@kp138, my first retreats were overwhelming, I was raised Christian and grew up in rural Oregon. I hadn't known any Asians at all! My first experience with the Asian Culture and Buddhism was through my first teacher Sunim from Korea. I fell in love with the kindness of the Korean people and their horrible smelling Kimchi....hahaha
Sunim sent me to SN Goenka's center for meditation lessons. So I have had training in Mahayana Korean Zen and Theravada Buddhism from Burma. I also have two very good teachers from the Tibetan traditions.
Very cool story. I live in the Northwest so I get not having the exposure to other cultures.
Living up on the Cascade Range in the 60s and 70s, there was only Christian settler culture. I really enjoyed getting to know Asian Culture through Buddhism. They have some amazing art and food too....hahahaha