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Jules Vernes characters went around the world in 80 days. Southwestern College students did it in a few minutes.
The Associated Student Organization hosted its 19th Annual Festival of Nations celebration as diverse as SWC in front of the Student Center Amphitheater.
Music, dancing, food and enlightening information from cultures such as Japan, England, Bali, Lebanon and Syria punctuated an energized throng. Fragrant foods lured visitors to the tables to get a taste of the delicious spreads that each country has to offer.
Syrian-American SWC student Eman Deiranien said she was proud to represent her parents’ native land, though she made it clear she is an American in her heart. Born in the United States, Deiranien’s family went back to Syria for about five years when she was four years old so she could learn more about her native land. Deiranien’s parents wanted her to be educated in her culture and learn the Arabic language.
She said she is very proud of her culture and the country of Syria, but she does not want to go back there.
“My dad’s work is here and my mom,” said Deiranien. “Our life is here.”
Deiranien attended the event with her sisters and mother. They were all dressed in hijabs, which is the traditional garment that women wear. These garments are controversial in Western countries, particularly among women’s rights advocates.
“We wear it when we reach puberty,” said Deiranien. “It is your choice, but your parents recommend that you wear it. Covering your face is your choice, completely your choice. The only thing you have to do is cover your hair and your elbows and your ankles.”
Syrian men do not have to wear restrictive clothing, she said. Many from the country have to attend mosque every Friday for prayer around noon.
Rita Toubia was born and raised in Lebanon, a proud nation full of well-educated, intellectual people. Toubia moved to San Diego four years ago and has no plans to return to her native land, which she said is wrecked by corrupt politics and lingering effects of Civil War. Lebanon is a small country and considered to be third world. It has religious tensions between Muslim, Druze and Christians. The 1975-90 civil war damaged the country’s economy and infrastructure. Lebanon is on a slow road to recovery. Lebanese food includes a dish called Tabouleh, a meal that includes parsley, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, lemon juice and ground meat. There was also hummus, ground garbanzo beans with a sesame base. Their famous dessert is Baklava, a Lebanon dough wrapped in pecans drenched in honey.

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Tags: festival, nations