It all started with a mail from our HR that this year PUMA's annual outbound is all set to happen in the capital city of Srilanka, Colombo. This mail was a precursor to months of preparation, saving up on new clothes and shoes..and the lunch time conversations of " acha kahan kahan jayenge, kya khareedenge.." " I hope I get a good roomie (which I eventually did).
After a lot of anticipation, the day finally drew nearer. Currency was exchanged (though honestly I was a bit disappointed when I received just 2 notes in exchange of the 20 I gave..bigger denominations :P) bags packed, tickets checked and beauty regime done.
After a sleepless night went by, in fear of not being able to wake up when the cab comes, the fateful morning dawned when we made our way to the airport to take our flight to Chennai!
Check in- Done, Boarding Pass- collected, Security Check- Done.
(At the Bangalore International Airport)
And then we miss our flight! Yes yes, I know it was stupid, ignorant, clumsy!! It was so chaotic..pleading to let us in did not work. Next flight all booked..Clueless about what to do..we reached out to our HR. Thanks to them and a certain member of my team, we were able to finally make it to the Crew Seats of the next flight!
Reached Chennai..determined not to miss the next flight, we did not budge from in front of the boarding gate.
An hour or maybe two later we arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Scuffiling for bags we headed out to look for the coaches that were to take us to our hotel!
Welcome to Srilanka! The Wonder of Asia! Finally!!
Our stay was arranged at the Cinnamon Lakeside which is "One of the ritziest locations in town"
An hour or maybe two later we arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Scuffiling for bags we headed out to look for the coaches that were to take us to our hotel!
Welcome to Srilanka! The Wonder of Asia! Finally!!
Our stay was arranged at the Cinnamon Lakeside which is "One of the ritziest locations in town"
(The Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo)
Our rooms were nicely done, the view wasnt that great but
nothing that we could complain about.
(Room Number 436!)
A tiring day ended in a good dinner and a great night out!
We stepped out to check out Colombo city. Little did we know that we were in
for surprises good, bad and funny!
RnR was the place to go- said some tuk tuk wala (That's what
auto ricks are called in Sri Lanka). We took his advice and landed up at an
ancient Dutch looking place with amazing drinks and a creepy bartender.
(took this off the internet, could not find a decent one on my phone :P)
Still having some time, we hired three tuk tuks and they took us to places, where we would have never imagined going [good or bad, I leave it to you ;-)]
Great company, a great night and we headed back to the hotel...looking forward to the Colombo Quest the next day!
The next morning, as planned was an interesting sounding event- The Colombo Quest! We had been divided into teams and had to locate certain 18 places in Colombo..Bonus activities meant more points..
It started off with a missing team captain, who took great charge later..so that was all good and a bunch of
8 x 22 teams eager to solve clues..
We had 18 clues and 30 locations! We had to win this..That was all our team had our minds set on!
Scavenger hunting, sweating, clicking pictures, scrambling around, asking for directions, lots of water, an awesome tuk tuk wala and Nano car driver befriended..drinking King Coconut and flying kites at the Galle Sea Face. This should I think pretty much sum up the quest!
Oh except did I forget to mention our team won!! It was fulfilling and so totally worth the effort!
(The Seema Malaka Temple at Beira Lake)
(86 Buddha Staues in this area)
(The Smallest Buddha Statue in the world!!!)
(A Vintage Car)
A content lunch at KFC and then we were back at the hotel to prep up for some party fun!
( Off to some good fun!)
(A hand at Selfies)
(Posing Pretty!)
Apart from a few random strangers scaring a few of us..the night was a blast! Perfect dinner..again- Creepy waiters, and a good long hour of some discussion I cant remember a word of ended the night !!
The next morning, we decided to do some sightseeing, of the little time available and head out to visit the Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka temples and a few stores!
The stores were a disappointment and there was absolutely nothing I could thing of taking back home.
The temples were pure bliss! Serene, Oh! so pretty and enthralling!
The ancient jewelry was jaw droppingly awesome! So were the thousands of Buddha statues around the place!
(The serene lake)
(The smallest Buddha resides in this)
(Some brilliant craftsmanship)
(Odel, Colombo)
(One of the many Buddhas)
(The realism caught my eye!)
(The Seema Malaka, Beira Lake)
The evening had in store for us the most awaited PUMA 8th Annual Awards Ceremony and Prom night!
This was the first time ever I witnessed the Men in tuxes and suits! The women wore dresses and flowy gowns and the whole environment was no less than a film award ceremony!
(Trying to figure out how I looked :P)
From events like Team performances ( We aced it again!! ) to awards being given away to the best performers of the year and an rib cracking comedy act..the night was a one to remember!
Tipsy me and tipsy every one else..made the best out of the music, food and the not so happening DJ!!
After all the fun, it was time to head back, to India..I awaited the taste of Maagi and spicy vegetarian food cooked in vegetarian oil!
While packing, memories of the trip flashed back. It was a healthy, no mishaps (except the flight! ) trip..and I could not wait to be back!
(A few last shots!)
Good bye Srilanka..till we meet again!