MacDill AFB International Night

I already know that whenever we leave Tampa, one of our favorite memories will be International Night at MacDill. I can only describe it as a global, eclectic menagerie of food and culture that allows you to sample the best of the world in a 1930's vintage hangar. From the Polish Pirogi to the Canadian Nanaimo Bar to the Tongan Kava to the Italian accordion player, all you have to do is walk 10 feet and you are somewhere new and amazing with people who are proud of where they are from and what they are offering. Robert and I first discovered it in 2011, then last year when Abby was only about 6 weeks old I stayed home with her while Robert and his parents attended. We were happy to return as a family of 3 this year!

I took pictures on my phone again tonight. I didn't have a free hand for my camera since I was already juggling Abigail, a stroller, her diaper bag, and our food and drinks.

Usually the gate into the base gets backed up from all of the traffic, so Robert and I decided to get there a little early this year. The doors opened at 6:00 and there was already a long line when we arrived at 5:45. Isn't the hangar pretty great?

Here's inside the hangar. There was a beautiful sunset tonight. It was also HOT inside. We had a high temperature of 85...in December. Seriously, Florida?!

Our first stop was Robert's family's homeland: Poland! I usually roll my eyes at him when he thumps his chest dramatically.

Yum! Pierogies, kielbasa, some kind of cabbage, and poppyseed cake. Abby had a little taste of everything.

She also enjoyed hearing the accordion music.

Everything is so festive! I wish I had taken more pictures of the traditional clothing some of the people wore.

Bagpipes!

Here's a different one: food from Tonga. They had an entire pig they were carving meat off of (no pictures, thank you very much!) and they also served kava and mussels.

What was Abby up to tonight, you ask? She sampled almost all of the food we had and our adventurous little eater seemed happy with everything. She started in the stroller and then ended up on my back in the Ergo carrier. After we both got too hot we let her out to run around a little. Many thanks to our friend Tati for helping us chase her around!

Hooray for good food. Can't wait to return next year!