What is Sri Lanka known for?

Sri Lanka is known for its rich history and precious stones like sapphires and rubies.

Who fulfills a childhood dream by flying a hot air balloon over Sri Lanka?

Jerome fulfills his childhood dream of flying a hot air balloon over Sri Lanka, exploring the country's wonders and meeting its people.

Miners in Ratnapura work in challenging conditions, hoping to find a valuable stone that could change their lives.

Hot air balloons are essential for spiritual elevation and connection with nature in Sri Lanka.

Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka maintain a 2,000-year-old tradition of transcribing sacred texts on palm fronds.

China's visit to Ratnapura provides her with an in-depth understanding of the gemstone industry's laborious processes and the dedication of miners and stone cutters in extracting and refining precious stones.
Jerome's exploration of Sri Lanka through hot air balloon rides not only showcases the country's natural beauty but also highlights the unity and resilience of its people, such as the fishermen working together, emphasizing the importance of community bonds in daily life.

What is Sri Lanka known for?
Sri Lanka is known for its rich history and precious stones like sapphires and rubies.
Who fulfills a childhood dream by flying a hot air balloon over Sri Lanka?
Jerome fulfills his childhood dream of flying a hot air balloon over Sri Lanka, exploring the country's wonders and meeting its people.
What do gem miners in Ratnapura hope to find?
Miners in Ratnapura work in challenging conditions, hoping to find a valuable stone that could change their lives.
What is the significance of hot air balloons in Sri Lanka?
Hot air balloons are essential for spiritual elevation and connection with nature in Sri Lanka.
What tradition do Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka maintain?
Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka maintain a 2,000-year-old tradition of transcribing sacred texts on palm fronds.

00:00

Sri Lanka, an island off the coast of India in the Indian Ocean, has a rich history and is known for its precious stones like sapphires and rubies.
China, a gemology student, is on a journey to the heart of Sri Lanka to meet miners who extract these precious stones from the Earth.
Jerome fulfills his childhood dream of flying a hot air balloon over Sri Lanka, exploring the country's wonders and meeting its people.
A monk on a spiritual quest writes Buddha's words on paper at the summit of Sri Lanka's Sacred Mountain, Sripada.
Ajit, a gem miner in Ratnapura, prays to Buddha for protection as he works in the dangerous and dark mines to extract precious stones.
China visits Ajit in Ratnapura, known as the City of Gems, to learn about the mining process and to purchase gems directly from the mines.
Miners in Ratnapura work in challenging conditions, hoping to find a valuable stone that could change their lives.
Stone cutters in Ratnapura meticulously shape and polish rough stones to reveal their beauty and value.
China's journey to Ratnapura gives her a deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication required in the gemstone industry.
Jerome's hot air balloon flights in Sri Lanka showcase the beauty of the country's landscapes and the unity and resilience of its people, like the fishermen who work together to bring in their catch.

31:07

Ideal weather for ballooning from November to April with good conditions almost every morning
Jerome relies on propane gas tanks to fuel his passion for ballooning
Balloon flights must occur early due to temperature differences inside and outside the balloon
Hot air balloons are essential for spiritual elevation and connection with nature
Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka maintain a 2,000-year-old tradition of transcribing sacred texts on palm fronds
Pilgrimage to Sri Lanka's sacred sites, like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sripada, is crucial for Buddhists from around the world