Kumar De Silva is a walking almanac on all things French. Such is the high esteem that he is held in that in 2012 the French government conferred the  ‘Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres on Kumar. The former presenter of cult TV program Bonsoir has also authored several publications of well known Sri Lankan personalities. A much travelled man, later this week Kumar will hold his Nostalgie04 – Notre Dame de Paris an exhibition of black and white photographs of the celebrated French iconic landmark. Here he shares his travel experiences.

Nostalgie04 will be at Lionel Wendt on 12th and 13th of July and then at the Alliance Francaise de Kotte from 14-20th July

Exhibition Dates :

Lionel Wendt Art Gallery : Sat 12 and Sun 13 July from 10 am to 7 pm
Alliance Francaise de KOTTE (11, Keppetipola Mawatha, Colombo 05) : 14 to 20 July from 10 am to 5 pm

Why do you love travel?

I love discovery and exploring places. The best way to do so is by walking. You can take it in inch by inch.

Your favourite travel destination and why?

France. Why? I think its an old karmic bond that takes me back to France.

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

Spectacles. Good walking shoes. Camera. Dark glasses. Android phone.

In which country have you felt most at home?

In France of course. Even blindfolded I will still feel at home.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

A pressed frog from the south of France. Found it by the roadside. A tractor had gone over it and pressed it perfectly. I collect frogs by the way.

Favourite holiday discovery?

Every moment is a discovery and one to savour.

Worst holiday or travel experience?

Sitting for three hours in the high speed train from Paris to Strasbourg next to a hulking African who farted at VERY regular intervals and pretended they were not his. The train was air conditioned to make matters worse.

Best piece of travel advice?

Wallet, money, passport in your front pocket and never behind. Backpacks always in front. Pickpockets will never stand a chance.

Your top five travel destinations?

Britanny in France, the Swiss Alps, Black Forest in Germany, Stratford-upon-Avon in England and the Maldives.

What has travel taught you?

It has taught me that one is a 'citizen of the world'.

What is the country you will never go back to and why?

Still to come across...

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

Rustic country cuisine in France.

Next travel destination?

Belgium.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana