LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

Having spent one year in Sri Lanka we have discovered there are some stories that we hear from locals that are not found in your traditional guidebook. Although some are humorous, I am not intending for this to be an opportunity to poke fun at those that said them. It is just interesting to have an insight into some of the common thoughts found here. Some of these little gems were quite unknown to our Australian minds which is why, in a lot of cases, we are given incredulous looks when we show our ignorance in these areas.

Firstly, balm fixes everything. It doesn't matter if you have sprained your ankle or been bitten by a dog, Sri Lankan balm will ensure a quick recovery. Well, fingers crossed!!

When offering water to visitors it is worth knowing that cold water, although considered more refreshing in many countries, is thought to give you a cold and make you sick here. A bit like those mums you may know of who tell you going out without your jumper can give you a cold, I suppose. Along the same lines is the refusal to eat yogurt on a cold day as it will make you sick. No probs - more yogurt for me!

When you get a burn, butter is still considered the best thing to apply. In vain we protest with horrified expressions that it is the worst thing you could do. We are not believed. However, in a lot of cases the locals use coconut milk, which is probably a better option in the absence of ice. Of course, you could always try some balm!!

There is also the belief that somehow playing in the dirt can cause you to get a bad cough. The conversation went something like this "We took him to the hospital because he has a bad cough because he keeps playing in the dirt".

I used to get cracked heels in Australia but since being here I haven't had too much of an issue with it, which I am quite happy about. Well, I finally found a theory as to why we have these. Apparently, cracks in your feet let out the heat so you don't get too hot. Ironically enough, this is probably the best place to use that balm!!

Finally, although these beliefs may be unfounded, at least they will probably not cause any long term health problems. However, I am concerned about the belief that anything can be burnt and that it is the best way to dispose of rubbish. Just because plastic and rubber can be burned doesn't mean they should be burned. Maybe an "Its OK to drink cold water but it isn't OK to burn your tyres!!" campaign wouldn't go astray.