Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Why Visiting Sinharaja Can Change the Way You See Nature
Sinharaja is often regarded as Sri Lanka’s last tropical rainforest, but its significance extends far beyond that. By visiting this protected area, you can gain a deeper understanding of how ecosystems function, how biodiversity flourishes, and why conservation is so crucial. Instead of just offering mesmerising views, Sinharaja encourages you to see nature as a living, breathing system.
By ameliarosannaabout a month ago in Viva
Why Dambulla is Ideal for History and Culture Enthusiasts
Shaped by centuries of religious practice, royal support, and everyday life, Dambulla has a special place in Sri Lanka’s cultural story. Its historical significance is woven into its many monuments and eras, visible in the layers of architecture, rituals, and settlements. If you are curious about how culture has changed over time, Dambulla provides a focused and easily accessible glimpse.
By Aurora Giannaabout a month ago in Viva
The Immensely Fantabulous Career of Catherine O'Hara
This really hurts, big time. On January 30, 2026, we all received the news that still hurts us: Catherine O'Hara passed away at the age of 71. An amazing, iconic, and talented actress with a career that spanned five decades, Catherine Anne O'Hara was born on March 4, 1954 (a Pisces, like myself) in Toronto, and it was in that same city that she began her comedy career with The Second City in 1974. Two years later, O'Hara began her eight year run on the sketch comedy series, SCTV, which was the original Canadian clone of Saturday Night Live and pre-dated another Canadian sketch comedy series, Kids in the Hall, by just over a decade and a half.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a month ago in Viva
Reviewing the Ninth Annual Women's Royal Rumble
Before I went to bed last night, I decided to go to Netflix and relive the 2018 Women's Royal Rumble Match, the very first Women's Rumble. Amazing. A Women's Royal Rumble Match seemed like just a pipe dream. Now, not only did it come true in 2018, but we are now in Year Nine of the Women's Rumble. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the 39th annual Royal Rumble event took place, and for the first time since the very first one in 1988, they left the country, as the Saudi capital of Riyadh hosted the event.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a month ago in Viva
A Deep Dive Into Nattie Neidhart's Evil Motivations
It's amazing that this upcoming April will mark 18 years since Natalya Neidhart debuted on WWE's main roster, doing so on SmackDown. Wrestling is literally in her blood, coming from the prestigious and hallowed Hart family, and overall, Nattie's been displaying her immense talents for over a quarter-century. Her SmackDown debut was a villainous one, and to this day, I still say that her name being stylized to "Natalya" was done to make her more evil and sinister (it's an amazing touch).
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 months ago in Viva
Why Da Nang Is a Growing Destination for Wellness Travel
Da Nang has emerged as a wellness destination not through aggressive branding, but through alignment. The city sits between the East Sea and forested mountains, creating an environment where balance feels instinctive rather than curated. Unlike high-density Asian capitals, Da Nang moves at a calmer pace while still offering modern infrastructure, quality healthcare access, and international connectivity. For wellness travellers, this combination is powerful. It removes friction while preserving tranquillity, allowing restoration to begin the moment one arrives rather than after days of adjustment.
By Aurora Gianna2 months ago in Viva
Why Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya Is a Must-Visit Historical Site
Tucked away just outside the coastal bustle of Galle, Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya is one of Sri Lanka’s most quietly powerful religious and historical sites. Unlike grand temples that announce themselves with scale and ceremony, Yatagala reveals its significance slowly. Built around a massive rock outcrop and ancient cave system, the temple complex feels contemplative, grounded, and deeply connected to the land. Visitors often arrive expecting a short stop and leave with a lingering sense of calm and historical weight that few places manage to deliver so effortlessly.
By ameliarosanna2 months ago in Viva
How to Plan a Kataragama and Kirinda Temple Tour from Hambantota Port
Sri Lanka’s south combines spirituality, culture, and coastal scenery in a way few places do. A trip from Hambantota Port to Kataragama and Kirinda lets you visit sacred temples, experience local traditions, and enjoy peaceful ocean views. Whether you plan a long day trip or an overnight stay, a little planning will help you balance temple visits, cultural experiences, and time to take in the landscape and food.
By Aurora Gianna2 months ago in Viva
The Ritual of Winter: Challenge Winners and the Power of Endurance. AI-Generated.
Winter has always been more than just a season. It is a ritual—silent, demanding, and unforgiving. When the air turns sharp and the days grow shorter, life itself seems to whisper a challenge: can you endure? Across cultures, generations, and personal journeys, winter has symbolized hardship, reflection, and transformation. Those who survive it with strength do not merely pass through winter—they win it.
By Zahid Hussain2 months ago in Viva
Thinness, TikTok, and the Algorithm: The Revival of Harmful Beauty Ideals in the Digital Age. AI-Generated.
Scrolling through social media today, it’s hard not to notice echoes of the early 2000s, when the ‘heroin chic’ aesthetic dominated fashion magazines and ultra-thin bodies were widely celebrated. Back then, women above a size two were frequently mocked in headlines, and intense scrutiny of female bodies was considered routine. As we fast-forward to the present day, similar attitudes are making an unsettling comeback—particularly on platforms like TikTok, where viral trends and algorithm-driven content cycles often spotlight a narrow, unrealistic version of beauty.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in Viva
