can be depended upon.
I am one year older and at fifty four I should have achieved a lot more. Fortunately my Bi Polar is in remission and hopefully the cocktail of drugs I take can be reduced. I have thus far avoided contemplating the long term side effects of these drugs. Unfortunately I am surrounded by medical professionals both relatives and outsiders whose thinking doesn’t allow for non-drug methods of treatment as an alternative and a complementary process to drugs. Against these odds it is very difficult for me and the enormous burden on my thinking and functioning is demoralizing to say the least.
On the first of January this year I made only one resolution. I am heavily dependent on so many people that it is becoming frustrating, demeaning and most significantly impacting my dignity, self-worth and confidence. These emotions have gradually accentuated from the time the half way home became my domicile from July two thousand and eight. It will soon be four years since I first came to the half way home. The periods I have been away from the half way home, about one and a half years, were not successful. The pervasive influence of these experiences has left scars that will take a long time to obliterate and heal.
The resolution? The time has come to monetize my talents and get back what has been chipped away at over these years. The crutches have to be discarded! A personality overhaul, resurrection of my skills, talents and self-confidence the only goal! Come the twelfth of January next year when I am fifty five I intend to achieve it. Age is catching up and time is running out. It is now or never!!!!
I intend to write about these events in the future but for the moment I need to ensure that I occupy myself productively. My recovery thus far has been slow but steady and I have commenced a daily evening walk on the beach and at last find myself fit enough to spend a good forty five minutes a day covering approximately one and half miles. My appetite has improved and the weight I had lost during my stay alone away from the half way home is back to where it was in June last year.
The problem is I am so distracted and procrastination still seems to be a major hurdle to overcome. So I have designed a time table to ensure that my interest in music and writing will be pursued daily. I sincerely hope this schedule will ensure discipline so that there will a tangible output at the end of every day.
I have at last got a resume ready; it is time for me to find a job! My need for interaction with a broader spectrum of society has become essential. It will also be a stimulant for writing as there is so much happening in my Country at this point in time and being away from the action, so to speak, is not in my best interest. I need to be away from my village, which I have outgrown. It should only be a sanctuary of retreat for rest and recreation. The time has come for me to seek a far more fulfilling personal and professional life.
My Serendipity is going through her own headaches and my being isolated in this part of the Country doesn’t auger well for the two of us. We are heavily dependent on each other for support and that is something else we need to address and resolve. Both of us have to find some stability and security so that whenever the occasion demands, support can be depended upon.
I am one year older and at fifty four I should have achieved a lot more. Fortunately my Bi Polar is in remission and hopefully the cocktail of drugs I take can be reduced. I have thus far avoided contemplating the long term side effects of these drugs. Unfortunately I am surrounded by medical professionals both relatives and outsiders whose thinking doesn’t allow for non-drug methods of treatment as an alternative and a complementary process to drugs. Against these odds it is very difficult for me and the enormous burden on my thinking and functioning is demoralizing to say the least.
On the first of January this year I made only one resolution. I am heavily dependent on so many people that it is becoming frustrating, demeaning and most significantly impacting my dignity, self-worth and confidence. These emotions have gradually accentuated from the time the half way home became my domicile from July two thousand and eight. It will soon be four years since I first came to the half way home. The periods I have been away from the half way home, about one and a half years, were not successful. The pervasive influence of these experiences has left scars that will take a long time to obliterate and heal.
The resolution? The time has come to monetize my talents and get back what has been chipped away at over these years. The crutches have to be discarded! A personality overhaul, resurrection of my skills, talents and self-confidence the only goal! Come the twelfth of January next year when I am fifty five I intend to achieve it. Age is catching up and time is running out. It is now or never!!!!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
THE DOG HOSTEL.
I have been busy trying to complete my first book which is why I have not been posting for some time now. I thought I should start again and hence this post.
Some time ago a rather anxious only Daughter of mine, (at least I hope so) calls me and requests me if I could come and be of assistance to her in helping out with a predicament she was facing to ensure that the latest guest who were to patronize here prestigious Dog Hotel, Havens, were checked in and properly taken care of. Her regular helper had taken a leave of absence and she had to go to work. These two Ridgeback Puppies two months of age had been referred to her establishment by a prominent animal rights activist in Sri Lanka. Like I mentioned it is a prestigious Dog Hostel.
Since of late the half way home has deteriorated to pathetic levels in terms of taking care of its Residents and as I also needed a change in environment to detune from a hectic one and a half month schedule and completion of an exam, I readily agreed and proceeded to depart to her Residence in the morning. I have visited and lived here on several occasions in the last two years but somehow other whenever I come here I invariably get lost. But I did after a circuitous route land there at ten thirty in the morning.
My Daughter instructed me as to what I should do and I was not particularly concerned about my responsibility of ensuring that the Owners would depart after leaving their precious pets in my care. There is one other elderly help who is referred to as Uncle and I was pretty confident this would be an absolutely no hassle check in. I was told by the Proprietor, my daughter that is, with absolute confidence that three of the five assorted canines that are permanent domiciles of this establishment have to be taken to their respective kennels and the other two can be used to assist in acclimatizing the new guests and this is the proven formula in her experience. So I was ready and awaiting the call that would herald the arrival of the guests.
The Residence of the Haven has three kennels in the garden but generally pups are in the main premises. The main hall is bordered at its perimeter where one enters, by a strip of garden which suddenly drops down about ten feet in a slope but this is not obvious as such at a casual glance.
I suddenly saw a gentleman along the strip enquiring as to whether he could bring the pups in. I was surprised at the arrival, as I was supposed to get a telephone call informing of the time of arrival, but thought what the hell and greeted him with a smile and invited him to bring his pups in. Accompanied by his wife and daughter the two cute pups were delivered and deposited at the open entrance when all hell broke loose. The so called acclimatization Canine a Dalmatian, who incidentally I think is a fake, (I believe a forger had used a permanent black ink marker to spot the fellow) charges out barking and one of the pups howls in fright and slips down the slope. I froze and I swear I thought the Owner would probably strangle me. But Dutch courage took over and screaming for Uncle, who at that point in time had decided that his hearing deficiency had manifested, pushed the rather exuberant fake Dalmatian back inside, shut the gate and looked at a peering pup whose instincts had taken over and was clambering back to terra firma. I breathed a sigh of relief when Uncle appeared. I immediately berated him as to why he had violated check in procedure and asked him to pick up the pups and do the job as it was meant to be done. Very confidently now I assured the Owner that there was nothing to worry locked up the Dalmatian while the pups were taken inside. I invited the Owners to sit as I did the same before my legs gave way.
The rest of the day went as planned and the next morning the pups had settled down and getting along very well. The Proprietor, my Daughter, loved the new guests and the day went on very well accept the buggers didn’t allow me to sleep the whole night and I was a bloody zombie during the whole day. But it helped me to distract my mind from a myriad of other issues that have cropped up over the last three days and definitely better than being in the hell hole the half way home had become now.
In the evening my Daughter had invited three of her school mates who love dogs to visit and see the guest. They arrived and I watched three genuine animal lovers shower their affections on the pups and the same time ensuring that the other dogs got equal attention. In between conversations and the taking of photographs and the other interesting topics that were discussed there was consistency in a very comforting dimension to me. Some of the anecdotes of their own Dogs and the circumstances that lead to ownership were enthralling to say the least.
My mind drifted to my childhood when the death of an animal invoked reaction and stray dogs being sheltered was a way of life. I still remember driving one of my Mothers dogs tipsy (The name was due to her addiction to beer) to a vet in the middle of the night after getting a curfew pass in the height of the Emergency of 1971. The cops thought my Mother was off her bloody tree! These days a dead human found on the street will probably be stripped off any valuables and nobody would care two hoots.
What struck me was how my country has changed so much now. People don’t have time to worry about others let alone animals unless you belong to a rare few to whom social issues and the situation of the country concerns them deeply. It is still not too late to start inculcating values at least in the young. They can be changed to think differently as opposed to most of the present generation who are only obsessed with nothing but themselves. Time tested values should be a part and parcel of the process of growing up and harnessed positively I hope I may live to see the Sri Lanka I was born in and loved so much once again!
Some time ago a rather anxious only Daughter of mine, (at least I hope so) calls me and requests me if I could come and be of assistance to her in helping out with a predicament she was facing to ensure that the latest guest who were to patronize here prestigious Dog Hotel, Havens, were checked in and properly taken care of. Her regular helper had taken a leave of absence and she had to go to work. These two Ridgeback Puppies two months of age had been referred to her establishment by a prominent animal rights activist in Sri Lanka. Like I mentioned it is a prestigious Dog Hostel.
Since of late the half way home has deteriorated to pathetic levels in terms of taking care of its Residents and as I also needed a change in environment to detune from a hectic one and a half month schedule and completion of an exam, I readily agreed and proceeded to depart to her Residence in the morning. I have visited and lived here on several occasions in the last two years but somehow other whenever I come here I invariably get lost. But I did after a circuitous route land there at ten thirty in the morning.
My Daughter instructed me as to what I should do and I was not particularly concerned about my responsibility of ensuring that the Owners would depart after leaving their precious pets in my care. There is one other elderly help who is referred to as Uncle and I was pretty confident this would be an absolutely no hassle check in. I was told by the Proprietor, my daughter that is, with absolute confidence that three of the five assorted canines that are permanent domiciles of this establishment have to be taken to their respective kennels and the other two can be used to assist in acclimatizing the new guests and this is the proven formula in her experience. So I was ready and awaiting the call that would herald the arrival of the guests.
The Residence of the Haven has three kennels in the garden but generally pups are in the main premises. The main hall is bordered at its perimeter where one enters, by a strip of garden which suddenly drops down about ten feet in a slope but this is not obvious as such at a casual glance.
I suddenly saw a gentleman along the strip enquiring as to whether he could bring the pups in. I was surprised at the arrival, as I was supposed to get a telephone call informing of the time of arrival, but thought what the hell and greeted him with a smile and invited him to bring his pups in. Accompanied by his wife and daughter the two cute pups were delivered and deposited at the open entrance when all hell broke loose. The so called acclimatization Canine a Dalmatian, who incidentally I think is a fake, (I believe a forger had used a permanent black ink marker to spot the fellow) charges out barking and one of the pups howls in fright and slips down the slope. I froze and I swear I thought the Owner would probably strangle me. But Dutch courage took over and screaming for Uncle, who at that point in time had decided that his hearing deficiency had manifested, pushed the rather exuberant fake Dalmatian back inside, shut the gate and looked at a peering pup whose instincts had taken over and was clambering back to terra firma. I breathed a sigh of relief when Uncle appeared. I immediately berated him as to why he had violated check in procedure and asked him to pick up the pups and do the job as it was meant to be done. Very confidently now I assured the Owner that there was nothing to worry locked up the Dalmatian while the pups were taken inside. I invited the Owners to sit as I did the same before my legs gave way.
The rest of the day went as planned and the next morning the pups had settled down and getting along very well. The Proprietor, my Daughter, loved the new guests and the day went on very well accept the buggers didn’t allow me to sleep the whole night and I was a bloody zombie during the whole day. But it helped me to distract my mind from a myriad of other issues that have cropped up over the last three days and definitely better than being in the hell hole the half way home had become now.
In the evening my Daughter had invited three of her school mates who love dogs to visit and see the guest. They arrived and I watched three genuine animal lovers shower their affections on the pups and the same time ensuring that the other dogs got equal attention. In between conversations and the taking of photographs and the other interesting topics that were discussed there was consistency in a very comforting dimension to me. Some of the anecdotes of their own Dogs and the circumstances that lead to ownership were enthralling to say the least.
My mind drifted to my childhood when the death of an animal invoked reaction and stray dogs being sheltered was a way of life. I still remember driving one of my Mothers dogs tipsy (The name was due to her addiction to beer) to a vet in the middle of the night after getting a curfew pass in the height of the Emergency of 1971. The cops thought my Mother was off her bloody tree! These days a dead human found on the street will probably be stripped off any valuables and nobody would care two hoots.
What struck me was how my country has changed so much now. People don’t have time to worry about others let alone animals unless you belong to a rare few to whom social issues and the situation of the country concerns them deeply. It is still not too late to start inculcating values at least in the young. They can be changed to think differently as opposed to most of the present generation who are only obsessed with nothing but themselves. Time tested values should be a part and parcel of the process of growing up and harnessed positively I hope I may live to see the Sri Lanka I was born in and loved so much once again!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
THE OTHER SIDE OF MY VILLAGE.
I have over the last few weeks been an observer of individuals of my village hence this delay in posting. As in any socially intertwined relationships, there is also a very disturbing aspect of the people I have got to know and grown very fond of over the past few months.
Their sincerity and candor when they talk to me is something that has affected me deeply. They do not hide their problems, very quick to admit their mistakes and acknowledge their inability to deal with some of the issues they face on a daily basis.
Alcoholism is an accepted norm of life by spouses and drug addiction of children by Parents. The generation gap is very evident as more and more of the youngsters find themselves confused as to what should be a role model to follow. They do not have the prerequisites to aspire for a better future! The Parents do not know what they should do either!
Every known problem exists here and sadly, the religious institutes are too busy sermonizing and so involved in getting their coffers filled! Their only preoccupation? Make sure that they enjoy all the known creature comforts necessary to communicate with God! Who cares as to what the flock goes through to make ends meet! The system that is supposed to take care of the problems has other headaches! They are busy protecting the powerful and penalizing the poor who are finally the victims of a social system that has gone completely out of sync with its people!
I have spent a good part of the last six months mingling with every known social stratum in my village. They are hardworking, very conscious of the importance of education and try to find every avenue to ensure that their offspring’s get a better opportunity than they did. The schools teach rubbish or are closed half the time; the teachers are incompetent at best and use a curricular that is irrelevant to the present context of society and hardly relevant to the twenty first century! I found this out when I started spoken English classes for my landlord’s grandchildren. Of course, there are a handful of Parents who can afford private tuition, the majority cant.
Soon I will have to leave the village and I know it is going to be heart breaking for me! My desire to start using my talent and experience and getting back to the IT industry is something that I need to do and it will be difficult to pursue that line of interest here. The infrastructure is expensive to set up and I will have to get closer to Colombo so that travelling to work will not be a hassle. But I have also got a couple of tricks up my sleeve and one of them just might work allowing me to enjoy both the village and pursuing my career that I was trained for!
Their sincerity and candor when they talk to me is something that has affected me deeply. They do not hide their problems, very quick to admit their mistakes and acknowledge their inability to deal with some of the issues they face on a daily basis.
Alcoholism is an accepted norm of life by spouses and drug addiction of children by Parents. The generation gap is very evident as more and more of the youngsters find themselves confused as to what should be a role model to follow. They do not have the prerequisites to aspire for a better future! The Parents do not know what they should do either!
Every known problem exists here and sadly, the religious institutes are too busy sermonizing and so involved in getting their coffers filled! Their only preoccupation? Make sure that they enjoy all the known creature comforts necessary to communicate with God! Who cares as to what the flock goes through to make ends meet! The system that is supposed to take care of the problems has other headaches! They are busy protecting the powerful and penalizing the poor who are finally the victims of a social system that has gone completely out of sync with its people!
I have spent a good part of the last six months mingling with every known social stratum in my village. They are hardworking, very conscious of the importance of education and try to find every avenue to ensure that their offspring’s get a better opportunity than they did. The schools teach rubbish or are closed half the time; the teachers are incompetent at best and use a curricular that is irrelevant to the present context of society and hardly relevant to the twenty first century! I found this out when I started spoken English classes for my landlord’s grandchildren. Of course, there are a handful of Parents who can afford private tuition, the majority cant.
Soon I will have to leave the village and I know it is going to be heart breaking for me! My desire to start using my talent and experience and getting back to the IT industry is something that I need to do and it will be difficult to pursue that line of interest here. The infrastructure is expensive to set up and I will have to get closer to Colombo so that travelling to work will not be a hassle. But I have also got a couple of tricks up my sleeve and one of them just might work allowing me to enjoy both the village and pursuing my career that I was trained for!
Monday, October 3, 2011
EXISTENTIALISM
Existentialism is defined as a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experiences in a hostile or in a different universe. There is also a different perceptive; human existence is unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts. I believe in that very vehemently!!!
I look at a world and I am terrified!!! I am not worried about myself but I wonder if the so called leaders have a clue as to what they should do before another calamity happens. Everybody seems to forget that there is a younger generation that will inherit our legacy and we have to make sure they get a heritage that can be carried forward to the next generation.
Classified as an existentialist I wonder what I could do towards the young of my country???? There is very little I can do!!! But I made the first steps by adopting my Serendepity. She carries my surname very proudly when she identifies herself!!! That gives me so much of satisfaction.
Now to get back to the point; I carry all the characteristics of what Hans Ensyke’s personality theory defines. I am an Extrovert, an Introvert, Neurotic and Stable. This is something that I didn’t know!! A personality analysis makes me a very complex person!!
There are days when I am extremely extrovert, then there are others when I am an introvert, then I get neurotic and when the situation demands I am stable!!!! I handle the most troublesome problem with poise, confidence and authority!!!
An example; whenever I go out on a journey I make sure my computer my sound system are all packed up in my bag and it is really ridiculous!! I do this even if I go on a short journey!! To unplug all my devices takes a good half hour and everything is meticulously packed!! The joke is when I come back home I can’t remember where which part of the various cables etc. are stored!!! It takes me another one hour to find them and another to connect everything so that I can check my mail or get on Skype!!! I am still trying to figure out the why of this behavior!!!
I believe now I am an eccentric person with odd ball behavior and what makes me happy is the realization that I can live with it!!! What makes it even more comfortable is that my village understands it and respects it!!! It’s been a very long time since I have had this feeling!!!!
I look at a world and I am terrified!!! I am not worried about myself but I wonder if the so called leaders have a clue as to what they should do before another calamity happens. Everybody seems to forget that there is a younger generation that will inherit our legacy and we have to make sure they get a heritage that can be carried forward to the next generation.
Classified as an existentialist I wonder what I could do towards the young of my country???? There is very little I can do!!! But I made the first steps by adopting my Serendepity. She carries my surname very proudly when she identifies herself!!! That gives me so much of satisfaction.
Now to get back to the point; I carry all the characteristics of what Hans Ensyke’s personality theory defines. I am an Extrovert, an Introvert, Neurotic and Stable. This is something that I didn’t know!! A personality analysis makes me a very complex person!!
There are days when I am extremely extrovert, then there are others when I am an introvert, then I get neurotic and when the situation demands I am stable!!!! I handle the most troublesome problem with poise, confidence and authority!!!
An example; whenever I go out on a journey I make sure my computer my sound system are all packed up in my bag and it is really ridiculous!! I do this even if I go on a short journey!! To unplug all my devices takes a good half hour and everything is meticulously packed!! The joke is when I come back home I can’t remember where which part of the various cables etc. are stored!!! It takes me another one hour to find them and another to connect everything so that I can check my mail or get on Skype!!! I am still trying to figure out the why of this behavior!!!
I believe now I am an eccentric person with odd ball behavior and what makes me happy is the realization that I can live with it!!! What makes it even more comfortable is that my village understands it and respects it!!! It’s been a very long time since I have had this feeling!!!!
Monday, September 12, 2011
THE FEAST
I don’t have a bed, I sleep on a mattress, the room I have is small and I share my life with a sixty three year old man , my Landlord, who takes care of me better than anybody I have ever known for some time!!! He ensures that nothing apart from making me feel wanted and ensuring both my wellbeing and security are guaranteed.
We listen to music of his era, we talk politics, he gives me fried fish and when on occasion has one too many reminisces about the good old days of his child hood and the Woman he married when he was just twenty years old. She was also of the same age and they have been together for forty three years!!!
The village has a feast every year which is a tradition that I was able to witness and participate in for the first time even though I have been living in this area for a better part of the last four years. The preparation and the effort that this occasion demands are fascinating to say the least!!! The whole village contributes to raising a forty foot tall flag pole on which a cross is mounted. The process is something one must witness to understand the emotion. This in spite of the fact that half the population of the village aren’t even Christians!!!
The tradition of a flag pole was initiated by my Landlord and three others several years ago. He is the only surviving member of this pack and what was used was a tree trunk that was not even eight feet tall and wasn’t illuminated or decorated. A benefactor of the village then funded a flag pole made out of steel around nine years ago, and the tradition has been firmly engrained in the young to ensure it is continued every year.
The sections of the flag pole are brought to the playground and the young assemble it and the elders raise it when the designated day dawns and the feast commences. The Church which commemorates this occasion officially gets loudspeakers installed all around the village to sermonize every night and ensure the Pastor of the day gets his voice heard till ten PM and none of the priests ever visits to bless the Flagpole!!! That is done by an electrician who wires the system to illuminate the Cross!!! The Church is too busy demanding donations and can’t be bothered!!!
The sense of unity at this time is very obvious, sworn enemies forget grievances, children gather to play together and there is an air of joy that the young and old enjoy together. The climax is on the first Sunday after the flagpole is raised when each home in the village prepares sumptuous meals to be distributed and shared!!!
It is a fascinating social phenomenon that I have had the privilege of participating in. To me it was even more special as my Landlady stayed at my home and the sense of a family that I had become a part was so evident not only to me but to everybody who visited my home!!! My Mother is not in Sri Lanka My father passed way so many years ago and I have been drifting in my life for so long. I am very lucky to have experienced and be a part of the feast!!! It’s wonderful to belong to and live amongst them!!!!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
THE RESIDENT AND I.
I have been living on my own for over two months now and with some occasional apprehensions done pretty well. There are the moments of insecurities especially when I think about the fact that I am not insured and in the event of sickness what would I do??? But overall touch wood (I mean my head) chugging along like an old steam locomotive!!!
The half way home has been trying to get me involved with doing work for them without the all important factor of making sure that I get paid!!! They keep calling me on some pretext or the other and I used to go there just to keep in touch with a couple of Residents whom I had established a close bond with to meet them. But it was obvious that their only motive was to get work done by me for free. So it was them trying and my dodging till my Serendipity gave me a sound piece of advice. “Just be unavailable and wait for them to realize your value!!!” I did just that!!! And out of blues I got a call asking me to come over and help out with a Resident who needed confidence boosting and propose a program for which I was to be paid!!!!
So I did just that. I went for an assessment of the Resident and found that he was an extremely nervous person and lacked the ability to believe that he could face society ever again. This was a challenge for me and I could empathize with him as I too went through a similar process for over three years before I met my Serendipity and as stated elsewhere in this blog was the reason why I made up my mind to chart out a life away from the home.
I have never been trained to teach the Mentally Ill or possess qualifications to do so!!! I only have my own aptitude of natural teaching skills since for me sharing knowledge is a pleasure and all my students I have had the privilege of teaching have shined both academically and professionally. The incredible high I get when I see the sparkle in the eyes of a student when they comprehend and understand what you’re talking about is unique. Also students if encouraged to question really keep you on your toes and that ensures that you do the necessary leg work to keep yourself well informed.
I prepared a program, stated my charges, found out about the medical situation about the Resident and insisted that I meet the Parents before I agreed to undertake the assignment. The parents were very happy and I went to the home today to commence the first of four classes to test if the Resident could comprehend and retain information to sit for an exam.
The Resident’s knowledge of the English Language is excellent so my purpose was just to test his comprehension. I was in for a shock!!!! That was not his problem!!! He had an insecurity about only one thing!!! If he would ever get out of the half way home and be able to lead a normal life!!!!
This revelation fucked me upside down!!! I had come to do something else and I had to now deal with a situation that I was not prepared for!!!!! I recovered fast and changed the whole trend. I started by asking him what he wanted to know about me. In between his questions I referred to the fact that I had been a Resident like him for over three years and its only just over two months that I have been living alone, assured him that he will be able to get out here and his Parents weren’t going to ditch him!!!
I got him to write what he faced on a daily basis and what he could do. I found out that he could use a computer and allowed him to surf the net on my Lap Top. The home wanted to get some letters typed (I was going to get paid for that) so I told him that I would meet him tomorrow and he would use my Laptop learn anything he needed on word processing and print the letters.
He was worried that what he had written in his note book would be disclosed. I took it and put in my bag and told him “only the two of us will know. We will share the fee for the work. Tomorrow I will inform your Parents that we are going to have ice cream and go to the beach!!” The look on his face said it all!!! I feel great!!!!
The half way home has been trying to get me involved with doing work for them without the all important factor of making sure that I get paid!!! They keep calling me on some pretext or the other and I used to go there just to keep in touch with a couple of Residents whom I had established a close bond with to meet them. But it was obvious that their only motive was to get work done by me for free. So it was them trying and my dodging till my Serendipity gave me a sound piece of advice. “Just be unavailable and wait for them to realize your value!!!” I did just that!!! And out of blues I got a call asking me to come over and help out with a Resident who needed confidence boosting and propose a program for which I was to be paid!!!!
So I did just that. I went for an assessment of the Resident and found that he was an extremely nervous person and lacked the ability to believe that he could face society ever again. This was a challenge for me and I could empathize with him as I too went through a similar process for over three years before I met my Serendipity and as stated elsewhere in this blog was the reason why I made up my mind to chart out a life away from the home.
I have never been trained to teach the Mentally Ill or possess qualifications to do so!!! I only have my own aptitude of natural teaching skills since for me sharing knowledge is a pleasure and all my students I have had the privilege of teaching have shined both academically and professionally. The incredible high I get when I see the sparkle in the eyes of a student when they comprehend and understand what you’re talking about is unique. Also students if encouraged to question really keep you on your toes and that ensures that you do the necessary leg work to keep yourself well informed.
I prepared a program, stated my charges, found out about the medical situation about the Resident and insisted that I meet the Parents before I agreed to undertake the assignment. The parents were very happy and I went to the home today to commence the first of four classes to test if the Resident could comprehend and retain information to sit for an exam.
The Resident’s knowledge of the English Language is excellent so my purpose was just to test his comprehension. I was in for a shock!!!! That was not his problem!!! He had an insecurity about only one thing!!! If he would ever get out of the half way home and be able to lead a normal life!!!!
This revelation fucked me upside down!!! I had come to do something else and I had to now deal with a situation that I was not prepared for!!!!! I recovered fast and changed the whole trend. I started by asking him what he wanted to know about me. In between his questions I referred to the fact that I had been a Resident like him for over three years and its only just over two months that I have been living alone, assured him that he will be able to get out here and his Parents weren’t going to ditch him!!!
I got him to write what he faced on a daily basis and what he could do. I found out that he could use a computer and allowed him to surf the net on my Lap Top. The home wanted to get some letters typed (I was going to get paid for that) so I told him that I would meet him tomorrow and he would use my Laptop learn anything he needed on word processing and print the letters.
He was worried that what he had written in his note book would be disclosed. I took it and put in my bag and told him “only the two of us will know. We will share the fee for the work. Tomorrow I will inform your Parents that we are going to have ice cream and go to the beach!!” The look on his face said it all!!! I feel great!!!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
THE DANCE
I had just returned from my evening walk, had a bath and sitting in my porch, enjoying the breeze watching the evening Volley Ball game in the playground. These games are pretty serious, the village want to field a team for an inter village competition. The atmosphere can get quite tense especially if a player fucks up and the ball changes sides.
I noticed a woman standing near my fence and she was smiling at me. I couldn’t quite place her till I suddenly realized she was a Woman I meet during my walks. I have met her occasionally at the Grocery Store. I beckoned her to join me on the porch. She obliged and we started a conversation. She works at the Super market close by. I enjoyed the company. My Landlord had gone fishing and I was waiting for my daily dose of fried fish and what better way to spend time than talking with this Woman.
She was pretty, light tanned skin, a few extra pounds and very vivacious. I can’t recollect what we spoke about but the conversation was lively and it was a debate on the present political situation. She had been the Captain of her school debate team and was extremely well informed. It was fun and I enjoyed the conversation and as usual even though I agreed with her point of view chose a contradictory position.
My Landlord returned while this rather animated conversation was taking place. He had been very successful and had almost a Kilo of fish. I invited her to join me to taste my Landlords culinary talents and offered her coffee, she gladly accepted. My Landlord doesn’t know much about cooking in general but he does wonders with oil, salt and chili powder and what he dishes out is absolutely delicious. Not even his daughter can beat him at this.
She asked me if I would like to join her at a friend’s place that night as there was a party and she wanted a partner. I readily accepted. On enquiring as to what the dress code was she told me to wear whatever I liked as this was just a few close friends who met once in a way to enjoy themselves. I was elated it been sometime since I had gone for a party and was ready by nine when she came to escort me. It was a five minute walk from home.
It was a lovely place, very warm, cozy and I met people whom I have bumped into when I walk around my village and at last I was able to put names to faces. The music was really good. A mixture of English and Sinhala pop songs with an occasional Tamil song thrown in for good measure. I was wearing my trademark outfit of track suite pants, T-Shirt and running shoes.
She invited me to dance and I readily agreed. The last time I danced was when I was in India in December 2010. It has been some time since I have danced holding a woman so close. She was very nimble and was a natural. We didn’t talk much but just enjoyed the closeness and occasionally mixing it with lively movements when the music changed.
The DJ decided to play a new song that had made it in the local charts. This was the latest release of a band that made it big in Sri Lanka in 2009. I love this song; it is fast, furious, and the words are hilarious. It was described by a friend of mine in Sinhala as “Oluwak Nathi, Kakulak Nathi Madak Nathi Vikarayak habe hit ekkak” (No Head, No Tail, No middle madness and a hit) These guys as far as I know are the only band in my country that sing songs where a phrase in the lyrics have absolutely no connection with either the preceding or the one following!!!
I was in full flow and started my imitation of the Elvis Presley’s jig with his legs. I had added my own style which involved quite a lot leg movement with absolutely no connection to the way my arms moved. I had made an impression!!! My Partner was trying her darndest to keep up and finally gave up and watched my movements with amazement. Everybody was staring at me and I am sure they thought I was bonkers!!!
I am not quite sure how long I danced when suddenly my left leg cramped up!!!! The pain was unbearable!! I don’t know what I croaked but my partner was quickly by my side putting her arms under my shoulder. I was bending while she kept her grip on me. I was trying to remember what I learned during swimming classes when I was a kid to get rid of a cramp. I was trying to figure out which direction to turn my leg when I realized I was staring down my partners chest, she was braless and had one of the sexiest tits I had seen in quite a while. Protruding brown nipples, and absolutely firm. I had managed to turn my leg in the correct direction, and the pain had disappeared. But I had a more serious problem.
I was having a huge hard on and had not worn underwear!!!! If I stood up everybody would have noticed it!!! I feigned pain and crouching asked my partner to escort me outside. She had noticed my obvious predicament and very sweetly played along and took me outside the dance area. Of course I used the opportunity to feel her up; she didn’t mind.
Outside away from prying eyes we sat down and looked at each other. The look of amusement in her face was followed with a kiss and we just spent the rest of the evening holding hands and sharing time together. We are good friends now and whenever we see each other we smile remembering that day before we exchange pleasantries and end up debating some thing or the other. She accompanies me now with a couple of her friends when I go for my evening walk.
I noticed a woman standing near my fence and she was smiling at me. I couldn’t quite place her till I suddenly realized she was a Woman I meet during my walks. I have met her occasionally at the Grocery Store. I beckoned her to join me on the porch. She obliged and we started a conversation. She works at the Super market close by. I enjoyed the company. My Landlord had gone fishing and I was waiting for my daily dose of fried fish and what better way to spend time than talking with this Woman.
She was pretty, light tanned skin, a few extra pounds and very vivacious. I can’t recollect what we spoke about but the conversation was lively and it was a debate on the present political situation. She had been the Captain of her school debate team and was extremely well informed. It was fun and I enjoyed the conversation and as usual even though I agreed with her point of view chose a contradictory position.
My Landlord returned while this rather animated conversation was taking place. He had been very successful and had almost a Kilo of fish. I invited her to join me to taste my Landlords culinary talents and offered her coffee, she gladly accepted. My Landlord doesn’t know much about cooking in general but he does wonders with oil, salt and chili powder and what he dishes out is absolutely delicious. Not even his daughter can beat him at this.
She asked me if I would like to join her at a friend’s place that night as there was a party and she wanted a partner. I readily accepted. On enquiring as to what the dress code was she told me to wear whatever I liked as this was just a few close friends who met once in a way to enjoy themselves. I was elated it been sometime since I had gone for a party and was ready by nine when she came to escort me. It was a five minute walk from home.
It was a lovely place, very warm, cozy and I met people whom I have bumped into when I walk around my village and at last I was able to put names to faces. The music was really good. A mixture of English and Sinhala pop songs with an occasional Tamil song thrown in for good measure. I was wearing my trademark outfit of track suite pants, T-Shirt and running shoes.
She invited me to dance and I readily agreed. The last time I danced was when I was in India in December 2010. It has been some time since I have danced holding a woman so close. She was very nimble and was a natural. We didn’t talk much but just enjoyed the closeness and occasionally mixing it with lively movements when the music changed.
The DJ decided to play a new song that had made it in the local charts. This was the latest release of a band that made it big in Sri Lanka in 2009. I love this song; it is fast, furious, and the words are hilarious. It was described by a friend of mine in Sinhala as “Oluwak Nathi, Kakulak Nathi Madak Nathi Vikarayak habe hit ekkak” (No Head, No Tail, No middle madness and a hit) These guys as far as I know are the only band in my country that sing songs where a phrase in the lyrics have absolutely no connection with either the preceding or the one following!!!
I was in full flow and started my imitation of the Elvis Presley’s jig with his legs. I had added my own style which involved quite a lot leg movement with absolutely no connection to the way my arms moved. I had made an impression!!! My Partner was trying her darndest to keep up and finally gave up and watched my movements with amazement. Everybody was staring at me and I am sure they thought I was bonkers!!!
I am not quite sure how long I danced when suddenly my left leg cramped up!!!! The pain was unbearable!! I don’t know what I croaked but my partner was quickly by my side putting her arms under my shoulder. I was bending while she kept her grip on me. I was trying to remember what I learned during swimming classes when I was a kid to get rid of a cramp. I was trying to figure out which direction to turn my leg when I realized I was staring down my partners chest, she was braless and had one of the sexiest tits I had seen in quite a while. Protruding brown nipples, and absolutely firm. I had managed to turn my leg in the correct direction, and the pain had disappeared. But I had a more serious problem.
I was having a huge hard on and had not worn underwear!!!! If I stood up everybody would have noticed it!!! I feigned pain and crouching asked my partner to escort me outside. She had noticed my obvious predicament and very sweetly played along and took me outside the dance area. Of course I used the opportunity to feel her up; she didn’t mind.
Outside away from prying eyes we sat down and looked at each other. The look of amusement in her face was followed with a kiss and we just spent the rest of the evening holding hands and sharing time together. We are good friends now and whenever we see each other we smile remembering that day before we exchange pleasantries and end up debating some thing or the other. She accompanies me now with a couple of her friends when I go for my evening walk.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
THE TOURIST AND I.
While I was walking on the beach last morning I bumped into to a Tourist and wished her good morning. She responded and I sensed she wouldn’t mind some company and we both ambled along in the same direction. I was on my mobile with my Seredipity and we were talking about a posting I had made in my Blog. When I finished my call I noticed that the tourist had been listening to my conversation. She introduced herself to me, I responded.
We exchanged formalities and started talking about this, that and the other. She wanted to know if I was a writer and I told her I do write but I still don’t consider myself one yet. She wanted to know about me and what I was doing in this part of the country, so I asked to visit my blog which is self-explanatory. She was curious and invited me for breakfast at her hotel. I accepted gladly.
We got our self a table for two and ordered baked beans, sausages and fried eggs, sunny side up, accompanied with fresh bread rolls and butter. It had been a while since I had a breakfast like this. The conversation was lively ranging from politics to polemics and we finally ended up by exchanging email addresses and agreed to keep in touch. She was leaving back to the United Kingdom that afternoon and she promised she would check my blog and as requested by me comment. We ordered coffee and indulged in idle conversation.
I could feel a funny feeling developing in me and I was squirming trying to figure out how I could make a dignified hasty exit when I farted one of those small prerrrps. These fuckers are in the frequency range that can be picked up by anybody a few yards away from you!!! They are very unpredictable and no one can guess when the next one is due. All I know is once they start they don’t stop. They are very difficult to conceal and I was trying to raise my voice to muffle them with very little success.
I knew she was aware that I was farting and I must give her credit for ignoring it and continuing with our conversation. The problem with this type of fart is that going to the toilet doesn’t solve anything. You don’t shit and they continue.
So I tried to predict them whenever I could and raise my voice a few decibels and it was embarrassing!! I was sure that the guests close to us were aware of this. This went on for about ten minutes and I was thinking to myself “To hell with this I am walking out", when there was this humongous trumpet like sound coming from my friend the tourist. There was pin drop silence all around us!!!!
Both of us looked at each other called for the bill, she signed it and we very casually held hands and walked out of the restaurant and set off to the beach accompanied by prerrrps all the way. We collapsed on the sand and burst out laughing as I told her I am posting this for sure. Her reply, “please do and you can bet your ass I will comment!!!!”
We exchanged formalities and started talking about this, that and the other. She wanted to know if I was a writer and I told her I do write but I still don’t consider myself one yet. She wanted to know about me and what I was doing in this part of the country, so I asked to visit my blog which is self-explanatory. She was curious and invited me for breakfast at her hotel. I accepted gladly.
We got our self a table for two and ordered baked beans, sausages and fried eggs, sunny side up, accompanied with fresh bread rolls and butter. It had been a while since I had a breakfast like this. The conversation was lively ranging from politics to polemics and we finally ended up by exchanging email addresses and agreed to keep in touch. She was leaving back to the United Kingdom that afternoon and she promised she would check my blog and as requested by me comment. We ordered coffee and indulged in idle conversation.
I could feel a funny feeling developing in me and I was squirming trying to figure out how I could make a dignified hasty exit when I farted one of those small prerrrps. These fuckers are in the frequency range that can be picked up by anybody a few yards away from you!!! They are very unpredictable and no one can guess when the next one is due. All I know is once they start they don’t stop. They are very difficult to conceal and I was trying to raise my voice to muffle them with very little success.
I knew she was aware that I was farting and I must give her credit for ignoring it and continuing with our conversation. The problem with this type of fart is that going to the toilet doesn’t solve anything. You don’t shit and they continue.
So I tried to predict them whenever I could and raise my voice a few decibels and it was embarrassing!! I was sure that the guests close to us were aware of this. This went on for about ten minutes and I was thinking to myself “To hell with this I am walking out", when there was this humongous trumpet like sound coming from my friend the tourist. There was pin drop silence all around us!!!!
Both of us looked at each other called for the bill, she signed it and we very casually held hands and walked out of the restaurant and set off to the beach accompanied by prerrrps all the way. We collapsed on the sand and burst out laughing as I told her I am posting this for sure. Her reply, “please do and you can bet your ass I will comment!!!!”
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
LIFE IN THE VILLAGE.
The one phrase you hear so regularly is “Huthe”, in English Cunt!!!
Everybody in my village uses this as an expression to indicate anger, sorrow, disgust or happiness!!! You brought me something; you are a cunt!!! Thank you!!! The vernacular of the Sinhala language is something that I find fascinating.
An example; my landlord’s grandchild has this habit of coming to my yard and squatting with his pants on to have his morning shit. Poor fellow has not been trained to do the same in the toilet!! And the amount of profanity between mother and son is something that I find entertaining and quite frankly very relaxing.
I find that this village has accepted me as one their own, I was so touched by the fact that the owner of the Grocery store brought his daughter after her baptism, unlike the Catholics they follow a Christian format, the difference confuses me, to offer me a feast of traditional goodies and worshiped me in the formal way of touching my feet!!!!
This practice is dismissed by many as bullshit that you don’t have do it, It is an act of reverence to somebody who is older and valued as a member of society. It was not done out of compulsion!! The Parents felt that my blessings would bring this six year old girl all she wanted in life and she would succeed in whatever she wanted to!!! I touched her head and said a prayer for her.
Anyway I was contemplating how come in a short time I have been recognized as one of their own??? I came here on the 25th of June and I have lived here for a few weeks. Anyway to get the point of what I was trying to say.
The Sinhala language is probably the best after Greek to express vulgarity and profanity effectively. Mother Fucker is so mild compared to Umbe Ammata Hukanawa keri Vesige Putha!!! I will fuck your mother you cum prostitute’s son. The interesting aspect I find so amusing is both sexes use it!!! This is one area that there is no gender bias and I was told today by shop owners on the main road that I live in the most dangerous part of the village.
I have not felt that it was, in fact it is the most secure place I have lived in. I feel a sense of protection around me. When I walk on the streets there is somebody who will amble along with me and gossip. Yes profanity is a common form of our language that we use in everyday conversations!!! You find the old and young using it with no hesitation. I do it!!!
I was wondering how come I felt that I belonged here? I asked my mother she told me that I was more at home with the thugs at Beramulle in Kotahena as opposed to the upper middle class residents of Alwis place. This really intrigued me!! I had missed something!!!
My natural instincts to probe were activated. I questioned my landlord and found about his ancestry. I followed that trend with a few of the older residents here. What I learned is so amazing!!! Every fucking person who lives in my part of the village has a lineage that can be traced to Kerala!!! My mother was from Kerala!!! No wonder I am accepted!!!! That is why I feel I have found my home!!!!
Everybody in my village uses this as an expression to indicate anger, sorrow, disgust or happiness!!! You brought me something; you are a cunt!!! Thank you!!! The vernacular of the Sinhala language is something that I find fascinating.
An example; my landlord’s grandchild has this habit of coming to my yard and squatting with his pants on to have his morning shit. Poor fellow has not been trained to do the same in the toilet!! And the amount of profanity between mother and son is something that I find entertaining and quite frankly very relaxing.
I find that this village has accepted me as one their own, I was so touched by the fact that the owner of the Grocery store brought his daughter after her baptism, unlike the Catholics they follow a Christian format, the difference confuses me, to offer me a feast of traditional goodies and worshiped me in the formal way of touching my feet!!!!
This practice is dismissed by many as bullshit that you don’t have do it, It is an act of reverence to somebody who is older and valued as a member of society. It was not done out of compulsion!! The Parents felt that my blessings would bring this six year old girl all she wanted in life and she would succeed in whatever she wanted to!!! I touched her head and said a prayer for her.
Anyway I was contemplating how come in a short time I have been recognized as one of their own??? I came here on the 25th of June and I have lived here for a few weeks. Anyway to get the point of what I was trying to say.
The Sinhala language is probably the best after Greek to express vulgarity and profanity effectively. Mother Fucker is so mild compared to Umbe Ammata Hukanawa keri Vesige Putha!!! I will fuck your mother you cum prostitute’s son. The interesting aspect I find so amusing is both sexes use it!!! This is one area that there is no gender bias and I was told today by shop owners on the main road that I live in the most dangerous part of the village.
I have not felt that it was, in fact it is the most secure place I have lived in. I feel a sense of protection around me. When I walk on the streets there is somebody who will amble along with me and gossip. Yes profanity is a common form of our language that we use in everyday conversations!!! You find the old and young using it with no hesitation. I do it!!!
I was wondering how come I felt that I belonged here? I asked my mother she told me that I was more at home with the thugs at Beramulle in Kotahena as opposed to the upper middle class residents of Alwis place. This really intrigued me!! I had missed something!!!
My natural instincts to probe were activated. I questioned my landlord and found about his ancestry. I followed that trend with a few of the older residents here. What I learned is so amazing!!! Every fucking person who lives in my part of the village has a lineage that can be traced to Kerala!!! My mother was from Kerala!!! No wonder I am accepted!!!! That is why I feel I have found my home!!!!
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