(Ce#4) Diverseness at It's Best.

Today was an interesting and exuberant day. I got out of my house, into the sun and experienced cultural diversity at its best. Today my university, CSU Chico, hosted its annual International Food Festival. I had the great opportunity to taste some of the best foods from around the globe. My plan was to taste a little bit of everything and my first stop was the Muslim Student Association booth, were I had a delicious Beef Kebab with Briyani rice, Raitha (yogurt) mix, Naan Bread and salad. My second meal was at the Sri Lankan Student Association were the spicy combo of curries and coconut with rice and meat sedated my hunger but started a fire in my throat and mouth.

Entertainment was provided by the student body, ‘Associated Students Presents’. The main performer was Salavador Santana, son of Carlos Santana however the best performer I saw was Riffat Sultana and company. During this woman’s performance many people with an Indian, Middle Eastern or Pakistani background came out in a rush to dance in front of the stage. I was under the impression that Riffat had played a very popular song because instead of the usual “interesting” looking women dancing up in front of the stage there were 40-50 people having a party! People looked on with glowing smiles and happiness literally filled the air giving me goose fresh and forcing me to smile.
Jr toots (reggae), DJ Masud, salsa Bro and Nefertiti’s Dozen (Latin and afro dance troupe) were other entertainer that shared today’s stage.

Many groups, clubs and associations were in attendance today either selling food or clothing and jewelry. The Indian Student association was providing henna tattoos for all the little kids and artistically fashionable. Disappointingly club M.E.cH.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a (de) Aztlan) provided only nachos and refreshments. I don’t know about anyone else but I think they could have prepared something more ethnic.
After my encounter with the fiery Lankan food I put the fire out in my mouth with some strawberry rice milk provided by the S.E.A.S.A. (South Eastern Asian Student Association).

These kinds of events are a true joy and this is my second time attending the International Food Festival. I wish the city of Chico or the university could organize more of these types of events but then again if these events happened all the time you would get goose bumps.