Imagine walking into a room for dinner with a long buffet line serving entrees and desserts from 27 different countries.
Bakersfield College international students held such a dinner in the BC cafeteria May 1.
This was the Intercultural Students Association’s 20th annual fund-raising event called “Building Bridges Among Nations.”
“As we work to eliminate terrorism and make the world a safer place to live in, let us not forget that trust, unity and peace between people and nations are built on understanding and communication,” said International/ESL Counselor Shohreh Rahman.
From sushi to chicken adobo, hundreds of people were in line for a taste of a delicacy. There were 37 dishes served by 33 students.
“The food was good, oh my God! I forgot about my diet,” said Janet Romero, a Bakersfield resident. “The food was wonderful, I ate two plates.”
The hosts for the show were Nader Mojibi-Yazdi, from Iran, and Coumba Tamboura, from Mali.
The introduction started off with music from Africa. Dr. Ronald Kean, BC music professor, led the musicians.
The evening also included a dance from Peru with the members of the Peruvian Association, a fashion show with about a dozen models from many different cultures, belly dancing from the Middle East, salsa dancing and Mojibi-Yazdi playing the piano.
“It’s wonderful, so people can know better about other countries,” said 45-year-old Sonia Delgado of Bakersfield.