Currently on SEASON TWOOO : The Stories Series
We talk to guests from countries around the world, both natives and Lankans living there, and listen to their stories of walking the streets everyday. Not what you see as a tourist, not what you see on TV, but what is. No sugar-coating or beating round the bush, just fax.
In the tenth episode of Season 2B of TeekoTalks, we are joined by Sandil Kodikara, my batchmate, who spent a great part of his childhood inthe colourful nation of South Africa!Join us as we talk about various aspects about life in South Africa, including the food, managing finances, safety and security issues, the people and the very rich culture as well as travel destinations and so much more! ABOUT THE PODCASTWelcome to TeekoTalks!Hosted by Luqmaan Rauff, we talk to guests from countries around the world, both natives and Sri Lankans living there, and listen to their stories of walking the streets everyday. Not what you see as a tourist, not what you see on TV, but what is, as is.No sugar-coating or beating round the bush, just facts.If you're interested in coming on as a guest on the show, drop a DM on Instagram to @teekotalks (https://www.instagram.com/teekotalks/) or hit me up on teekotalks@gmail.comRecorded on 18/11/2023 in the UCFM Library Novel Section--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teeko-talks/message
In the Eighth episode of Season 2B of TeekoTalks, we are joined by Mandrika Fernando and Ashwinsai Ameelan, all the way from Georgia. They are currently doing Medicine in Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) and share with us their experiences on what life has been like in the last few years, in Georgia. A lot of interesting and fun stories to listen to!BONUS SEGMENT - What to expect as a medical student in TSMU @01:22:00 ABOUT THE PODCASTWelcome to TeekoTalks!Hosted by Luqmaan Rauff, we talk to guests from countries around the world, both natives and Sri Lankans living there, and listen to their stories of walking the streets everyday. Not what you see as a tourist, not what you see on TV, but what is, as is.No sugar-coating or beating round the bush, just facts.If you're interested in coming on as a guest on the show, drop a DM on Instagram to @teekotalks ( https://www.instagram.com/teekotalks/ ) or hit me up on teekotalks@gmail.comRecorded on 07/10/2023 via Zoom--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/teeko-talks/message
Spoiler Alert : I did not faint. ( This underwent no preparation or post-editing so give me a pass if the audio isn't that great or the language isn't as refined)
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The duplicate Lukman, who also happens to spell his name very wrong, takes us through his train journey from the better city of Colombo to the slightly less better city of Kandy ( I love Kandy #nohate) through the 4.30 pm train. Entertaining is a mild way to describe this episode. Enjoy😂
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Thnx to all of y'all that participated! Special thnx to our Guest-host NC, for filling in for me😌
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Sorry bout the audio quality tho. And thank tou to all my interviewees😊
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[ Also available on YouTube ]
KONICHIWA!
This episode catch Teeko talking to Ranul Kotuwegoda, joining us all the way from JAPAN!
Ranul is a third year student at the Asia Pacific University, Beppu, Japan; majoring in Strategic Management. A prolific basketball player and avid traveler, Ranul had plenty of experiences to share with us from his three years in 'Nippon'.
Did you know that you could greet a person at 10pm in the night with a "Good Morning"? BET you didn't! But no worries! By the end of this episode, you will know more than you will ever need to know, about the Land of the Rising Sun!
This episode, we talk about how Ranul had to spend six months learning the basics of Japanese, given how very few people could communicate in English, and the three different alphabets in the language. There are also three distinct reasons for people that migrate into Japan (he feels), and we go on to discuss the lifestyle differences of Beppu, the city he lives in, and Tokyo, the capital.
In terms of cultural shocks, the way the Japanese followed rules to the letter left him flabbergasted, and listen on to see why!
Another thing that blew him away was the price of food, costing almost 10X the amount in SL (although yes, the pay is proportionate!).
In fact, the pay is MORE than proportionate, with Ranul earning MORE than his DAD back in SL, while working just three days a week, part time!!! So far so good. But I, the Host, was left buffering when he mentioned that horsemeat was common out there- not judging- just shocked.
As usual, we also dont forget to tackle the BIG QUESTIONS. In terms of Racism, it's subtle. The Japanese are a very nice, helpful and respectful people, but when they do discriminate, which is ...not so common... it's...subtle. But considering how everyone follows rules except the int'ls, maybe it's justified😂😂(jk).
Japan is a very safe country, bar a few occasions of psychotic murderers and petty pickpockets. Mental Health is a big issue among the Japanese tho. Just saying. A culture of overworking and company loyalty, leading to 'Karoshi' and stress. Did I mention the pay is good?
Also, I didn't forget to ask some of the questions YOU wanted me to, which ya'll dropped through IG, so 🤗... Listen to to the entire episode, for more on why they call their Mac, the Kollupitiya McDonalds, how some villages have never seen foreigners, how common are earthquakes, and how anything- and I mean ANYTHING- can be bought through vending machines (which is everywhere btw)... SO GO AHEAD, what are you waiting for? Happy Listening!
To learn more about Japan, and the study opportunities in APU, you can connect with Ranul on his Instagram here.
Also, if you're listening to this on Spotify, don't forget to answer the question!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on. Have fun folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
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[ Also available on YouTube ]
This episode catch Teeko talking to Hemaka Goonetilleke, joining us all the way from Finland!
Hemaka is currently studying a bachelor’s degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering in Tampere, Finland, but was born and raised in Colombo. He is an avid Nature lover and amateur conservationist. He also takes craaazy good film photographs.
This episode, we delve into the snowy shallows and darker depths of life in Finland. What is life like as a foreign student? What are the Finns like as a population, what are they like as people? Is the food any good? Do they follow any aspects of Viking culture? Is Finnish a difficult language to learn? How harsh are the winters and how kind are the summers? How expensive is it to live there, as a student, and as a worker?
BIG questions. These are BIG questions that we discuss.
BUT we don't forget the details either.
Apparently elkmeat and pork blood is a huge thing there (LOL). Also, it's called the land of a thousand lakes, and there's no need to adapt to toilet paper (Asians with the big sigh?). There's no Uber if you were looking for some quick transport, get ready to walk.
If you are excited to listen to this just as much as I was to record this, TRUST ME, it will NOT disappoint!
SO GO AHEAD, what are you waiting for? Happy Listening!
To learn more about Finland, you can connect with Hemaka on his Instagram here.
Also, if you're listening to this on Spotify, don't forget to answer the question!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Have fun folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Amadeus joining us all the way from Botswana!
Amadeus is a 20-year-old Motswana, studying Pharmacy at the University of Botswana, in Gaborone, the Capital. He was born and raised in Botswana and is passionate about health improvement, the environment as well as community development. He comes on the show to talk to us about life, in Botswana.
This is Part three of the episode, where Amadeus talks to us school, the sweetest days in life. He couldn't digest the fact that some Sri Lankans finish their entire schooling in one institution, and absolutely lost it when he realised that we don't get beaten here 😂😂.
We stroll down memory lane as he recalls his mates getting beaten (topless) in the assembly, and how even across oceans, bag checking in the morning is a thing. Curious about how they celebrate weddings and commemorate funerals? Answers right here! (Prepare yourself, you're in for a shock...).
We wrap things up with our flags and his claim that we live in a paradise, a statement true enough, but well...I leave the rest unsaid.
To learn more about Botswana, you can connect with Amadeus on his Instagram here.
Also, if you're listening to this on Spotify, don't forget to take part in the poll and answer the question!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening and have fun folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Amadeus joining us all the way from Botswana!
Amadeus is a 20-year-old Motswana, studying Pharmacy at the University of Botswana, in Gaborone, the Capital. He was born and raised in Botswana and is passionate about health improvement, the environment as well as community development. He comes on the show to talk to us about life, in Botswana.
The Southern region of Africa is more connected that you could imagine, with territorial borders similar to the walls inside the same house. And yet diverse in so many unique ways.
This is Part one of the episode, where Amadeus talks to us about the people, who contrary to popular opinion are not called Botswanian, but rather as Motswana (singular) and Batswana (plural), the language (Setswana), the food such as Shakalaka, Mophane worms and Moroghosetswana, a bit about the political system and a lot about the entertainment (ft. Vee).
On the flipside, I taught him some Sinhala and Tamil, and emphasized on the wonder of Biryani, pol sambol and curry leaves while b****ing about our very own people-of-power.
To learn more about Botswana, you can connect with Amadeus on his Instagram here.
Also, if you're listening to this on Spotify, don't forget to take part in the poll and answer the question!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening and have fun folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Amadeus joining us all the way from Botswana!
Amadeus is a 20-year-old Motswana, studying Pharmacy at the University of Botswana, in Gaborone, the Capital. He was born and raised in Botswana and is passionate about health improvement, the environment as well as community development. He comes on the show to talk to us about life, in Botswana.
This is Part two of the episode, where Amadeus talks to us about the Botswanan Pula and the beauty behind its meaning. He leaves me in shock over the cost of living, with transport ridiculously cheap and salaries fairly high. Buses, trains, comvees, flights, all about transport, right here. Did I say diamonds? YES, Botswana=Diamonds.
(I also managed to leave him in shock with the exorbitant cost for transport alone in this beautiful island nation)
To learn more about Botswana, you can connect with Amadeus on his Instagram here.
Also, if you're listening to this on Spotify, don't forget to take part in the poll and answer the question!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening and have fun folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Aaqib Raneez, an old friend.
Aaqib was the Head Prefect of Royal Institute for the years 2016/17, and is currently in his final year of Medicine, in Vitebsk State University, Belarus. He joins us here to share his stories from the last sixty months.
You may know Belarus as the only European country still under a dictatorship. Or as the insignificant little brother of Russia. Or you may not know Belarus at all. And in that case, what better way to keep yourself informed than listening to an hour of an amazingly entertaining episode filled with an insider's experience on the snowy streets of Vitebsk.
This is Part one of the episode, where Aaqib talks to us about the people and the potatoes, the Russian and Belarussian, the lake and the language, and some stuff about the weather and whether it's better to sweat or swelter.
To learn more about Belarus, you can connect with Aaqib on his Instagram here (You can also check out the cool street art, that's just...cool)
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Aaqib Raneez, an old friend.
Aaqib was the Head Prefect of Royal Institute for the years 2016/17, and is currently in his final year of Medicine, in Vitebsk State University, Belarus. He joins us here to share his stories from the last sixty months.
This Bonus episode is all for you. If you are studying biology and looking to pursue a career in Medicine, especially in a university outside Sri Lanka, with special respect to Vitebsk in Belarus, hit on play and listen to Aaquib impart some priceless insight into what to expect and what NOT to expect. Really, really, really invaluable.
To learn more about Belarus, you can connect with Aaqib on his Instagram here (You can also check out the cool street art, that's just...cool)
***
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Aaqib Raneez, an old friend.
Aaqib was the Head Prefect of Royal Institute for the years 2016/17, and is currently in his final year of Medicine, in Vitebsk State University, Belarus. He joins us here to share his stories from the last sixty months.
You may know Belarus as the only European country still under a dictatorship. Or as the insignificant little brother of Russia. Or you may not know Belarus at all. And in that case, what better way to keep yourself informed than listening to an hour of an amazingly entertaining episode filled with an insider's experience on the snowy streets of Vitebsk.
This is Part two of the entire episode, where Aaqib talks to us about the trams, the trolley buses, the soccer and the street art (I know it's football, just did it for the alliteration). Also some K-pop. Ever wondered about the pets and pests in Belarus? The geckos and cockroaches? Me neither. But you'll find out at the end of this episode!
To learn more about Belarus, you can connect with Aaqib on his Instagram here (You can also check out the cool street art, that's just...cool)
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
(The opinions of the guests do not reflect the views of Teekotalks or the host)
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Insaf, a very, very old friend, living in the city of love, Paris.
It's been ten long years since he moved to France, in which he's finished his schooling and is now pursuing his undergraduate in mechanical engineering while working part time as an assistant badminton coach.
You might know France as the home of the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the birthplace of the Guillotine, but what do you know about the correct way to greet a lady in L'Hexagone? Or the intricacies of the Français ?
In a while you will :)
This is Part one of the entire episode, where we talk about his initial experience moving in and the cultural shocks he encountered, the language, and the food, and more about the food, and yet some more. We also talk about the weather a bit, lol.
To learn more about France you can connect with Insaf on his Instagram here.
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Insaf, a very, very old friend, living in the city of love, Paris.
It's been ten long years since he moved to France, in which he's finished his schooling and is now pursuing his undergraduate in mechanical engineering while working part time as an assistant badminton coach.
You might know France as the home of the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the birthplace of the Guillotine, but what do you know about the correct way to greet a lady in L'Hexagone? Or the intricacies of the Français ?
In a while you will :)
This is Part two of the entire episode, where we talk about the French as a people, what it's like as an immigrant, what the culture is like, school and university life, safety, security, how to manage finances as a student, the music, the movies and the sauce
To learn more about France you can connect with Insaf on his Instagram here.
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram here, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Hari, currently residing in Riga, Latvia. Three years ago, he moved to Latvia following his Alevels to pursue higher education and is currently in his final year studying computer engineering and animation, while travelling around the country and continent in his free time.
Despite his busy schedule, he was able to drop in on the show to share with us all the exciting stories from his time there, with his charisma and humor making me lose track of time.
This is Part two, where Hari tells us what life is like as a foreigner, how the finances work over there and what safety and security means to them. On a lighter note we discuss the music and movies in Latvia, the beauty of the buildings in Riga, and the greenery outside the capital. Did you know that it's a hikers' haven?
Well. now you do.
Anyways, enjoy!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
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This episode catch Teeko talking to a good friend, Hariharan, currently residing in Riga, Latvia.
Three years ago, he moved to Latvia following his Alevels to pursue higher education and is currently in his final year studying computer engineering and animation, while travelling around the country and continent in his free time.
Despite his busy schedule, he was able to drop in on the show to share with us all the exciting stories from his time there, with his charisma and humor making me lose track of time.
This is part one, where we discuss his experience moving to Riga, the cultural shocks, the language, the food, the weather and the tea that's same across miles.
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
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This episode catch the remainder of Teeko talking to Bilal, a great friend, currently residing in Yishun, Singapore. Having moved there 6 years ago following his Ordinary levels to pursue higher education, he is currently employed at an executive level in the aerospace industry while pursuing his passion for bodybuilding.
He was beyond delighted to share with us his many experiences living there, from the multitude of emotions in the first few months of moving, to the differences and similarities in many aspects of life in Singapore and Sri Lanka, such as language, cuisine, safety, finances and many more.
Watch the podcast on Youtube here.
Check out Bilal on his Instagram @bilalmeera and hit him up for coaching or fitness plans!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode catch Teeko talking to Bilal, a great friend, currently residing in Yishun, Singapore. Having moved there 6 years ago following his Ordinary levels to pursue higher education, he is currently employed at an executive level in the aerospace industry while pursuing his passion for bodybuilding.
He was beyond delighted to share with us his many experiences living there, from the multitude of emotions in the first few months of moving, to the differences and similarities in many aspects of life in Singapore and Sri Lanka, such as language, cuisine, safety, finances and many more.
You can check out the video version of this podcast on Youtube by clicking here.
Check out Bilal on his Instagram @bilalmeera and hit him up for coaching or fitness plans!
Feel free to drop your feedback via DMs on Instagram, email to Luqmaanra@gmail.com, the voice note option on Anchor or the review option on whichever podcasting platform you're listening to this on.
Happy listening folks!
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/teeko-talks/message
This episode, catch the remainder of Teeko's interview with Shameem Ismail, an up and coming filmmaker-videographer-photographer, who is also currently doing his Masters in Math and Economics.
We discuss what he considers his biggest setbacks and letdowns in this journey, the intricacies of what goes on behind the making process of these videos, his future plans on the path his creative side is about to take, the backdrop on winning the Best Director Awards at the Life Short Film Competition 2020, the different aspirations he had growing up and some eye-opening advice from what he's been through.
You can check his works out @shameemememe , @shotbyshami and @aura.weddings on Instagram or Shameem Ismail on FB.
Hit me up with your feedback in the reviews, or on my IG or at luqmaanra@gmail.com.
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This episode, catch the first part of Teeko's interview with Shameem Ismail, an up and coming filmmaker-videographer-photographer, who is also currently doing his Masters in Math and Economics.
Shameem shares his humble beginnings in this crazy journey and the craaaaaazy development he has undergone in the last five years, from shooting his first video on an iPhone 5S to winning a Best Director Award last year. Listen as he talks of his inspirations, and provides us with some priceless insight on facing those formidable first steps. On a lighter note, Shameem discusses his workflow and his favourite part of the process (HINT: Its not the communication :D).
You can check his works out @shameemememe , @shotbyshami and @aura.weddings on Instagram or Shameem Ismail on FB.
Hit me up with your feedback in the reviews, or on my IG or at luqmaanra@gmail.com.
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Catch Teeko in this episode, answering all the questions you ever had about my woodworking journey (especially the ones that were asked on my IG story AND YOU CAN Click here to check out my Instagram which has a whole load of awesome pics of my woodworking projects!). Press play, sit back and enjoy as you listen to how Avatar The Last Airbender may have played a role in my journey, or about the first tools I used or how I was at peak performance at 16. Also, click here for the YouTube Channel, where you can check out the cool making videos of my woodcraft.
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This episode, catch Teeko talk about his experience starting up and running a YouTube channel for the last eight months, and imparting some lessons that I learnt; From the hesitation before and the (exclusive) reasons behind starting a channel, the process of building and developing it, to the disappointments that may have to be faced. If you've ever pondered starting up a channel or have some gold content, but were intimidated by the path, this just might be helpful. Happy hearing.
My Youtube Channel, Teeko Luqmaan The full video of the Online Workshop I attended last Sunday. You can send in your comments and tips to Luqmaanra@gmail.com
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This episode, catch Teeko read out an essay journaling changes with, of and by times. Seemingly insignificant episodes that have had huge impacts. Adapting to new places only to keep moving on to newer ones. Pain and love for separation from the known and excitement in meeting the unknown. #iykyk
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In this episode, we delve into BIOLOGY in the Local Alevels and the different, but basic, ways in which it can be studied. 'We' because joining me on very short notice is Abi and Jeya, great friends and even greater individuals, to share their experience with us. Thanks guys.
Feel dree to drop your feedback and suggestions through Instagram, the voice note feature in the anchor app or via mail to luqmaanra@gmail.com.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
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In the second episode of Teekotalks, as you aimlessly scroll through instagram, listen to Teeko talk about his take on Podcasting, his journey into this realm, and the mistakes he's still making along the way.
Links to the awesome podcasts that I mentioned:
The Wannabe Jac Podcast
The DHNWJ podcast
The Book Addict Tamil
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In this episode, you will meet Teeko and learn more about what in the name of The Lord this podcast is about :)
Stay tuned for upcoming weekly episodes where you will hear about my woodworking journey, a crazy dream I once had, some of my works and some more of my humble writings.
I'm excited! I can see you're excited too! Let's get this!
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