Week at a cottage

The past week Mary and I joined Susan, Ralph and their daughter Fiona, and Marcy, Joe and their sons Spencer, Parker and Will in the cottage we rent each year for one week together. It was the first time that neither Hilary (in Europe) or Mark (in Calgary) were with us there. It was also the first time that we tried out our Laser 2 with some nice quiet weather. Later in the week we tried it with a bit more wind, but it takes some getting used to again after 35 years no sailing....

We had a very nice week with absolute gorgeous weather every day. The batteries are charged again for a few busy months at work ahead with travel to Mozambique to start up a new project, and to China and South-East Asia for new business development.

International Education Leadership

Today is the last day of the annual ILDI, International Leadership Development Institute of the national association of Canadian community colleges ("Colleges and Institutes Canada"). This year it was hosted by Holland College in Charllottetown, PEI (Prince Edward Island), the smallest province in the Confederation of Canada. During four days we reflected on the best practices for the required leadership in international education at our institutions.

Last night we had a nice celebration dinner and one of the participants started a fundraising campaign to bring a few promising students from economically struggling Greece (her parents came from Greece). The participants were all generous so that campaign is off to a good start....

Moonshining in PEI

We visited a distillery in PEI where the produce all sort of strong drinks.This one - the main brand - is 50 %. The name "Moonshine" was already protected, so the owner was very creative with his logo of the moon  with the word Shine. The "Lightning" is 75%....

The Feast (in PEI)

A famous Canadian chef (Michael Smith) has a "back to basics" restaurant here where all the food ingredients are purchased locally. The "Feast" is a happening from 7 to 11 PM with food and wine and all prepared right in front of you. Hereby a few shots form this place located in eastern PEI...

Before the kitchen was ready most of the food was prepared outside. Some of the dishes still are...

Prince Edward Island

This weekend Mary and I (plus two other couples) are enjoying a few days exploring the province of Prince Edward Island on the East Coast of Canada. We are staying in a small B&B just outside of Charlottetown. The first night we had some of the famous fish & chips at "Richard's"....

Canada and multi-culturalism

Last week we sponsored an event of the Hispanic Community in Toronto. It was a nice evening with a few excellent speakers who highlighted the recent contributions of Canadians who came from Spanish speaking countries to the economy, arts and sports in Canada. Good networking event where also about 20 students from Seneca assisted in the organization and networking.

Hilary in Amsterdam

Hilary, Cynthia and Taurie being hosted by my university friend Age in his boat through the canals in Amsterdam. The start of their two month journey through parts of (mostly southern) Europe. Good for them. Explore the "old" world.... :-)