Happy Birthday America

Apparently today is the 4th of July. That doesn't mean a whole lot here in the UK, but for those of you back home I imagine it involves lots of beer, no work, and a BBQ. And for those of you lucky enough, perhaps it even includes an amateur fireworks display. I actually didn't even realize that it was a holiday until about 2 days ago. I already knew I'd be working all week anyway, so it kind of slipped my mind. It wasn't until our staff meeting today when one of the locals referred to our Independence Day as "...the day we kicked you out..." That's funny. That must be why you called us everyday begging us to come back, and finally sailed 3500 miles to try and take us "home." It makes me wonder what they're teaching their kids here.

The day wasn't a total bust. Several places were holding 4th of July celebrations for expats. We decided on the British Museum, as it sounded fun and one writer called it "the most celebrating you can do without being in America." As it turns out, it was actually the lamest thing I've seen this year. The free American beer tour was filled up after like 5 minutes, and the "authentic" American dancing was country-western. And the real American food I was promised? It was a hot dog, some popcorn, and a Budweiser.

They also had a display of truly American sports: football and basketball. I ran a few snaps with the football guys, and after I wind-milled one of them they told me to leave. And the basketball "team" was 2 dudes spinning balls on their finger tips and dribbling the ball over the heads of a bunch of 5 year olds. I think they went home later and beat some 5th graders in four-square to erase any doubts of how awesome they were.

All in all, the museum made a total mockery of our beloved holiday. A friend from work did make a good point though. I never really thought of America as having a culture, but we really do. You just don't realize until you're on the outside looking in. On the 185th day of every year, we skip work, fire up the BBQ, invite our friends and family over, and drink lots of beer. And we wait for the sun to go down, while playing ladder golf, or lawn darts, or beer pong, or whatever else. And then we stare at the sky for 20 minutes while fireworks explode overhead.

I think Lori and I were both a little homesick today, thinking of all the BBQs and fireworks. So for anyone back home, have a pabst, light a roman candle, and think of us. We'll do the same for you in August when Bank Holiday rolls around.