Trying to speak Tamil, the language which is predominantly used there was not an easy feat, therefore getting directions and trying to find our way around turned out to be quite an entertaining adventure.
Due to time constrains I could not explore my roots in-depth, but yet gave me a glimpse into my mother’s family and helped me identify with the places she mentions in her stories.
Despite the language barrier, the stories I heard of courage and survival were unbelievable. The fisherman who risk their lives on a daily basis to go out to sea, those who had lost loved ones and their homes during the war, but doing their best to stay positive and rebuild their lives.
Listening to their stories and knowing that life is not easy over there, gave me courage and hope when I need it the most.
Here are a few more of my favorite pictures.

A church destroyed

Waiting for the ferry

Riding in the rain

Fisherman getting ready to go out to see

Fisherman live in shacks like this by the sea

A woman weaving a thatch

Sometimes a bicycle is built for 3

A man going to market on his bicycle

A view from the hotel we stayed at

A selfie with people I met

A passenger on another train

Some ride the train standing by the door
Terrific photos! I’m glad you got to go back and explore your family’s roots a bit. It was nice to see the smiles…it’s amazing how resilient people can be!
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Thank you Ann. Hearing their stories and the positive attitude they have is not only amazing, but definitely helps put life in perspective.
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Wonderful photos!! Unfortunately not all of them showed on my iPad because I’m starting to get low on memory but I loved seeing the ones that I could see!
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Thank you PJ. I hope you get to see the rest of the pictures. I have another post which was part 1, which has more pics. Hope you are able to see them.
https://myrandomness01.wordpress.com/2017/01/31/i-step-back-in-time-to-explore-my-roots/
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Thanks Tania! I hope I can all of them too!
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