As expats, one thing we miss most is how holidays are done in the USA... we really know how to celebrate here in the states!  The Fourth of July, Independence Day, is no exception, and of course, only celebrated on US soil.  In Abu Dhabi the Fourth goes something like this:  getting super excited to find real pork hotdogs and then BBQing them in 120 degree weather :/  No fireworks, no hoopla!

This year, we were in Maryland for Independence Day and we tagged along with friends to a local parade.  The parade consisted of waving politicians, vehicles from nearby fire stations and many other clubs and school bands from surrounding towns.  It was cute and campy and local... definitely not the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Bonanza but it was home, and it was very patriotic.  

In the moments that we sat sweating to death before the parade began, I looked around at my friends, our kids and the others parade watchers gathered in a sea of red, white and blue and thought, "This is what I miss."   As much as my heart is in NYC and other big cities we've been to around the world, there is just something about small towns.  I love the feelings of comfort and easiness and familiarity I have when I am here.  

We are so fortunate to be from such an amazing country.  There were some fabulous photo opportunities at the parade, and I left with the satisfaction that I had captured a tiny bit of the pride and patriotism that the Fourth brings out in us!  

Until Next Time! 

E x

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