• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Call 1-250-383-4100

  • Home
  • Wills & Estates
    • All Wills & Estates Services
    • Wills
    • Will Questionnaire
    • Power of Attorney
    • Health Representation Agreement
    • Advance Healthcare Directive
  • Real Estate
  • Notarizations
    • Notarizations
    • Apostille Questions
    • All Documents We Notarize
  • About
    • About Us
    • Testimonials
    • Career Opportunities
  • News & Events
  • Contact
  • Book an Appointment
  • Will Questionnaire

Carter Notary

Beverly Carter, Notary Public in Victoria, BC

Home
  • Home
  • Wills & Estates
    • All Wills & Estates Services
    • Wills
    • Will Questionnaire
    • Power of Attorney
    • Health Representation Agreement
    • Advance Healthcare Directive
  • Real Estate
  • Notarizations
    • Notarizations
    • Apostille Questions
    • All Documents We Notarize
  • About
    • About Us
    • Testimonials
    • Career Opportunities
  • News & Events
  • Contact
  • Book an Appointment
  • Will Questionnaire

Two Weeks, Eleven Women, and a Country That Surprised Me

January 14, 2026 by By Beverly Carter, President of Think Local First Society & CEO of Carter Notary — News

Two Weeks, Eleven Women, and a Country That Surprised Me

 

I’ll be honest. Before my trip to Sri Lanka, I wasn’t entirely sure how I would do spending two full
weeks with eleven women. That’s a lot of personalities, a lot of time together, and very little personal space.

As it turns out? It was wonderful.

The women were kind, curious, funny, and generous with one another. We laughed often, shared the joy of adventure, and supported each other through early mornings, long drives, and full days of exploring. And, to my knowledge, no one cried. Which honestly feels like a minor miracle and a major success!

 

Sri Lanka is a country that gently engages all your senses at once. The lush green landscapes, the warm smiles, and the slower, more patient rhythm of daily life stay with you.

 

It is predominantly a Buddhist country, and that philosophy quietly shapes everyday interactions. There was a noticeable calm—especially on the roads. Driving was assertive but not aggressive. People shared space thoughtfully.

 

Some of the most memorable parts of the trip weren’t grand landmarks. They were the simple, unexpected moments. Dogs napping everywhere. Tasting treacle drizzled over curd. Eating more curry than I thought possible. Wandering spice gardens filled with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.

 

We saw elephants—majestic and unforgettable—as well as monkeys watching us with open curiosity. Animals were not tucked away; they were simply part of the landscape.

 

Sri Lanka is about twice the geographic size of Vancouver Island, yet it is home to approximately 22 million people. The density of life, culture, and history is remarkable. We walked among ancient ruins, temples, and archaeological sites that have stood for centuries. These places are not preserved behind glass; they remain part of everyday life.

 

Sri Lanka is also deeply connected to Ayurvedic medicine and wellness traditions. Treatments emphasized balance and listening to the body—intentional rather than indulgent.

 

Traveling with eleven women made the experience richer. There was laughter, shared awe, storytelling, and quiet companionship. Adventure is always better when shared.

 

More than souvenirs or photographs, I brought home perspective. A reminder to slow down, look up, be present, and appreciate differences without judgment. Sri Lanka did that for me—gently, joyfully, and with a lot of curry along the way.

 

If you made it this far and would love to do this same trip, the tour is offered again by Niche Women’s Tours. The next journey to Sri Lanka takes place in October. Click here for more information. 

A full video of the trip is available at this link (less than 5 minutes) or just enjoy these few pics.  Beverly’s Sri Lanka Video Link

tea-town-hopper-colourful
tea-town-plantation-teas-colourful
elephants

sleeping-buddha-head
field-workers-3-women-holding-yams---copy
1.-sri-lanka-cathy--bev-pic

« Carter Notary Named Best Law Office in Greater Victoria by Times Colonist Readers
January 2026 Newsletter »

Search

About Carter Notary

Beverly Carter
Beverly Carter, the founder of Carter Notary, has been a dedicated Notary Public in Victoria since 2013. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Legal Studies, which enhances her expertise in various legal services.

More About Us

Browse the Blog

  • Estate Planning
  • Health Representation Agreement
  • Monthly Newsletter
  • News
  • Notarizations
  • Notary Services
  • Power of Attorney
  • Real Estate
  • Wills
  • Zoom & Learn

Our Services

  • Wills & Estates
  • Real Estate
  • Notarizations

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Navigate

  • Home
  • Wills & Estates
  • Real Estate
  • Notarizations
  • About
  • Testimonials
  • News & Events
  • Career Opportunities
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Appointment Policy
  • Acceptable Pieces of ID
  • Payment Options

Search

Carter Notary

Celebrating over 12 years in business!

Location:
240 – 2950 Douglas St.
Victoria BC V8T 4N4

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-250-383-4100
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Hours

Mon: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tue: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Wed: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thur: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sat: By Appointment Only
Hours are subject to change. Check Google for up-to-date-hours.

Stay Up to Date

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Privacy*

Fill Out the Will Questionnaire

Download Now
Beverly Carter, Notary Public*, Sole Proprietor
Richard Gardner, Notary Public*, Associate
*Professional Members of Society of Notaries Public of BC
Copyright © 2026 Beverly Carter Notary Public · All Rights Reserved · Designed by Elevate5 · Log in