Just over a week ago I returned from a four-week volunteering adventure in Sri Lanka. I worked at various projects throughout the week, providing community-based mental health care and teaching English. Though I worked hard during the week, the weekend was my time to let loose, travel, and explore the beautiful and exotic sights the country has to offer. Check out my video diary below for a quick look at my adventures.
Although over the next few weeks we will be releasing more detailed articles about the different places I went during my trip, I’d like to quickly recap the things in the video, as they are some of the major highlights. Keep in mind that this is a highlights reel. It wasn’t all hiking and sunrises, cute trains and elephants. Our group put in very hard work and seen some upsetting situations unfold. That said, I’m glad there is a highlight reel to share and I truly hope you’ve enjoyed it and became inspired to see a beautiful country.
Featured in the video diary is Udawalawe National Park, where we saw elephants, monkeys, buffalo, parrots, and more; Mulgirigala Rock Temple near Tangalle where I gave an offering to Buddha, received a blessing, and learned about Buddhism; Pidurangala Rock where I hiked in the dark to watch the sunrise from the top; Sigiriya Lion Rock, an ancient empire on top of a giant rock protruding from the Earth; Ella Rock, with one of the best views in Sri Lanka; 9 Arches Bridge in Ella; and the cute blue train from Ella to Colombo, which we sat on for 13 hours but didn’t complain (until it got dark).
I can never truly describe how educational and life-altering this trip was. It has made me a better, more humble and passionate person and I am so grateful for that. What would you guys like to know about my trip? Stay tuned for articles about the volunteer organization I worked with, detailed accounts on each excursion listed above, and the airports I traveled through. I would love to answer any questions you have, so please send them to us by email, social media (@twowildtides), or in the comments below.
Thanks for watching!
xoxo,
char
First thing’s first: let’s talk about the suitcase I used. At the Sears Canada closing sale, I managed to score a 
Two words: packing cubes. I’ve seen influencers rave about these things for years now and I finally decided to jump on the bandwagon. It was worth it. I was able to maintain a level of organization with all of my toiletries and accessories by sorting them into different sized cubes. I had one for sunscreen and bug spray; one for bathroom toiletries such as shampoo, razors, and face cloths; one for meds; and one for hair care. The level of neatness and organization these things provided was so satisfying. You can buy them at most major luggage retailers or on Amazon!
Ladies, pack your hygiene products into the zip-up pockets in the lining of your suitcase. Most suitcases have them (I never saw a purpose for them until now) and this is a really discreet and space-saving way to pack these kinds of items!
Another really obvious, but important tip is to fill travel sized bottles with all your products instead of bringing the full-sized packaging. Use them for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, and laundry detergent! I also use the small ones for tiny things like earrings and hair elastics.
Here is the finished product. What did I learn after packing this suitcase and then taking it on my trip?
Bonus round: I was proud of my carry-on suitcase packing too, so here’s a quick blurb about it for those who care. I packed all my books, electronics, important documents, and some snacks and toiletries into my carry-on. Pro-travelers would say ditch the books and get a kindle– but I’m too old-fashioned, haha. I also packed an empty water bottle so once I got through security I could find a fountain and fill-up instead of paying outrageous airport prices for water (and save the planet too!)
I got my first box free from a friend– Hello Fresh has some great reward and referral offers. I ordered the Pronto Box for two people with three meals, they also have vegetarian and family plans. The box I ordered is $79.99 regularly, but they often have great deals on. You get to choose your meals for the week from five potential options and if none appeal to you, skip the week for no charge. The pronto box has the option of three or four meals; I chose three, opting for beef, pork, and vegetarian dishes.
The insulated box is dropped off at your door on your selected delivery day, and mine arrived right on time. They boast sustainable packaging, using recyclable and biodegradable materials wherever possible. Unfortunately, I noticed that a lot of plastic was used, and although they promise that it is food safe, in some provinces, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, ordinary plastics cannot be recycled. I ended up with more packaging waste than I’d like, but on the bright side, I was able to reuse the ice packs and insulated box! They run a fantastic ice pack return program, but I prefer to keep them for my own use.
The first meal I tried was the Spicy Beef Ragout. It was so easy, so filling, and so tasty! I was super impressed and so was my family. Although the box is portioned for two, I fed four people heaping servings– you’ll have leftovers for sure! Three meals can actually become six (three suppers and three lunches). Bang for your buck, am I right?
The next meal was Pork Schnitzel and a mixed greens salad. I’m not a huge pork person, but I did really enjoy this meal. It was fresh and light. Hello Fresh only assumes you have pantry basics such as salt, pepper, and cooking oil. Everything else they include in your box so you won’t have to deal with annoying grocery runs.
Finally, I made the Peanut Satay Noodle Stir-Fry. I won’t lie, I felt like Master Chef that night. I seriously didn’t know I was capable of cooking such unique, delicious meals! Hello Fresh boosted my cooking confidence, saved me so much time during my busy week, and kept me on track with healthy eating. Since that first box, I’ve been devoted to Hello Fresh.
Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at 
The room had stunning views of the harbour and the city. With an entire wall of windows – I could have spent days simply admiring the view. I was struck by how clean, fresh and modern the rooms felt. Cleanliness is a big thing for me and I could tell how important it was for the staff as well because the room was spotless. The floors in every room are hardwood – how awesome is that?! My room was also fully equipped with a Keurig coffee machine, mini fridge, flat screen television, safety deposit box and Aveda amenities in the bathroom.
With 3 meeting rooms, 2 exterior terraces, the 
I would also like to highlight that the hotel is absolutely bursting with beautiful artwork including stunning pieces highlighting all of the beauty that Prince Edward Island has to offer. Be sure to check out the artwork in your room as well as in the common spaces around the hotel. There’s also a 7-storey atrium that provides some pretty cool architectural views while beautifully displaying 3 colourful paintings from a 4 piece set by renowned visual artist Caroline Vis from Amsterdam. The hotel owns the entire 4 piece collections but 3 of the 4 pieces are displayed in the atrium. Be sure to check them out!
I just graduated from the Acting Program at the Fountain School of Performing Arts and one of my classmates has a summer gig in Charlottetown in Anne & Gilbert at 
Exploring the streets of this cute little city led to a lot of delicious food. This started with a delicious meal at 
A trip to PEI wouldn’t be complete without a drive to Cavendish and a walk along the beach. Admiring the red sand dunes and touching the cold waters of the Atlantic ocean are a must on a trip to the island.
I’m sending a huge, heartfelt, thank you to 
They Call Us Monsters
Heroin(e)
Expedition Happiness
Blackfish
The Rachel Divide
