celebrating independence day abroad...

The Fourth of July for me, typically consists of the beach, a cookout or two, and nearly always ends with sand between my toes ooohing and awwwing at competing firework displays over the Gulf of Mexico up and down the Clearwater-St. Petersburg shorelines. It's never stirred particularly patriotic feelings, just a sense of home and summer.
'merica!
As far as I can remember- this is my first 4th of July spent abroad. I'm wondering if I wouldn't have been in Spain over 4th of July during my high school study abroad in 1998, but if I was, I don't remember it whatsoever. Somehow my best memories of celebrating the Fourth are home in Indian Shores.
One of our dear friends from the consulate representing with me!
It wasn't long after we arrived in Shenyang that we started hearing murmurings of the consulate Fourth of July event. As one would expect, the Independence Day celebration is the biggest event of the year, but it's mostly geared towards wowing the consulate's Chinese contacts and associates in the area, not Americans. It took place Friday (June 28th) and because we were looking at a busy weekend I decided not to attend.
great fireworks!
I think I made the right call because Saturday we took the high-speed train down to Dalian for the American Chamber of Commerce's Independence Day party. It was much more what you'd expect- amazing barbecue, a great band playing classic American rock & an awesome fireworks show!


I'm never the most patriotic girl in the room, but I actually teared up during the fireworks finale as the band played the national anthem in Dalian. This last year has definitely instilled a respect for our great nation, and being far from home in a country SO VERY UNLIKE our own, only underscores that nostalgia.
great band! even had a harmonica :)
It was a good thing we celebrated early because as it turns out we are taking this upcoming long weekend to do a little road trip with a couple friends. We're still unsure of our exact destination/itinerary but we're packing some snacks, a road map and adventurous spirits. Really what's more American than the open road?

and everyone rejoiced!
In preparation I've put together a little road trip play list to set the tone, and I thought I'd share it with my readers in case they were driving long distances or just to play in the background of your cookout. It's a little eclectic (I always try to go for that with play lists) and do be forewarned- there is a LOT of harmonica and Ryan Adams. When I think: American Summer Road Trip- this is what comes to mind. There's also just a dash of Radiohead (R's influence in my musical taste).
If you're on spotify this link will take you right to the playlist: merica! 2013. Otherwise here's the line up:

The Shins – Young Pilgrims
Ryan Adams – New York, New York
The Decemberists – Don't Carry It All
Ryan Adams – Firecracker
The Avett Brothers – The Weight of Lies
Feist – Mushaboom
Ryan Adams – Somehow, Someday
Led Zeppelin – Over The Hills And Far Away
Elton John – Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time)
Radiohead – The National Anthem
Ryan Adams – Gonna Make You Love Me
Sufjan Stevens – Come On! Feel the Illinoise!, Pt. I: The World's Columbian Exposition / Pt. II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In a Dream
Grizzly Bear – Two Weeks
The Decemberists – June Hymn
Fitz & the Tantrums – Don't Gotta Work It Out
Ryan Adams – Goodnight, Hollywood Blvd.
Janis Joplin – Me and Bobby McGee
Mofro – Free
Paul Simon – You Can Call Me Al
Ryan Adams – Cannonball Days
Elton John – Honky Cat
The Avett Brothers – Pretty Girl From San Diego
Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska
Calexico – Two Silver Trees
Wilco – What Light
Little Feat – Dixie Chicken
Radiohead – Electioneering
Jack Johnson – Bubble Toes
So wherever you're spending your Fourth of July, I hope it's a great reminder that we truly do live in an amazing country and there's much to be proud of! Enjoy the red, white and blue for us!

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