Ratnapura

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Snow and ice are a real challenge for older or unwell neighbours. If you're clearing your own path anyway, you can often do a few metres more. Sharing a bag of grit between several houses saves effort too. Who in Ratnap…

Moving for training or university is exciting, but it can feel a bit lonely at first. Sports groups, choirs, youth clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet people quickly. And sometimes just saying hi here is enough…

Sport doesn't have to mean pressure. Bouldering, skating, volleyball in the park or running with friends: the main thing is that you enjoy moving. Many clubs offer free taster sessions. What sport is popular in Ratnapur…

Festivals, customs and small rituals connect people across decades. Which tradition in Ratnapura means the most to you, and do you take part yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!

So many nice things happen that never make the papers: a lost wallet returned, a new shop opening, a lovely celebration. What good news from Ratnapura would you like to share this week? We look forward to your posts!

A sunrise over the rooftops, a front garden in bloom or a funny sign: home is full of great pictures. Show us your best photo of the week from Ratnapura and tell us briefly where you took it!

Ratnapura (also transliterated as Rathnapura) is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, located on the Kalu Ganga (Black River) in south-central Sri Lanka, some 101 km southeast of the country's capital, Colombo. It…

Ratnapura (Sinhala: රත්නපුර, IPA: [rət̪n̪əpurə]; Tamil: இரத்தினபுரி, IPA: [iɾɐt̪ːinɐβuɾi]) ("City of Gems" in Sinhala and Tamil) is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, as well as the R…

Moving for training or university is exciting, but it can feel a bit lonely at first. Sports groups, choirs, youth clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet people quickly. And sometimes just saying hi here is enough…

Snow and ice are a real challenge for older or unwell neighbours. If you're clearing your own path anyway, you can often do a few metres more. Sharing a bag of grit between several houses saves effort too. Who in Lobats…

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Sometimes it's the cake, sometimes the view, sometimes just the staff who remember your name. Where do you like to have your coffee or tea in Selebi-Phikwe? Share your tips in the comments!

The playground, the ice-cream shop, the walk to school: many places hold memories that stay with us for life. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of growing up in Selebi-Phikwe? We'd love to hear yo…

Fresh vegetables, farm cheese or honey from nearby just taste better when you know where they come from. Where do you like to buy local produce in Selebi-Phikwe, at the weekly market or straight from the farm? Share you…

Your first own money disappears fast if you're not careful. A simple trick: write down everything you spend for one month, and you'll see where it goes. Put a small amount aside at the start of each month before buying …

Where do you actually meet up when you don't want to stay at home all the time? Youth centre, skate park, library or the meadow by the river: every place has its spots. Which hangouts in Selebi-Phikwe can you recommend,…

Almost every neighbourhood is home to people with many different first languages. In a language exchange two people learn from each other: half an hour in one language, half an hour in the other. Real friendships often …

Not every kind of help needs tools or a car. Sometimes a walk, a phone call or a coffee together is exactly what someone is missing, especially people who live alone. Would you like to give some time for a chat in Seleb…

Almost every region has a dish you won't find anywhere else, or a recipe handed down through the generations. What food simply belongs to Sowa, Botswana? Tell us your favourites and where to try them!