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Log inUM’s Culturefest adds spice to weekend
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UM’s Culturefest adds spice to weekend
by Outspoken on Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:58 am
UM’s Culturefest adds spice to weekend
By Nok-Noi Ricker
Staff Writer Bangor Daily News
ORONO, Maine — The aroma of foods typically not found in Maine enveloped those who stepped into the University of Maine Field House on Saturday, enticing them to taste the worldly cuisines of Culturefest ’08.
Exchange students dressed in traditional garb of their native countries served the edibles to hundreds, including fellow students and faculty who attended the 21st annual festival sponsored by the university’s Office of International Programs and National Student Exchange.
“I had something Pakistani and my mouth was on fire, but it was wonderful,” said Hermon resident Tara Shelley, who brought her children to the festival and met up with youngsters from Cub Scout Pack 25.
Nitu Gongal of Kathmandu, Nepal, a senior studying accounting, wore a black sari with gold details while serving a delectable coconut treat called raddoo.
“It’s actually a dessert,” Gongal said while handing a serving to Orono resident John Halloran. “It’s offered to God as good luck.”
Halloran purchased the raddoo for Leslie Hudson of Orono, who spent time in Nepal 20 years ago doing research and teaching environmental education.
“Both of us have traveled and worked overseas a fair bit” and wanted to experience a little culture at home, she said. “It’s sort of lacking in Orono most of the time. If you’re not on campus, you don’t get to interact” with the numerous cultures at UMaine.
In addition to food from Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Mexico and others, a Canada booth offered Tim Hortons coffee.
Members of the university’s International Student Association prepared the dishes, while others performed traditional dances. Culturefest also included a fashion show, informational tables, presentations and the opportunity to learn classic games from around the world.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/92956.html
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY KATE COLLINS
By Nok-Noi Ricker
Staff Writer Bangor Daily News
ORONO, Maine — The aroma of foods typically not found in Maine enveloped those who stepped into the University of Maine Field House on Saturday, enticing them to taste the worldly cuisines of Culturefest ’08.
Exchange students dressed in traditional garb of their native countries served the edibles to hundreds, including fellow students and faculty who attended the 21st annual festival sponsored by the university’s Office of International Programs and National Student Exchange.
“I had something Pakistani and my mouth was on fire, but it was wonderful,” said Hermon resident Tara Shelley, who brought her children to the festival and met up with youngsters from Cub Scout Pack 25.
Nitu Gongal of Kathmandu, Nepal, a senior studying accounting, wore a black sari with gold details while serving a delectable coconut treat called raddoo.
“It’s actually a dessert,” Gongal said while handing a serving to Orono resident John Halloran. “It’s offered to God as good luck.”
Halloran purchased the raddoo for Leslie Hudson of Orono, who spent time in Nepal 20 years ago doing research and teaching environmental education.
“Both of us have traveled and worked overseas a fair bit” and wanted to experience a little culture at home, she said. “It’s sort of lacking in Orono most of the time. If you’re not on campus, you don’t get to interact” with the numerous cultures at UMaine.
In addition to food from Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Mexico and others, a Canada booth offered Tim Hortons coffee.
Members of the university’s International Student Association prepared the dishes, while others performed traditional dances. Culturefest also included a fashion show, informational tables, presentations and the opportunity to learn classic games from around the world.
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/92956.html
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY KATE COLLINS
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
