Types of Sri Lankan Dates
For the last two weeks, my usual shortcut back home after work is no longer short; what took me under twenty minutes now takes me forty-five. The shortcut falls in the way of the glamorous entrance to Colombo City Centre. While my Pickme meter is adept at adding on seconds to my waiting charge, I while away the time looking at the ensuing traffic and the creators of such. I realised most people entering the CCC were on what I imagine was a ‘date night' – this triggered this update of the types of dates Sri Lankans are usually treated to.
The KFC Date
Mcdonald's .... I would imagine that this would be the point where you have established your actual appetites and don't have to worry about ordering half the menu and finishing it before you even exit the drive-through or eat it like savages in the Colpetty parking lot. You will be patronising the said fast food outlet a.) You're sick of the bowls of quinoa and your body is craving trans-fats b.) You're wearing an old ‘hil' tee shirt and Batas and cannot make an appearance c.) You cannot find parking in Colombo. You're so comfortable with each other that this date can even qualify as one the best things to do together. If you're like me, the level of comfort established between you and your partner allow you to eat the way you really want to – to deconstruct your food: i.e., de-layering a burger and consuming it from least favourite (lettuce) to most (patty).
The Marathon
Perhaps I am late to catch on to this trend but I *know* people who do this and I don’t know if I should be proud or scared. Ms Independents galore at the jogging paths of Independence Square, the kale consuming kalyanis now in an effort to multi-task, now invite potential dates to join them on track. How well potential partners keep up determines qualification to round two. Isn’t this genius? You’re not compromising on your schedule, but carefully integrate others to it. Investing in active-wear and waterproof mascara isn’t such a bad thing after all.
The City Tour
These are the kind of dates where girls integrate mindless strolling so that it’s a day well spent. Perhaps Sri Lanka lacks entertainment aside from a few lacklustre shopping malls, but don’t most dates end with a casual stroll into Odel and now, Colombo City Centre? What Colombo needs is date night curators. night curators.
Parks and Recreation
For many Sri Lankans living in Colombo, Viharamahadevi Park is known for its many forms of playing. Pardon my double entendre, but if you haven't had the inclination to scrub your eyes with Vim, you have not stumbled upon the couples' only zone in the far corner. While many signs warn you to behave respectfully, nothing can prepare you for what lies ahead of you. Most couples are unfazed by onlookers and gaping, and proceed with their under-umbrella activities.