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 Representatives of Thailand perform on the Student Union Building ballroom stage Saturday during the Cruise the World event. International student ambassadors representing more than 30 countries marked mock passports as they offered interactive learning opportunities, teaching campus and community members about their countries and cultures. There was live entertainment every 30 minutes on the stage and food from around the world available for purchase. Kate Kucharzyk/Argonaut
A Chinese dragon weaving through the crowds wasn't the only piece of international flare witnessed by those who attended Cruise the World.
More than 43 countries were represented Saturday in the Student Union Building ballroom at the multicultural festival.
Denise Kauffman, international friendship association coordinator, said students did an exceptional job this year of making it an interactive event.
"I saw students writing in languages different than their own, trying on clothes, practicing phrases in languages they had never heard, even learning dances," Kauffman said.
Marialuisa Di Stefano said most people came by her table asking for tips on where to go in Italy.
"People want to know what they can see, what they can visit, such as the ancient ruins," Di Stefano said.
Adrian Crookston had been at the booth playing the accordion, and Di Stefano said it caused quite a crowd.
"They loved watching him play," she said.
University of Idaho student Peter Vasilachi represented Moldova, a country near Romania.
"I have had people ask me if it's in Africa," Vasilachi said.
Vasilachi said the food was a bit overwhelming when he was first trying to adjust to American living.
"I opened the menu and didn't know what to order at first," Vasilachi said. "I thought, what is this? But I got used to it, and now I get fat when I go home."
Amid the booths of various countries there was a Moscow High School group raising money for Haiti. High school student Alexis Humphreys said they were doing pretty well.
"(We're) hoping to get a lot of money to give to Haiti," Humphreys said.
Among one of the most visited booths at the event was Egypt, and Sherif El Badawy said most people came with a strong desire to visit.
"So many people want to visit Egypt," El Badawy said.
El Badawy said the risks of traveling to Egypt in light of all the world events were minimal and hyped by the media.
"I was afraid of coming to America for the same reasons, thinking it was dangerous," El Badawy said. "But I came here and people were welcoming. Just as visitors going to Egypt - when they see you do not have an Egyptian passport, you will be welcomed."
Some students at the event had only been in the country for a couple weeks, such as New Zealander Bethany Lowe.
"I was shocked that young people here are Republicans," Lowe said. "It might just be because I'm used to growing up differently."
Lowe said she misses the proximity to the sea she has at home.
"I've been taking (an) aqua science class just to get in the water, and it's indoors," she said.
Since "The Lord of the Rings" series was filmed in New Zealand, she did get questions from wondering fans.
"There was a scene that was filmed about 20 minutes away from where I live," Lowe said. "It was just one of the village scenes, but yeah."
Kauffman said the attendance numbers were up due to Facebook, and the event housed visitors from four different districts, not just Moscow.
"It's an event that really lets people try on culture," Kauffman said. "Not just get your passport stamped."
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