The famous city of Kandy is rich in history, heritage and natural beauty. You’ll definitely need to spend some time there with a local, in order to scratch beneath the city’s surface. Step forward Pepper’s local expert, who will take you on a variety of adventures in Kandy: a Three Temple Loop, an Udawattakele Forest Walk, a Kandy by Tuk-Tuk tour, a Buddhist Nuns experience or a Kandy Temple and City tour. We caught up with the friendly host, to find out what he loves about his job…
What made you decide to become a Pepper host?
My hometown is rich in cultural heritage. I searched for a way to share this message about Kandy and Sri Lanka – finally I found Pepper, and I fulfilled my goal.
What were you doing before this?
I worked within the pharmaceutical industry for 16 years. But I’m a person with pride about my culture and heritage. I therefore completed my Tour Guide Lecturer Course in 2014, conducted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management. Then I joined Pepper!
What do you love most about your job?
I like to deliver true messages about Sri Lankan culture to the world, so I’m really proud to be a Pepper host in Kandy. I like meeting guests from different cultures. Pepper is a good platform for me to experience the world.
What qualities do you need to be a good host?
You should have knowledge about the culture, heritage, nature, lifestyle and the socio-economic factors of the territory. Hosts must respect each client and their beliefs, culture and heritage; they should also practice patience during some discussions and avoid any arguments with guests.
Can you tell us about one or two of your favourite moments as a guide?
Typewriters are rare now, but some lawyers are still using old typewriters in the lawyers’ building in Kandy. I visited them with my guests and typed their names on paper as a souvenir. I like to taste different fruits with my guests during our city walk – we compare the tastes of different varieties of bananas and mangoes.
What advice do you have for people visiting your city?
Kandy is the most venerated city of Buddhists as it has Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic. This is the only visible relic of Buddha in the world with proven records. Kandy is the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, so it’s rich in spiritual and heritage values. Kandy is an oasis to explore the virgin values of Sri Lankan heritage, culture and customs.
What are the challenges of being a local host?
As a representative of your country, you need to share proper messages about everything requested by your guests. You need to be equipped with up-to-date knowledge about both your country and the world.
Where is your favourite place in Sri Lanka and why?
Anuradhapura: the base of our great Sinhalese civilization. Sri Lankan civilization grew up with influences of Buddhism, colossal Buddha Statues, gigantic stupas and endless man-made water tanks. This is our heritage: I can feel the power of dedication of our ancestors, who built these unforgettable landmarks.
What are your favourite things to eat and drink in Sri Lanka and why?
Rice and curry: rice is the staple food of Sri Lankans the main source of energy. Curries offer so many different tastes and plenty of balanced nutritional value. I love drinking king coconut juice: a good electrolyte balancer; very useful after walking in the humid environment.
Tell us something about Sri Lanka we don’t know…
Sri Lanka practices Theravada Buddhism, which is believed to be the cream of real Buddhism. We have original Buddhist texts that were written in the first century BC. Sri Lanka is the best place to learn about Buddhism in its true form.
Any other tips?
Sri Lanka is known as the country of smiling people: Sri Lankans are very friendly to foreigners. They will invite you for photographs! They will say hi to you! School kids will try to talk to you! They will use different hand gestures and head shakings as replies! Experience the beauty of Sri Lanka.
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