The Trip of a Lifetime

My time in Sri Lanka didn't exactly meet my expectations; it surpassed them. This trip, including my experiences with Greenheart Travel and the Sri Lankan Wildlife Conservation Society (who you will be working with in Sri Lanka), have been nothing but genuine and true.

As I have traveled and stayed in Southeast Asia before, I must say that this experience is not suited for first timers. If I hadn't experienced culture shock before, I would have guessed that my trip would've been a lot different.

This is what you can expect from this trip. Bottom line:
-Expect to be dirty for the entirety of your trip. Showering (only cold water) will provide some cleanliness, but for the most part you'll always be dirty and sweaty.
-Expect to experience what it is truly like to live like a local. In a third world country. This means little to no wifi, electricity, or hot water. No electronics to keep you entertained, no air conditioning, and yes, bugs. You will eat like a local (vegan diet), see everyday life and routines, traditions, customs, and values.
-Expect to be close to nature/in nature for the entirety of your trip. Where you'll be staying is about 5 hours to the closest city, and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, rice fields, mountains, and stunning sunsets. About as rural as it gets. To some this may be an entire new concept, but let me say with the most sincerity that it is of the upmost rewarding.
-Expect to see TONS of wildlife. From birds, reptiles, elephants, water buffalo, squirrels, deer, and more. Everywhere. You will properly observe them, become familiar with them, and respect them in all that they do.
-Expect to receive hands-on experience studying and doing research for the Sri Lankan Wildlife Conservation Society on a daily basis. Everyday, you will be out in the field studying elephant migrations, dung content, and conflict resolutions. This hands-on experience will teach you more about Sri Lanka and it's wildlife than you could ever learn in a classroom, book, or video.
-Expect to gain an entire new perspective about the world around you, what really matters, culture, simplicity, and most of all, yourself. Living the way that locals do, hearing their stories, and witnessing everyday life in this country will give you a newfound perspective on things you may never imagined thus far.

Now returned from Sri Lanka, I have changed. For the better? Maybe. I haven't quit put a pin on it yet...But definitely not for the worse. I am noticing aspects of myself that are still being digested. But my friends at Greenheart Travel are doing a great job with staying connected and making sure that I am doing great. And I must say that I am :)

I am extremely grateful for this experience, and would recommend it to anyone ready to open their eyes to the world.