My most anticipated event every year in elementary school was the annual class field trip to the World of Nations Celebration. I loved the foreign tastes, the exotic smells, and the diverse cultures represented at the event. As an adult, the thrill hasn’t waned in the slightest. With 38 countries represented, the World of Nations celebrates the diverse cultures that weave together the fabric of Jacksonville, Florida.

My boyfriend, Pablo, is Peruvian. One of the perks of dating a Latino is learning which Hispanic foods you adore. Last year, Pablo introduced me to empanadas at Spain’s food tent. It was love at first bite! I have yet to taste any that compare. Our very first stop at the World of Nations this year was to get some more of those empanadas.

Once we sampled the Latin food (which was incredible, as always), we stopped by the tent of a country that’s near and dear to my heart: Cambodia. I’ve been there twice on mission trips and am always happy to see it represented at events such as this. I spoke with the man running the tent for at least 10 minutes. He was from Battambang, a province I spent about a week in. Sadly, they didn’t have Lychee Fanta, my favorite Khmer drink. Maybe next year?

Our next stop was Africa. Every time we see a djembe (pronounced “JEM-be”), Pablo plays it. I’m fortunate to be with someone who appreciates music and other cultures as much as I do. While we didn’t buy Pablo the $250 djembe he initially played, we did find him a miniature one that cost around $10. It was made in Ghana and has become the perfect addition to his collection of instruments.

We drifted over toward the Middle Eastern area in the center of the event just in time to see the Parade of Flags. This was the first year I’ve seen the Parade of Flags and I honestly don’t know why I waited so long! As people proudly waved the flags of their native countries wearing the traditional garments of their people, I was moved to tears. I wondered what these people and their ancestors had to go through to get to America. So often we take the freedom and gifts of this country for granted. It was a sobering reminder to me that I should appreciate being an American more than I do.

Once the Parade of Flags was complete, we made our way down the row of Caribbean countries and islands. I was finally able to eat the churros Pablo loves! Every time we go to an amusement park or a place with churros, he looks to see if they have churros filled with cajeta (similar to dulce de leche) and chocolate. He was thrilled to finally find some in the Puerto Rico area! Once I tasted them, I understood why he loved them so much.

At next year’s World of Nations, I plan to make a point of focusing not just on the food, but also on the cultural dances and presentations for each country. The thing I’m most looking forward to at 2013’s event is attending the Naturalization Ceremony on Saturday morning. (Also, those Spanish empanadas!)

Funny story from this year’s event: While Pablo and I were in the Peru area, I found a stone owl I loved. I had it in my hand to buy while we continued to look at the Peruvian wares. A woman walked up to me, took the owl out of my hand and bought it right in front of me. I kid you not. Pablo asked the man running the booth if he had any owls similar to the one the woman had taken from me, but he didn’t. Hopefully there will be one next year!

[Check out my gallery of photos from the 2012 World of Nations Celebration!]