Continuing our journey of exploring the lives of visitors from other countries living here, we meet Stasa. She leads an adventurous life in Sri lanka whilst engaging in many interesting activities.

Stasa came to our island just as the three decade war came to an end. She has warmed to the Lankan life by starting to indulge in our food, culture and even use public transport. Let's meet her for a brief chat.. 
 

Personal Profile:

·    Full name:  Stasa Mlekuz
·    Nickname:  Actually I have so many I can not emphasis on one
·    Country of birth: Slovenia
·    Countries lived before: Greece, Mauritius, India
·    Education in brief: Bachelor of Organization and Management in Tourism, Slovenia & Greece, MBA Oxford College of Business, Sri Lanka (currently enrolled)
 

Stasa, why did you choose to be here?

It is very simple. Because I love it here! I've always dreamt of living beside the sea, where there is no harsh winter and you do not need to scratch the snow from your car windows in the morning. That was always an excuse for me being late to work. Well, things haven't changed much, I'm still late for office, this time due to traffic in this city.

Why Sri Lanka?

As I have lived in India, I have fallen in love with the Asian culture, but couldn't stay there, it was too chaotic. So the next best choice was Sri Lanka. The balance between business opportunities, business culture and possibilities for leisure is appropriate, therefore I have decided to stay here longer than my usual time frame of one year.

After finishing my studies, I came up with a plan. To live and work in as many countries as possible, to meet, explore and understand the cultures including religion, habits and over all a country's heart beat.

So far so good, I am enjoying each and every moment of my stay in this world. And I am thankful for the hospitality Sri Lanka has shown. A petite diverse island where everything is possible and every day unfolds a new adventure.

We don't meet too many people from your country, what do they have to say about our little island anyway?

Yes, you do not meet many. As we aren't that many. My country, Slovenia counts up to 2 million citizens; Slovenian language is spoken and as it is a small country, everyone speaks two or three languages.

Sri Lanka as a destination is highly popular and many Slovens can be found here, you were not lucky enough, as of now!

As mentioned, they are all satisfied and enjoy Sri Lanka as a tourist destination very much. Though there are points, on which many tourist do complain. The lack of quality and affordable transportation. For example, we can book a Boutique hotel room with breakfast for 13,000 rupees, but we cannot spend less than Rs. 13,000 to reach down South from the airport.

On the other hand the public buses are just too congested for normal travel. There should be a solution to satisfy the middle market, a good value for money is missing.

I know you might say, if they can`t spend Rs. 13,000 on transportation, we do not want them as they are not big spenders. Incorrect, no one is willing to pay a high price which delivers low value.

Also, we need to be aware that Sri Lanka is competing with other similar destinations which offer perhaps better infrastructure and transportation solutions. Nevertheless, there is great potential and it's being developed, as per statistics every year you are welcoming more tourists.

Compared to the the arrivals in 2013, they have exceeded the numbers from 2012. Being chosen as the number one country to visit in 2013 by Lonely Planet is a great honour and we from the tourist sector should all look forward to the results which are about to be shown.

You often spend your time in Galle Fort. Is this your favourite place?
 

That is correct, Galle Fort is my favourite spot, for a weekend escape from busy Colombo.

Mostly for two reasons, the beautiful serenity of the fort itself and for the company which I adore over there.

My best friend Peter stays at the Fort itself, we sit over a cup of coffee for hours and just chat. Couldn’t have done it without him, having good friends is very important, when you live away from your family.

The choice of Boutique hotels and superb restaurants is wide, therefore we always find a spot to enjoy. Evening walks around the fort are blissful for the soul as well. Sometimes I sit on the bench, silently observe the sunset and dream.

 Yes, I am an unstoppable dreamer, my favourite motivational sentence would be; 'Never stop dreaming. As well never stop working'.

In short I would be described as a day dreaming workaholic, a very complex thing that is, believe me!


You do exotic, customized weddings for your friends in Sri Lanka. Tell us about your ideas?

As my hobby is organising and coordinating, I've had the opportunity to organise weddings for my friends and relatives. I was living in Sri Lanka for some time and I knew many good hotels plus I have had experience organising events.

The first couple who approached me were introduced to me by a friend, and one thing led to another, they had a wonderful ceremony. After some time I was called by a friend, whom I had studied with in Mauritius. She had fallen in love with Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, while on holiday and she wanted to renew her vows with her husband, that's when I stepped in.  

In June, I am travelling back home to organise my best friend’s wedding. So yes, this is my hobby and I love it. Some people play cricket or chess, I spend my time organising events and ceremonies.

I believe every job should be your hobby, as of now I am daily working in an office, which keeps me busy, but once I am done with the contract I will sail into entrepreneur waters.

I believe there is a wide market to serve if things are handled with the right approach, which is with your heart. That should be the recipe for a successful story.
 

What else have you planned for Sri Lanka?

I wish to travel all around the world, take my time and take a lot of photos to publish later in a travel magazine. Visit and stay in a temple, while practising yoga. I would like to volunteer and teach English to less privileged children as well.

The list of activities and things that I wish to do is never ending and I am looking forward to adventures which are about to unfold in the future.

How long will you stay in the island?

As I am currently enrolled in a 12 month MBA programme, I intend to stay at least one more year, later on we shall see where my path may take me. If an opportunity arises to stay longer and develop myself in this part of the world, that would be an option. If there is another destination which summons me, I will be flying over.

What is your balance between luxury living and adventure in Sri Lanka?

I must say I like both sides, on one side I like to pamper myself and visit beautiful properties, enjoy with my friends at superb venues, on the other side I use public transport when travelling out of Colombo.

As we come from countries where public transport is widely used, boarding on a local train, despite how congested it might be, is completely acceptable. Overall public transport can be fun at times, as we are the centrr of attention and everyone wishes to know where we come from.It is actually a good opportunity to exchange opinions with fellow passengers.

It's always good to balance both sides in order to know and appreciate and value both.  In the end I would conclude everything in life can be a positive experience, as long as we set our mind to it. Many wise men say that life begins out of our comfort zone, well let's see if they are right!



 

Interview & pics by Jayantha Fernando