Happening Colombo

It was a joyous sight to see really happy people. Even the chauffeur of the taxi I was in commented that it had been over six years since he saw the city this happy. Happiness energizes us and is a highly sought after state of being.

On a week day when I went for dinner towards the Fort, I was surprised at the crowds and the vehicles on the street.   I did not think much about it though.  However, on my way back home, I was surprised that the streets were yet packed with people, motor bikes whizzing and loads of cars.   People all looked happy. It was a joyous sight to see really happy people. Even the chauffeur of the taxi I was in commented that it had been over six years since he saw the city this happy.

I also realized that various night clubs, bars and new restaurants have sprung up recently and that they are packed to capacity.  On a Friday especially, a walk in is not possible as prior reservations have filled the places.  ‘Colombo is back in business,’ a young friend remarked, ‘with people living it up as if there is no tomorrow.’ 
Local beverages that are now of high standard are the beverages in demand with the  snobbery of purchasing foreign liquor by the bottle which are long gone.  People seem to be practical in their outlook.  Restaurants and Bars are not overpriced, in keeping with the competition.  Those that offer the best deals have a regular clientele. Grand hotel bars are empty because their pricing is so high and even a live band playing generally loud music drowning all conversation is no longer an attraction. 
It is great to see all of these new establishments crowded. People are simply tired of being cooped up and worrying about life.   Even the Negombo strip is back to its happening atmosphere.  

Restaurant and Bar culture is booming, it seems, bringing lots of happiness to everyone.  Happiness energizes us and is a highly sought after state of being.
Happiness does have a pretty important role in our lives, and it can have a huge impact on the way we live it. Although researchers have yet to pin down the definition for happiness, there is lots we have learned in the past decade. Colombo is back in its happy place.  Let us hope that the happiness spreads continuously and nothing will dampen this spirit.