The UC Lawn was full with flags from all over the world. The air was the smell of Turkish coffee and Arabic tea; the crowd was happy. Many of them had drawings on their faces, or were playing with their new and small stuffed and colorful frogs and lizards. This was the 37th International festival held on Western Carolina University’s campus on April 13.
“I think it’s going well. People seem to be enjoying themselves. Luckily we had some beautiful weather,” said Bekky Blenkitni, program assistant of International Programs and Services.
There were many booths and tables. Some had information about study abroad services. Running the booths were people part of the International Programs and services staff, and students who have studied abroad in the past.
The tables that had food samplings were definitely a hit with everyone. Some of those included Japanese and Latin cuisine. The calligraphy table was always filled with people interested in seeing their names being written in Japanese.
The traditional Saudi dance and the Latin dance were performances especially popular with the crowd.
“I think it’s wonderful. We have so many people coming to our Saudi Arabia table, and tried the coffee and some of them say it’s the best they ever had,” said Jill Cargile, director of the Intensive English Program.
That is what the International Festival is all about. Meeting those from different countries, and getting to know their culture better and to hopefully become their friend.
