I fancy myself as an articulate chap, but putting experiences into words is rarely a simple endeavour; and the more an experience means to you, the more intangible it is. For each one of us, the Gandarawatte cultural show will always carry just such an unapproachable significance. An epic crescendo to the project, it was, as I expressed in garbled Sinhala in my closing speech, at once a very happy day and a very sad day. Happy, for it showcased everything we and the villagers had been working towards: not just English language development – though that was manifestly apparent in the presentations, dramas, recitals, and songs performed by the children and young adults – but a dynamic cultural synthesis. And yet, the show was tinged with sadness, all the more so for the obvious success of the project.When people come together so fruitfully, and forge such meaningful relationships, parting ways becomes a painful wrench. So, as we leave the village, there is a bittersweet taste in the mouth. If there is consolation to be had, though, it is that wherever we go Gandarawatte will go too, firmly secure as it is, in our hearts.