{"id":26920,"date":"2019-01-28T00:00:41","date_gmt":"2019-01-28T00:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/?p=26920"},"modified":"2023-04-06T14:15:04","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T13:15:04","slug":"guide-donald-flash-pack-sri-lanka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flashpack.com\/us\/solo\/travel\/guide-donald-flash-pack-sri-lanka\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Donald, Flash Pack’s guide in Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of Flash Pack\u2019s most trusted guides, Donald has run trips to Sri Lanka for the past four years. He lives in Kandy and in his spare time, he loves to read up on the history and culture of the island.<\/span><\/p>\n

To be a good guide, you have to be kind, honest and humble. You have to live in the moment and act according to what you see.<\/span><\/p>\n

I tell Flashpackers, \u201cWhen you\u2019re with me, you\u2019re a traveller not a tourist\u201d. It\u2019s not about just visiting a place like everyone else. We go into details and we dig together, with the help of the people who live on the island.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been travelling across Sri Lanka for seven years now and I say to my groups, \u201cUse me \u2013 use my knowledge. Ask me a question and then we\u2019ll begin a conversation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Guide<\/p>\n

Flash Pack groups come from all different backgrounds. Lawyers, doctors, scientists, writers, photographers: you\u2019re dealing with a huge amount of knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

People really work on asking good questions about Sri Lanka, and because of that, I grow as a guide. I learn from them and they learn from me.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, my job is not only about showing people the road: we are sharing a journey together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Flashpackers are unique. We meet other travellers on the island at temples, archaeological sites and in popular towns like Ella. But Flashpackers smile more than everyone else; they seem more energetic and free.<\/span><\/p>\n

And whatever we do on a Flash Pack trip, we do it together – I get everyone involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: 9 reasons why Sri Lanka will stir your soul<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

For example, the group won\u2019t just eat a curry that someone cooks; instead, I take 10 minutes to show them how it\u2019s made. Then it tastes more delicious because you know all about the ingredients, whether that\u2019s fried lake fish, long beans or coconut salsa.<\/span><\/p>\n

And that\u2019s the same with every experience we share together: you need to bring people into the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When we release baby turtles into the ocean at the end of the trip, it\u2019s about creating a long life. When Flashpackers understand how important and unique the moment is, most people end up quite tearful. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The same is true when we climb to the top of <\/span>Sigiriya<\/span> Fortress. I build up a picture of the architecture and conservation around the place, so people really feel its value within – they go \u201cwow\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Lanka is a friendly nation: we spend a lot of time talking to local people and going into their houses, to get a real idea of local culture. Tiny details add flavour to the adventure, so every day is different. Flora, fauna, customs and traditions: all these things belong to a small island and when they come together, it\u2019s mind-blowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

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I don\u2019t just show the beauty of Sri Lanka, though. If there\u2019s something bad or needs work on, I go through that detail. I show the garbage, how people are not disposing of things properly, how people don\u2019t queue. I show my groups the good and the bad sides to my country and that makes it interesting. If you show only the good, no-one\u2019s going to trust you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more: Why you should pack your bags and head to Sri Lanka<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I am very proud of Sri Lanka, it\u2019s my home. I feel emotional showing things to people and I can\u2019t wait to share the new things I discover as I travel everywhere. Rainforest, whale colonies, different religions, surfing spots, 434 species of bird \u2013 whatever you can think of, it\u2019s here.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a really sad moment to say goodbye at the end of a trip. Everyone asks, \u201cIs our group your best group?\u201d and I always answer, \u201cNo, I can\u2019t say that \u2013 everyone is unique in their own way!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n