This book, "Before I forget" is about one woman's journey from a developing country into the big,wide world. Inspired by her parents,she soon developed an interest in education and learning. She has made a conscious effort to systematically log her journey from the beginning and has written her account using documents of her travel experience and learning throughout life. Born to an elite family, yet the author believed that hard work contributed to some extent for achievement and success. Her journey takes her from the hills and valleys of Bandarawela Sri Lanka to other lands of exquisite beauty and those of extreme poverty.Her writing enables the common man to appreciate the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the populations in these countries. She presents an unbiased perception of the world around her. Taking every opportunity both in her profession and in her leisure activities, it is apparent that she has made full use of these. This book demonstrates the author's joy in sharing experiences. It brings home the value of education,life-long learning and sustained motivation despite difficulties. The author strengthens the fact that family ties and roots are invaluable to one's existence. This book is worth reading as it would inspire the common man to believe in himself.It would help those travellers reaching the west to believe that anything is possible if one would only try. It demonstrates to some extent that life is what one makes of it and being active participants, not passive passengers. This book informs that integration to the larger society, forming genuine friendships and respecting varying mentor relationships which may be key factors to the joy of living. The book gives the reader a sense of openness, courage, honesty and reality. It allows the reader the feeling that one is traveling hopefully.