Testimonial by Elena Nardozzi

I have done a fair bit of international travel, and have met many people. I have to say, Sri Lanka was one of the best times I have had.

I usually do not dish out complements like ice cream, but I feel the LEO Project Foundation did a magnificent job hosting and supporting me. From delayed bag to lost passport, there was no shortage of “unfortunate events” in my trip.

It was the first time such things had happened to me in such a large way. Yet, I was never truly upset or worried. There was so much support from the staff (both in Sri Lanka and without).

The reason I picked LEO was for the quality of services offered (I was looking for a transport-all meals-lodging included program).

They were cheap and after gazing through the website, which answered most of my questions, I decided my money would be going to not only a great holiday, but a great cause.

I am so happy I supported them to keep on their great endeavour. I e-mailed the foundation and was met by JR, who from then on responded to all my inquiries and notes amazingly quickly. Out of six programs, the LEO Project Foundation really was the most personable and immediate in response. I was impressed and surprised.

Amal, Anne, and Simon hosted me in their Colombo home for the first few nights while I waited for my bag. By the end of my time with them, I was hoping dearly to come back and spend time with them. I immediately fell into a close friendship with them…and I only knew them ONE MONTH!

The only thing I was disappointed about was them saying they would visit me at the elephant location, but then (through a family event and my failure of a phone) they never made it. I got to see them when I went in to Colombo to get an emergency passport. They were very accommodating and, per usual, hilarious. I think we formed quite a few inside jokes in only five days. Impressive.

I always felt comfortable and among friends with the LEO Project Foundation. The elephant foundation with which they have a partnership was like another Sri Lankan home. There were amiable and fantastic people all around.

My trip had many complications, but they have faded in my mind to shades of comedy. I only remember the amazing friends and programs with which I worked. They made my trip what it was. With anyone less friendly or competent, my trip could have gone a completely different direction.

I am so glad to have gone to Sri Lanka! I WILL return and get together with LEO, because not only are they a great cause, but they make me feel at home when it is so far away.

Cheers,
Elena

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 17th, 2010 at 4:06 pm and is filed under Volunteer stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.