In our second episode of Checking Out, the travel blog, we speak to Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2011 Stephanie Siriwardhana.
Let’s see what she loves about travelling!
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
The Caribbean. I’ve been to Bermuda before and I find the venue, destination, the people and the music- especially the music- exhilarating.
In Bermuda
Afro Cuban dancing in Bermuda
What are the best things to do there?
Well, obviously there’s dancing and a lot of eating. And of course the beaches- just a perfect place for a time out to relax surrounded by good music, good food and good company. I have quite a few friends there.
In which country do you feel most at home?
Sri Lanka. This is where I grew up, where I learnt my values and gained my identity- the place where I truly belong.
Does travel inspire?
Oh yes. I actually have a list of countries I want to visit and Morocco was one of them, where I went last month for a week. There is just so much to learn from the various cultures and cuisines- as I love cooking, this is very beneficial to me. Travelling is a way to escape your lousy work life and clear your mind and get re-energized and reborn.
At a wedding in Morocco with my best friend Ralph from Ghana and Ashwak from Montreal
Ideal travel companion?
I guess my friends. They should be adventurous and be excited to visit new places rather than laze around at the hotel. I love to explore and an ideal companion would have that same passion.
What is the best journey you have ever taken?
Brazil! Just being around samba and mixing with people who have that dance culture ingrained in them and a place where music is so important. It was amazing dancing with the people and of course, enjoying the brilliant cuisine.
Where are you thinking of travelling next?
Either Spain, because of a fascination for its dance culture or Egypt, towards which I feel drawn probably because of my knowledge of hieroglyphics.
What do you never travel without?
My phone and my Ipad. I need to communicate.
(Left) Jet skiing in Miami with a friend. (Right) View of the church from on top of the Vatican in Italy
What’s your earliest holiday memory?
A mini Euro trip with my family where we lodged at the border that attaches Switzerland to France. It was a memorable moment because we stayed in Switzerland but enjoyed breakfast in France!
(Left) In Casablanca Morocco beside the world’s second largest Mosque. (Right) Me beside a chocolate and gelato shop when I visited Toronto.
By Tasneem Dawoodbhoy
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