my hometown colombo essay

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The Whinging Pome: My Hometown Colombo

It’s a long way from my childhood days in Livingstone by the Zambezi or Cape Town and the greatest table in the world. I’ve lived in ten different locations in the UK, Blackheath and Sevenoaks were perhaps the most enjoyable. Then I spent the equivalent of a year living in India and decades of extensive global travel mainly on business to over 130 cities. These included Baku, Sydney (the wife’s hometown), Tokyo, Rio, Dublin and more. So where did I decide to “hang my hat“? In Colombo.

As The Whinging Pome you may have thought my preference would be to be in England or Australia. The reality is the whinging pomes will always talk up Blighty. (I.e. the old England) but will never return to live there. After twenty-two years of living in Sri Lanka, I loved my world travel but always enjoyed returning home to the teardrop island. It’s not that Colombo is a clean city, in fact, it’s dirtier now than ever, for example, the Beira Lake becoming a smelly swamp. The city traffic is horrific, and most bus drivers belong in the movie “Mad Max”. I’ve stopped driving.

So enough of the whinging, what makes this place special to me? Well, a big part is the people, the inner circle, who I consider my adopted family, a wider group of great friends, and a massive circle of good acquaintances. Having been here for over two decades I’m still discovering new places to eat out, have a wine or just watch the world go by. In all these years I have felt safe. I’ve never really been threatened verbally or physically in  Sri Lanka. Some of whom I met managing a few companies in Sri Lanka. The teams here were as good if not better than the many other businesses in other countries I’ve set up and managed.

Get over the negatives! Colombo is an easy city to live in. Daily walks and great coffee stops, there are numerous clubs and the best shopping mall is next door to where I live. Having been here for over two decades I’m still discovering new places to eat out, have a wine or just watch the world go by. In all these years I have felt safe I’ve never really been threatened verbally or physically in Sri Lanka. Whilst only two people have stolen from me, the con artists are numerous. Given we all have a list of the go-to places on this paradise island, spending time out of the city is a delight. Hopefully, more highways are coming and travel times between key locations will improve. So, you may think I’m wearing rose-tinted glasses. Why are so many locals leaving the island, how are people coping with rising costs, lack of growth of the middle class (in fact it’s likely reducing), corruption, and the list goes on.

I’m going to continue wearing those glasses as I still believe Colombo will remain my home town. If it gets too difficult here then I’m heading to Lisbon. In truth some factors don’t impact me greatly, it helps living in an apartment with my lifestyle. Considering many citizens of other countries are also facing severe challenges, is the grass always greener on the other side?  For many Sri Lankans however, leaving the island may still be the best or only option of improving their lives.

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Essay on My Hometown

Students are often asked to write an essay on My Hometown in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

100 Words Essay on My Hometown

Introduction.

My hometown is a special place filled with memories and joy. It’s a small, peaceful town with friendly people and beautiful landscapes.

Nature’s Beauty

The beauty of my hometown is breathtaking. It’s surrounded by lush green fields and a sparkling river flows through it, creating a serene atmosphere.

People and Culture

The people in my town are kind and welcoming. They celebrate various festivals with enthusiasm, showcasing our rich culture and traditions.

My hometown is my paradise. It’s a place where I feel at home, surrounded by nature’s beauty and warm-hearted people.

250 Words Essay on My Hometown

Every individual carries a soft spot for their hometown, a place that holds an abundance of memories and experiences. My hometown, nestled in the heart of the countryside, is no exception. Its charm lies not in grandeur, but in its simplicity and tranquility.

The Landscape

The landscape of my hometown is a harmonious blend of rolling hills, lush green fields, and a serene river that meanders through the town, providing a lifeline to the local ecosystem. The view from the hilltop, especially during sunrise and sunset, is a spectacle that leaves one in awe of nature’s beauty.

The economy of my hometown is primarily agrarian. The fertile lands yield bountiful crops, sustaining the local population and contributing to the nation’s food supply. The town is also known for its handicrafts, with skilled artisans creating exquisite pieces that reflect the town’s cultural ethos.

My hometown, in its quiet and unassuming manner, has shaped my perspective of the world. It has taught me the value of community, the beauty of nature, and the importance of cultural heritage. It remains a place of comfort and nostalgia, a refuge that I can always return to. It is more than just a geographical location; it is a part of my identity.

500 Words Essay on My Hometown

Geographical setting.

Nestled in the heart of the country, my hometown is an amalgamation of urban and rural landscapes. It is a place where the serenity of the countryside meets the hustle-bustle of city life. The town is surrounded by lush green fields, while the city center is adorned with historical monuments that stand as a testament to our rich cultural heritage.

Cultural Diversity

The cultural tapestry of my hometown is rich and diverse. The town is a melting pot of various cultures and traditions, which are reflected in the many festivals celebrated with great pomp and show. The harmonious coexistence of different communities is a hallmark of my hometown, making it a model of unity in diversity.

Education and Economy

My hometown is known for its robust education system, with numerous schools and colleges providing quality education. The town’s economy is primarily agrarian, with farming being the main occupation. However, in recent years, there has been a surge in small-scale industries, contributing to the town’s economic growth.

Local Cuisine

The local cuisine is a gastronomic delight, with dishes that are a perfect blend of flavors and spices. From hearty meals to delectable desserts, the town’s culinary offerings are a treat to the palate.

Challenges and Opportunities

While my hometown is a place of beauty and tranquility, it is not without its challenges. The lack of proper infrastructure and limited job opportunities are pressing issues. However, with the advent of digital technology and the government’s focus on rural development, there is a renewed sense of hope and optimism.

My hometown, with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, has shaped me into the person I am today. It has taught me the values of unity, respect for diversity, and the importance of hard work. Despite its challenges, it continues to inspire me with its resilience and spirit. My hometown is not just a place on the map; it is a feeling, a memory, a part of who I am.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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Keeping it cool in Colombo

Colombo, SRI LANKA – Colombo. A city where two worlds collide. One is the world of modern, metallic, Chinese-funded skyscrapers that populate the urban areas of the city. The other is a world of dusty streets, shouting shopkeepers and mango pickle.

Colombo is not the only place where these worlds meet, but in my opinion, it’s the best. It’s the capital of Sri Lanka, an island that is not part of India, thank you very much. 

I live in Colombo 4, one of the more urbanized districts out of Colombo’s 15. I am exceptionally lucky to live where I do. My house is within walking distance of my school, grandparents’ house and a supermarket.

My house is quite ordinary. It’s tall and is covered by that fawn-peach paint that is common all over Sri Lanka. Its only oddity is the roof – one side looks as if it has been cut in half.

Inside my house is airy and open, mainly to keep it cool. The only downside is that unexpected ‘visitors’ can easily sneak in, namely squirrels and a cat called Mindy who belongs to our neighbors. 

I go to school at Stafford International School, an establishment of only 1,100 students.

Teaching the British syllabus for students from kindergarten to high school, Stafford is small compared to some of Colombo’s sprawling, century-old colleges, but it has a certain homeyness that other schools lack.

If I had ever done this at my old school, I’d be ushered out for disturbing them. Stafford is a school like no other.

But my favorite place in my hometown is somewhere completely different. Situated between the Sri Lanka Tennis Association and the World War I memorial is the Colombo Public Library.

It’s over a century old, and inside is a treasure trove of books, records and newspapers. It has one of the best catalogues in Sri Lanka, with thousands of borrowable texts.

It preserves information that can’t be accessed anywhere else.

The books in there saved me from becoming a misogynist, homophobic prick, and exposed me to places and cultures which I had no idea existed.

If you’ve never experienced the pure joy of walking through rows of bookcases, trailing your fingers against the spines – just to find a book that hasn’t been borrowed in years – you haven’t lived.

Colombo is a town like no other. A melting pot in the middle of an increasingly divided land, it’s a place where you can express your voice, and be yourself.

And I love it. I love the dusty streets, with their tuk-tuks and street vendors. I love the huge sprawling colonial era buildings with their fawn-colored paint dotted with guano.

I love walking down the street and seeing people from all walks of life: schoolchildren with their pearl-white uniforms, beggars in tattered clothes asking for alms – only to waste them on the drink – and the people just off on their own business.

Colombo is not going anywhere, and as long as it keeps what I love about it, neither am I.

Shanish Fernando is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Hometown — Rediscovering the Charms of My Hometown

Rediscovering The Charms of My Hometown

• Categories: Hometown

About this sample

Words: 631 |

Published: Sep 12, 2023

Words: 631 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

A small town with a big heart, the pulse of community life, natural beauty and outdoor adventures, a place to call home.

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