I wonder if you still remember the week-long, cloudy and grey, random but interesting performances that took place at the EMU Amphitheatre two weeks ago? Yep, that was ISA’s annual cultural event: International Week. Rememberrrr?
After months and months of hard work, International Week finally came to show in the third week of Spring 2009. Our theme this year was “Sail Away”. We departed at University of Oregon’s DuckStore on Monday morning and travelled a week-long vacation from country to country, culture to culture. Did you “sail away” with us? Did you see the beautiful dances and musical performances? They were certainly eye-opening! I-Week, in its best efforts, exhibits the international diversity we have on campus. Most of our performers this year were U of O students and faculty members. They were very enthusiastic when they received the opportunity to display their cultural backgrounds.
Although the weather during I-Week was not as what we hoped it to be, most performances were still performed outdoors. We invited local musician and dancers such as Rob Tobias (who played Jewish-Americana songs on guitar) and Marimba belly-dancers.
Two weeks have passed since I-Week took place. It is hard to believe that one week’s event took us three and a half months to prepare! I-Week Committee definitely gave it all our best to make this event happen. Of course, there is still much more we can improve on, but for now, let us Sail Away with the new cultural knowledge, memories and fun that I-Week has left us…until the next I-Week arrives~
Chrystal Shen, I-Week Committee Head 2009
