RHINELANDER - The 10 different countries visiting Rhinelander for the World Ice Fishing Championship this last weekend are now heading home, but they left some memories behind.

And while each team was absorbing the North American culture, our own community was learning a lot about theirs.

The tents are coming down, and the parking lots are empty. But that doesn't mean the community has forgotten its most recent visitors.

"The Polish team when I first met them, it was very scary for me." Rhinelander Cafe and Pub Owner Mark Gutteter says the Poland Team approached him first before catching some grub at his restaurant. "I started asking them questions. Well, they just looked at me. None of them could speak English."

The teams stayed at Rhinelander's Holiday Acres. Owner Kim Zambon says he noticed each team's unique traits. "Some of the Scandinavian teams seemed to be very punctual. We found out that they don't like spicy food and they like meat and potatos and cold cuts for breakfast."

Zambon says they had questions about our country too. "They're just average people just like you and me and they were kind of celebrities, so they felt really good and it was nice to have the opportunity to make someone feel special."

USA Ice Team Operations Director Brian Gaber says the city of Rhinelander snagged some green as well. "We brought them on shopping sprees in the community."

Gaber also says this event gives the city a chance to be proactive. "It's been great for our community, but I think we should even stay in touch with it so that we don't miss the opportunity to really capitalize on it for the future."

It's a cultural exchange Mark Gutteter won't forget. They left me a hat, and of course I gave them mugs for our 100th Anniversary."

A global event that has made the world seem somewhat smaller.

Brian Gaber adds the gold medal Team U-S-A won also goes to the Rhinelander community for its participation and welcoming attitude.

He says the location for next year's championship isn't official yet, but it could possibly be in Kazakhstan or Latvia.