A popular Instagrammer who “chases beautiful destinations and food” thinks Plymouth is one of the most underrated cities in England. Describing the city’s “amazing” community spirit along with its “hidden history”, the social media sensation reviews Plymouth with glowing positivity.
Sumalka Mendis, who goes by the name of @lankangirlinplymouth on social media, has lived in the city for nearly a decade. She moved to Plymouth from Sri Lanka, to study at University of Plymouth – and then made the city her home.
Sharing scenic pictures of walks in and around Plymouth, as well as food reviews while out and about, Sumalka’s love for Plymouth really shines through on her posts. She now works a lecturer and “loves how small the city is” along with the “nice balance” of slowness and fast pace.
Sumalka said: “I think Plymouth is one of the most underrated cities in England. I think the best thing about Plymouth is the people. We have an amazing community here and the community spirit is something I have always cherished in this city. Not to forget the stunning beaches, the moors and the years of history that most people are not aware of.
Sumalka Mendis loves to visit nearby Dartmoor
(Image: Sumalka Mendis)
“You can walk around everywhere and there’s always something to do here if you actually look around. It is true that we have a lot of areas that need improvement, but every city does, so I think it is important to look at the positives and have a positive attitude. As an outsider to Plymouth I have wholly embraced Plymouth to be my second home and over the years of living in this city I have seen the city grow.
“Our city is becoming more vibrant everyday, We have new businesses expanding to Plymouth and also our independent local businesses are growing beyond Plymouth. Our community is friendly and hospitable. Everyday I meet people who are kind and warm and ready to help.”
Sumalka has involved herself with a variety of community activities including a soup run which has helped her to see the city in a “different light”. She said she has “no regrets” about her choice of living in this “beautiful city”.
She explained that one of the deciding factors for choosing Plymouth was the weather – as the city, and surrounding Devon and Cornwall are warmer parts of the UK.
“Remembering her first few days in Plymouth – nearly a decade ago – Sumalka said “complete strangers” helped her find things in the city and she “instantly knew” she’d made the right choice.
Sumalka Mendis said Plymouth is an “underrated city”
(Image: Sumalka Mendis)
Speaking about the city’s changing face, she said: “Our city is growing and the demographics of the city is changing, so it is important to raise awareness of certain issues and to organise events to uplift the community spirit. We should learn to celebrate each other and all our differences that add colour to this beautiful city,
“Also, we are now focussing more and more on tourism, so it is important to look at infrastructural development to ensure that the tourists have a good time in the city and spread positive word of mouth which will eventually promote our city at no cost.
“Last, but not least, It is important to create strong transportation links within the city and also beyond the city to more commercial/larger cities. This will bring in investment to Plymouth and help more local businesses with expanding beyond Plymouth and individuals with securing opportunities beyond Plymouth.”
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