I landed in Colombo expecting chaos—and I wasn’t wrong. But what I didn’t expect was the kindness, color, and complete sensory overload. Here’s how I stumbled, sweated, and somehow survived my first 24 hours in Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital.
1. Confused at Customs, But Welcomed Anyway
The immigration officer greeted me with a smile I didn’t deserve—I had no idea where I was staying, no local number, and hadn’t filled in half the form. But after a short explanation, some laughs, and a glance at my hotel booking email, I was waved through. First lesson? Sri Lankans are patient.
2. Currency Confusion and the Tuk-Tuk Ride of My Life
At the airport ATM, I withdrew what I thought was $50—turned out to be about 18,000 LKR. I couldn’t do the math, but the tuk-tuk driver could. He grinned, quoted me “2000 rupees,” and I agreed. Overpriced? Definitely. But the breeze in that open-air ride felt worth every rupee.
3. The Streets Had No Sidewalks (Or Rules)
Walking in Colombo is not for the faint-hearted. There are lanes, but no one follows them. Cars swerve. Buses honk like war cries. Tuk-tuks zip past with inches to spare. I learned quickly: walk confidently, look both ways, and pray a little.
4. My First Meal: Rice, Curry, and Red-Hot Surprise
I ordered “rice and curry” at a tiny roadside restaurant. What came was five dishes, a mountain of rice, and the hottest sambol I’ve ever tasted. I ate it all with my hands (poorly), and a staff member kindly brought me a spoon without saying a word.
5. Temple Bells and Unexpected Peace
Just before sunset, I wandered into a Buddhist temple. Bells were ringing. People were lighting lamps. A monk smiled at me as I stood barefoot and unsure. For the first time that day, I felt still. I wasn’t just surviving anymore—I was beginning to understand.
Final Thoughts: You’ll Be Lost, and That’s Okay
My first day in Colombo was full of stumbles. But that’s how you start to find your way. You get lost in the noise, the heat, the tuk-tuks—and somewhere in between, you begin to belong. I didn’t need local knowledge. Just openness, humility, and maybe a pocketful of small change.
Pro Tips I Wish I Knew Before Landing:
- ☑ Download PickMe or Uber for local rides
- ☑ Carry a printed hotel address
- ☑ Bring mosquito spray and tissues
- ☑ Learn to say “thank you” – “Istuti!”
- ☑ Expect the unexpected—it’s part of the charm
How I Survived My First Day in Colombo with Zero Local Knowledge