Countdown to Convocation鈥擬arch 27

Join the 秀色短视频 Alumni Association on Wednesday, March 27, 11:00 am-1:00 pm at W.A. Murphy Student Centre for Countdown to Convocation.

Find out more about grad week activities, alumni association benefits, post-graduate studies, scholarships, and more. Pre-order your degree frame for pick-up at convocation, by doing so, you'll receive a 10% discount! Convocation is a time for celebration, not stress-so come out and get your convocation questions answered and have the chance to win a Kobo eReader.

秀色短视频 music department presents 鈥淭his Shining Night鈥

秀色短视频's Concert Choir will present their spring choral presentation 'This Shining Night' on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 pm in 秀色短视频's Dr. Steel Recital Hall. The audience will be treated to performances by the choir, under interim director Pamela Campbell and special guests-the Summerside Community Choir and Montague Regional High School Choir. Summerside conductor Mark Ramsay and Montague conductor Christie Beck are both alumni of the 秀色短视频 Music Department. In addition to directing their own choirs' performances, Ramsay and Beck will guest conduct the 秀色短视频 choir in Morten Lauridsen's 'Sure on This Shining Night' and Leonard Bernstein's 'Somewhere.' Also, appearing as guest conductor of 'Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day' will be alumnus Michael van der Gaag. A student conductor from the music department's choral techniques class will conduct the university choir in Eric Whitacre's 'The Seal Lullaby.' Collaborative pianist for the evening is Jeremy Gallant.

The 秀色短视频 Concert Choir's repertoire for 'This Shining Night' ranges from the boisterous French-Canadian folk song 'O-Yo-Yo' to 'In Remembrance' (Canadian composer Eleanor Daley's poignant setting of the Mary Elizabeth Frye poem 'Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep') to Aaron Copland's whimsical 'Ching-a-Ring Chaw.' The evening's finale finds the two guest choirs joining the 秀色短视频 Concert Choir for an intricate and moving arrangement of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah.'

Tickets for 'This Shining Night' are $10.00; $5.00 for seniors and students. For tickets & information contact music@upei.ca or 566-0507.

Second generation hoops star commits to the Panthers

The 秀色短视频 women's basketball team is pleased to announce the commitment of top recruit Kiera Rigby for the 2013-14 season. She joins Candace Smith of Horton and Jessica Patenaude of Charlottetown Rural in what is shaping up to be a strong recruiting class.

'Kiera is one of the premier players in Atlantic Canada,' said 秀色短视频 head coach Greg Gould. 'She is very athletic, has excellent skills, a high basketball I.Q., and is a great team player. She will be able to step in right away and help take our program to the upper ranks of the Atlantic University Conference.'

Rigby has been a member of the PEI under 15 and under 17 provincial teams and has been named Basketball PEI player of the year four times. She was selected to attend the Canadian Women's Cadet team tryouts in 2010, 2011, and 2012.

'Kiera is a tremendous athlete who comes from a great basketball family,' said Gould. 'Her father Gordon was a standout at the University of New Brunswick, while her mother Eireann was a two-time 秀色短视频 Panther MVP, a three-time first team Atlantic University All-star, and a member of the 1997-98 AUS championship Panther team.

Rigby is not only accomplished on the basketball court but she also excels in the classroom where she maintains an academic average above 90%. She will be enrolling in the Bachelor of Science program and plans to major in chemistry.

'I am excited about the academic program that 秀色短视频 offers and look forward to getting a great education while pursuing my basketball goals,' she said.

Rigby has been fortunate to have had the benefit of a great high school coach in Chris Annett at Colonel Gray High School, in Charlottetown. In addition, she's been trained by 秀色短视频 assistant coach Kathy Murray who has helped develop her basketball skills and knowledge.

'I grew up watching the Panthers women's basketball team with my mom and grandfather who was a long-time Panther assistant coach,' said Rigby. 'I'm excited to be a Panther next season. The team is on a real upswing after several difficult years, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this new era of such an amazing program. I am looking forward to playing with my new teammates and working with Coach Gould and the rest of the coaching staff to improve my skills and make a positive contribution to the team.'

For information:
Ron Annear
秀色短视频 Athletics & Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

Riptides: New Island Fiction shortlisted for Atlantic Book Awards

The Atlantic Book Awards Society released this week the shortlists for the 2013 Atlantic Book Awards. Among them, Riptides: New Island Fiction, edited by Richard Lemm, has been listed in the category for Best Atlantic-Published Book.

Dr. Lemm is a professor of English at the 秀色短视频. Working with Acorn Press, Lemm issued an open call in 2011 for fiction from writers with a strong Island connection. The result was Riptides: New Island Fiction, a collection of 23 short stories, published by Acorn Press.

'This honour recognizes the emergence of talented fiction writers on PEI and that there is fictional life on the Island after L.M. Montgomery,' said Dr. Lemm. 'As well, the inclusion of 秀色短视频 faculty and graduates in the anthology is further evidence of this university as a place where excellence is nurtured and achieved.'

Among the authors in the collection are several writers from the 秀色短视频 community: Orysia Dawydiak (biomedical sciences), Malcolm Murray (philosophy), Alan Harrington (English), and a number of 秀色短视频 graduates including Melissa Carroll, Lisa-Marie Brunnen, Hannah Visser, and Dylan Riley.

'秀色短视频 is extremely proud of Dr. Lemm and all of the 秀色短视频 writers who contributed to this excellent book,' said Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Research. 'It's exciting to see the culture of writing and creativity at 秀色短视频 being recognized in this way, which highlights the important role the university plays in the Island literary world.'

The Atlantic Book Awards are run by the Atlantic Book Awards Society: a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and acknowledge excellence in Atlantic Canadian writing and book publishing. The 2013 Atlantic Book Award winners will be announced at a ceremony May 15 in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

For information:
Dave Atkinson, Research Communications, 秀色短视频
(902)620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

秀色短视频 to confer four honorary degrees at May convocation

The 秀色短视频 will confer four honorary degrees at this year's convocation ceremonies on May 11. Honorary graduands include business leader and volunteer Fred Hyndman; humanitarian and community activist Marie Burge; science educator and entrepreneur Regis Duffy; and environmental expert and researcher Diane Griffin.

The University's Senate approved the honorary graduands at a meeting earlier this year in accordance with University policy that states honorary doctorates of laws will be presented to individuals who display the highest levels of achievement in public and community service.

'I am pleased on behalf of 秀色短视频 to be presenting honourary degrees at this year's convocation to four distinguished individuals who have contributed to our university, our community, and to our country,' said 秀色短视频 Chancellor Bill Andrew. 'I believe that Marie Burge, Regis Duffy, Diane Griffin, and Fred Hyndman are outstanding individuals whose success has been matched with tremendous generosity and community service.'

Fred Hyndman, CM, managing director and CEO of Hyndman and Company Ltd., has made a significant contribution to the growth and success of the University over the past 10 years. Hyndman served as chair of the highly successful 'Building a Legacy' campaign for three years, and since 2006 was a member of the 秀色短视频 Board of Governors. Most recently, as board chair, he guided the University through its presidential transition when 秀色短视频 President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz assumed his role on July 1, 2011. Hyndman recently retired as chair on May 31, 2012. He is a member of the Order of Canada.

Marie Burge is a founding member and CEO of Cooper Institute of PEI where she works to advance its vision of empowering groups and individuals who are involved in social change. For over 40 years she has served disadvantaged individuals and families and continues to motivate communities to action. Burge is an alumna of St. Dunstan's University and has taught at 秀色短视频 as a sessional lecturer. She has also collaborated with the University on many research initiatives and projects. Burge was awarded the Order of Prince Edward Island award in 1998.

Dr. Regis Duffy, CM, is a 秀色短视频 success story. The St. Dunstan's University alumnus was the founding dean of science when the University was incorporated in 1969, and oversaw the melding of science educators and researchers from two institutions into one faculty. He is also Board Chair emeritus of the 秀色短视频 Board of Governors. Branching out from his work at 秀色短视频, he became a leader in the PEI business community through his entrepreneurial endeavours-most notably with his first company, Diagnostic Chemicals, (DCL). As founding chair of the PEI BioAlliance, a sector-based bioscience consortium, Duffy was instrumental in assisting other companies to establish themselves in PEI. Through DCL and his more recent venture, BioVectra Inc., a remarkable number of 秀色短视频 and Holland College students have received valuable private-sector work experience in their chosen fields. Duffy is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Prince Edward Island.

Diane Griffin is a graduate of 秀色短视频 and St. Dunstan's University, a former PEI Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, and is currently the PEI program manager of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Griffin is passionate about preserving and protecting the environment, and is the recipient of many environmental awards. Griffin is also committed to volunteer work and has numerous publications and papers which she presents on a wide range of topics including agricultural and trade policies, eco-economics, national forest strategy, natural heritage, and protection and conservation. She is currently a councillor for the Town of Stratford. Griffin received the Order of Prince Edward Island in 2010.

The Convocation ceremonies will take place in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm, Saturday, May 11. Hyndman will address the morning convocation while Duffy will address the afternoon ceremony.

MacAulay and Mayaleh named outstanding Athletes of the Year

秀色短视频 Athletics and Recreation celebrated their 44th year this evening by recognizing their student athletes at the annual 秀色短视频 Athletics Awards ceremony held in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. The Alumni Athletes of the Year Awards went to field hockey's Marina MacAulay and Jimmie Mayaleh from men's soccer.

'We are very proud of all of our 秀色短视频 Panther student-athletes,' said 秀色短视频 Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Schurman. 'It is a real challenge to balance performance in the classroom and high performance sport. This evening we recognized everyone's efforts as well as those who rose above and achieved even greater success.'

MacAulay began her career with the Panthers by being named AUS Rookie of the Year and ended the season strong as a CIS second team All-Canadian.

'MacAulay is a skilled and determined athlete with the ability to quietly lead her team by example,' said 秀色短视频 Field Hockey Head Coach Sheila Bell.'During her final year, she adapted to playing a new position with ease, making a difficult position look effortless. Playing in the middle of the field, she controlled the play and forced the opposition to be aware of her at all times,' added Bell.

MacAulay demonstrates the ideal combination of mental and physical strength which allows her to perform her best under pressure. As captain, she demonstrated a great work ethic as well as empathy to her team and earned great respect on and off the field.

Jimmie Mayaleh, a fifth-year senior, was one of soccer's best. He finished the 2012 regular season tied for third in the league in scoring and tied for third in the league in overall points. He was a first team AUS All Star and a CIS second team All-Canadian. He is the one threat every other AUS coach talks about. One AUS coach was quoted: 'We knew if we stopped Jimmie, we would win the game.'

'Mayaleh is a tireless worker who sets a great example for the younger players. He loves the game of soccer and his passion and enthusiasm will be missed next year,' said 秀色短视频 men's soccer Head Coach Lewis Page. 'It was a pleasure to have him for five years at 秀色短视频, and I'm proud of what Jimmie has achieved in his time with the program.'

The J.T. 'Mickey' Place Awards were also presented to student-athletes who have made a contribution to student leadership on their team and on campus. John Thomas 'Mickey' Place was connected not only with Athletics at 秀色短视频, but with all aspects of campus life. He believed in fair play and that through respect for one's opponent, an athlete could gain the ultimate respect for themselves. These awards are provided by the Student Union in his memory. The winners from each team include:

Men's basketball Jermaine Duke
Women's basketball Julia McKenna
Field hockey Leanne Doiron
Men's hockey Dylan Quaile
Women's hockey Ferran Brown
Women's rugby Shannon Moore
Women's soccer Alyson Seviour
Men's soccer Adam Lowther
Swimming Genevieve Cormier
The Gordon & Muriel Bennett Award presented by Muriel Bennett is given to a student (male or female) who, over four years, best combined athletic achievement and academic excellence. Field Hockey player, Marina MacAulay, was this year's recipient.
The W.A. Ledwell Award goes to a student athlete who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability in the intercollegiate program, academic excellence, and also demonstrates the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship. Jordan Knox of the men's hockey team earned this award along with the James Bayer Nomination.
One of the evening highlights was the presentation of the Passion for Life Award, given in memory of Rene Ayangma, a former 秀色短视频 soccer player. All nominees-Eliza MacLauchlan, Mason Wilgosh, Jenna Jones, Sara Stanley, Amy Lou Caulier, Suzanne Nicholson, Julia McKenna, and Shannon Moore-were on stage for the presentation. This year's winner was Julia McKenna, for her true passion for life and commitment to Panther Sport. McKenna has been an incredible leader during her four years at 秀色短视频. Always present for events that take place on campus and sending good luck messages to fellow athletes before games. Most recently, McKenna chaired the second annual 'Battle of the Jocks' event to raise funds for the Passion for Life Award and for the Children's Wish Foundation. McKenna is a true Panther who 鈥榖leeds green.'
The varsity and club teams also took to the stage one at a time to celebrate and recognize top athletes. Listed below are the winners from each team:
Most Valuable Player awards Julia Lannon, women's soccer; Jared Murphy, men's soccer; Marina MacAulay, field hockey; Jaleesa Villard, women's rugby; Emily MacEachern, women's basketball; DJ Smith, men's basketball; Zachary Laustsen, swimming; Wayne Savage, men's hockey; and Jaimelynn Donaldson, women's hockey.
Rookie of the Year awards Melissa Richardson, women's soccer; Ibrahima Sanoh, men's soccer; Katherine Koughan, field hockey; Rebecca Chapman, women's rugby; Darcy Zinck, women's basketball; DJ Smith, men's basketball; Roosk茅 Wagemakers, swimming; Tyler Brown, men's hockey; Marie Soleil Deschenes, women's hockey.
Spirit awards Brian Smith, men's rugby; Danielle Stewart, synchronized swimming; Melanie McKenna, cross country; Malary Schurman, women's volleyball; Jane Di Carlo, curling; Brittney Doucette, junior varsity hockey.
For information:
Ron Annear
秀色短视频 Athletics & Recreation
Varsity Coordinator
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

Engineering students create innovative solutions for real clients

First-and second-year engineering students worked with clients on real-life challenges, and had the opportunity to show off their design skills at the annual 秀色短视频 Engineering Design Expo and Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 3.

First-year engineering students worked with the Island farming community to find ways in which they could improve systems and machinery used by small, mixed farming businesses on PEI. The groups produced a range of simple solutions to problems in energy use, building design, and farm equipment. The project prototypes were based on discussions the groups had earlier in the semester with Island farmers and representatives.

Second-year engineering students worked with the following clients on various engineering issues: Laurie MacDuffee, Atlantic Veterinary College; Bill Whelan, Canada Research Chair in Biophysical Optics, 秀色短视频; Bill Montelpare, McCain Research Chair, 秀色短视频; Alan and Travis Burland, Green Island Getaways; Alan Brown, Camp Gencheff; Raymond Loo, Springwillow Farms; Mike Cassidy, Maritime Waste Services; and Robert Bertram, Vector Aerospace.

Kelsey Baker, Andrew Doiron, Connor O'Neill, and Travis Speelman worked with Whelan to develop a hand-held package to house an optical sensor for the early detection of bovine mastitis, an inflammatory infection often found in the udder tissue of dairy cows. Whelan asked the group to come up with a means to hold a particularly delicate new research sensor his lab has developed so that it could be used on a live cow in a real-life barn setting.

Baker truly enjoyed working hands-on with a client to solve an actual engineering problem. 'I found it extremely beneficial that Dr. Whelan was right here on campus; he always found time to meet with us, and attend our presentations,' she said. Speelman also pointed out the importance of group work and honing in on each member's specific skill-set.

'Our engineering program has developed into one which enables students to explore the key skills needed by today's engineers-understanding complicated problems and developing innovative design solutions,' said Andrew Trivett, associate professor and chair of 秀色短视频's engineering department. 'Students who have mastered these skills are on their way to reshaping the future. We are proud of the ability our students show to develop practical and sensible solutions that go beyond the classroom.'

'It's really nerve-wracking to meet with a client, especially for the first time. It makes you step up your professionalism and maturity level,' said Nathan Palmer, fourth-year chemistry student who is also working towards his engineering diploma. 'It forces you to think about what you're going to be like in the future and how you'll present yourself in your engineering career.' Palmer's group worked with Vector Aerospace to assemble and rivet sealing rings for a particular engine component in rebuilt jet engines, an area where the client wishes to improve on speed and efficiency.

Other student groups also came up with innovative prototypes for their clients, including a device to reduce or eliminate nicking or scarring of bones during surgery, a novel dynamic impact device for school children to show the effect of head impact in sports, a sustainable ventilation system, a method for safe mobility, a commercial dandelion harvester, and a waste-sorting and storage container.

The student groups had roughly six months to meet, plan, build, analyze, and present their prototypes to their clients. The Expo then provided a venue to display projects to community members and industry professionals. Engineers PEI judged the projects and presented an award to the team that best demonstrated a high level of professionalism, understanding of the client's problem, and an ability to effectively explain their designs to the general community.

Award Winners

Engineers PEI Team Design Award-This award is presented each year to the student design team that best exemplifies innovation, excellence, and professionalism in a client-oriented community-based design project. The winning team will combine creative design ideas supported by in-depth analysis, detailed design documentation, and an effective demonstration of concept. This year's recipients include: second-year class Nathan Palmer, Tyler Palmer, Daniel Ugwuja; and first-year design class Beth Giroux, Daniel Larsen, John Livingston, and Harold MacDonald.
Noel MacAleer Award-Awarded to a graduating student from the engineering class who displays the positive attributes and qualities of the late Noel MacAleer-an extremely well-liked student who was respected by his classmates, who was enthusiastic and generous, and who became a friend and motivator to all. This year's recipient is Andrew Doiron.
秀色短视频's Department of Engineering presents communication and analysis awards annually to individual students who display contribution and excellence in their team environment.
Communication Award-'Generally recognized as the 鈥榮ofter' skills including the ability to 鈥榝ormulate' and 鈥榗ommunicate' the chosen design 鈥榮tory' using a broad selection of tools including verbal, textual, and graphical techniques. Recognizes that engineering is really the ART of applying science to make a compelling argument with a high degree of professionalism and consideration for public safety.' The communication awards were granted to first-year recipient Harold MacDonald and second-year recipient Nathan Palmer.
Analysis Award- 'Generally recognized as the 鈥榟arder' skills including the ability to 鈥榰nderstand' the clients problems and 鈥榓nalyze' the problems using a broad selection of scientific, mathematical, and engineering knowledge. Recognizes that engineers must be scientifically and mathematically capable, with an ability to translate the knowledge and skill into innovative (new territory) solutions with predictable performance. It is this predictable performance that requires a sound understanding of the problem and an ability to use engineering tools and prototyping, to predict the performance and safety of the systems.' The analysis awards were granted to first-year recipient Emma MacKay and second-year recipient Alex Wall.

鈥淓ducation Under Fire鈥濃攁 call for further action

On Monday, March 25, 秀色短视频 students-Sara Ashnaei, Honeylyn T. Gubalane, Bita Saffary, and Yuki Lee-organized a film showing of 'Education Under Fire,' a documentary on the decades-long persecution endured by Iran's Bah谩'铆 which featured interviews with members of the community and human rights activists. Members of the university community and the general public attended to show support for education equality.

Sara and Honeylyn welcomed the crowd and introduced the international campaign addressing the Iranian government's continued denial of the right to higher education to its citizens. A brief overview was given in relation to how the Iranian government systematically excludes individuals from pursuing their education as a form of punishment for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

秀色短视频's Dean of Education Dr. Miles Turnbull spoke and emphasized Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which confirms that everyone has the right to education and education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial, or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.

'秀色短视频 must advocate for, and speak out against, violations of the UN's Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Women and children, especially, are being denied access to education in many parts of the world and for many different reasons including gender and religion. This is just plain wrong.'

The documentary's compelling story of the Bah谩'铆 Institute for Higher Education (BIHE) also depicted rare historical footage. Parisa B. who is a former BIHE student also shared her story to support the campaign of 'Education Under Fire,' as it is vital for the academic community and universities across Canada to be aware of the Iranian government's actions.

The event ended with hopes that the Canadian government will continue to take immediate steps to end all efforts to deny Iranian citizens, of whatever background and religion, access to higher education and to allow members of the Bah谩'铆 community, and any others so deprived, the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills that will allow them to contribute more fully to the betterment of Iran and the world.

The event was sponsored by 秀色短视频's Faculty of Education. 秀色短视频 professors, students, and members of Canada's academic community are invited to add their names to the open letter to the Iranian government. If you wish to add your name, please send an email with your name, title, and affiliation to gfilson@cdnbnc.org.

View the open letter by visiting

秀色短视频鈥檚 Master of Arts in Island Studies recognizes teaching fellows

秀色短视频's Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) recently recognized two professors as Island Studies Teaching Fellows-Dr. Palanisamy Nagarajan and Dr. Barry Bartmann. Both have been instrumental to the program in the public eye and behind the scenes.

'This honorific title [Island Studies Teaching Fellow] was created to recognize the long-term, high-quality teaching and mentorship provided to students by dedicated faculty. I can't think of anyone who is more deserving of this honour than Drs. Nagarajan and Bartmann,' said Dr. Jim Randall, Coordinator of the MAIS program.

Dr. Nagarajan has provided a reputable public face to the island studies program through regular and thought-provoking contributions to local media that assess what kind of society and economy we collectively envisage for our future. Nagarajan is a long-time member of the economics department at 秀色短视频 and is an emeritus professor. In his over 40 years of teaching at 秀色短视频, and before that, at St. Dunstan's University, Nagarajan has taught courses in all major areas of economics, including graduate courses on public finance, advanced macroeconomics, and economic development strategies for small islands.

He maintains a regular interest in the transformations of the PEI economy and in the state of developing countries with a special focus on fiscal systems and trade. His more recent concerns have dealt with sustainability and sustainable development strategies from interdisciplinary perspectives and systems analysis, particularly for small islands economies. In this journey that spans almost half a century, he describes his transition and conversion to an ecological economist. He has been a vocal advocate of the island studies program, a member of its steering committee, and he has vocally championed the MAIS program and continues to support it through teaching and mentoring thesis students.

Dr. Bartmann is known for aiding in the development of the MAIS program over the past two decades as it was the academic entrepreneur and creative thinker in him who recognized three discrete but inter-related niches waiting to be tapped, and that 秀色短视频 was well-placed to seek and consolidate leadership in all three areas-the emergence of an optimistic school for the development prospects of small jurisdictions, the recognition of the North Atlantic as a region, and the birth of island studies as a legitimate area for academic research and teaching.

In 1999, during his role as chair of the political studies department at 秀色短视频, an island studies minor was introduced, and in 2003, a master of arts and a dedicated Canada Research Chair in island studies was introduced. He is a recognized authority on sub-national island jurisdictions and the international relations of small (or micro) states. Bartmann has been pivotal to the MAIS program offering two courses annually, serving on the steering committee, and mentoring thesis students.

Congratulations to Dr. Palanisamy Nagarajan and Dr. Barry Bartmann!

秀色短视频 students journey to Sri Lanka

Two 秀色短视频 students, Alexandra Thompson and Jennifer White, took part in a cultural trip to Sri Lanka through the 秀色短视频's Department of Fine Arts. The following relates some of their insights and experiences.

'The farther from home you travel, the more you come to know yourself,' so realized our group -eight 秀色短视频 students and three professors- as we made the 13,000 km voyage from our small island province of Prince Edward Island to the small island nation of Sri Lanka in February 2013. Through the 秀色短视频's Department of Fine Arts, our professors Dr. Janos Fedak, Dr. Wimal Rankaduwa, and Dr. Joe Velaidum planned the trip in hopes that it would be an eye-opening experience for their students-a chance for us to see an entirely new facet of the world, and experience firsthand the rich art, religion, and culture of Sri Lanka.
We greeted each day with enthusiasm and combined learning about the history and politics of each city we visited with gaining a personal understanding of the way Sri Lankan culture differed from, and related to our own. Beginning in the capital city of Colombo and making our way by bus from one city, village, mountain, and historical site to the next, we completed an eastward loop of the island. Every site provided elements to inspire, from the serene Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla, to the 200m hike up to the soaring palace complex of Sigiriya; from the vast ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, to the quiet dignity of the forest sanctuary at Maligawila.
Comparable in size to New Brunswick, the magnitude of Sri Lanka's brilliance is staggering. Each street, regardless of size or placement, bustles with people and bright colours. The smells of incense and spice fill the air, alongside the sounds of conversation and barter, so much like smooth singing in their native tongue of Sinhalese. The country finds exceptional uniqueness in its fusion of religious and cultural expression that has been churning for centuries. The cities blend old tradition and new technology, while the land and the people it boasts are beautiful, welcoming and kind, and always eager to share a cup of tea. Until 1972, the island was called Ceylon; the current title, meaning 'resplendent island,' could not be more suited. Breathtaking peaks and valleys, the dazzling Indian Ocean, and elephants grazing with quiet wisdom along the roadside make for a truly extraordinary setting.
In the course of only 14 days we faced 39 combined hours on airplanes, seven wildly different accommodations, immense amounts of divine cuisine-as spicy as the palate desired-and countless ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian sites. Boarding the plane home, each of us resolved that in one way or another, we would return. Until then, we hold in us a new kind of consciousness and above all, believe 'there is nowhere in the world quite like Sri Lanka.'