International PlazaThe numerous small exhibits along promenades at the International Plaza made it an international fair within the Fair. Among the sponsors were the United Nations and governments from all over the world.The United Nations exhibit was an information center staffed by U.N. guides. U.N. stamps and guidebooks were sold there, as well as an exhibit of all the United Nations stamps that had been issued. A Brazilian company's exhibit of gems featured the "Flora Brasileira," a jewel-studded gold flower worth $100,000. A Mexican artisans' association displayed a circular stone calendar used by the Aztec Indians centuries ago. India's exhibit included a collection of antique jewelry that belonged to the Mogul emperors. Burma had a display of pearls and rubies. Among the national products on sale were Persian carpets from Turkey, silverware from Norway and straw hats from Taiwan. The work of artisans and manufacturers from Thailand to Italy were on display. Germany's exhibit included products from 300 companies. An art center exhibited and sold contemporary oil paintings from around the world. Artists drew portraits of visitors in oils or charcoal. There were many photographic exhibits and Monaco showed a film of its latest annual Grand Prix. The winning car was also on display. Food booths were a big part of the International Plaza. For sale were Belgian waffles, beer from the Philippines, cookies from Norway, delicacies from North Africa, and cheese, wines and pastries from Luxembourg. Ecuador's bananas were offered in exotic desserts and squeezed into juice. |