International meals give students a taste of other cultures
Posted by The Skyliner on September 30th, 2009Jordan Ecarma
Staff Writer
During Global Missions week, students had the pleasure of dining with an international-themed meal each day. Monday night showcased the Mexican culture and gave live entertainment through a Mariachi band. (Photo by Jenny Farnham)
It was something more than an ordinary evening at Todd Dining Hall. This past Monday was International Night and the theme was Mexico. This was a tribute to Global Missions Week, which was the inspiration for the International Night.
The event was planned to give people there a taste of what life in another country would be like. The locale was festively decorated with flags from many different countries and tables were set up with information on missions. The Mexican theme was detailed and well done. Many elements made this particular night at the dining hall special.
Piñatas added a lot to the theme, and so did the miniature tents offering Mexican food classics like colored corn chips and cheese dip. From all accounts, the food was delicious, and the students enjoyed the dinner very much.
The overall effect was the feeling of being in Mexico, or at least a favorite Mexican restaurant.
The main event was the live mariachi band, which gave the students a taste of an important part of Mexican culture. It consisted of a trumpet, guitarron, mariachi guitar and vocalist. The band was dressed in authentic costume and sounded fantastic, giving their all with sound that was not amplified by speakers. The band played to the audience, shifting position every few songs and moving around the circumference of the room. They played old Spanish songs, the strains of which were faintly familiar to those of us who grew up on I Love Lucy. The acoustic set was highlighted by a Spanish version of “Happy Birthday,” played by the band to one of the students.
It was raining relentlessly outside, but fortunately even unfavorable weather could not put a damper on enthusiasm. The food was excellent, the music was lively, and both the students and the faculty seemed to enjoy the evening.
“The ‘big guitar’ is pretty awesome, not going to lie,” Rebekah McIlwain said.
Everyone involved in International Night had a good time, and hopefully they learned a little something about another way of life in the process. The authentic food, decorations, and music all added up to make the routine of dinner at the cafeteria something of a cultural experience.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 4