Srilanka is a beautiful island set in the Indian Ocean. The beaches are gorgeous – white sands and shallo turqouise blue water that as far as your eye can see. The climate is hot around the coast, but a short (2 hour) train ride, and you are in Mountain country where the climate is almost Mediterranean like.

The food is spectacular – flavorful curries and fresh fruits. The seafood is fresh – lobster, shrimp, fish are staples. And the cost of living is low compared to western standards.

If not for the civil war, this place would be considered paradise on earth.