"Fourth of July"

The Fourth of July is one of my favourite holidays back home. Some of my best memories from early childhood are from the 4th of July BBQs at my grandparents’ condo – waking up early, going to the parade, going for a swim, playing beach volleyball/football with the Phifers, grilling out burgers and dogs, watching Dave’s firework show, and then waiting to see the fireworks on Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel.

Spending the Fourth outside of the US is not fun. I especially missed the friends and family that my family usually spends the holiday with, the parade, Grandma’s potato salad, and of course the fireworks.

In Sydney, I was in the middle of a huge proposal working killer hours. It was like any other workday (which I know makes sense because it doesn’t make any sense to celebrate one country’s independence in another country). I did wear the “Republican outfit” to work that day – navy suit, light blue shirt, and red tie – and a few of the Aussies did pick up on that.
The Bain office brought in hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, and apple pie, which was nice but far from a beach BBQ.
I worked until 8, and went to grab a few drinks with my “sepo” friends. (Side note – Aussie slang for Americans is “Sepo”, which is short for septic tank, because tank rhymes with “yank” which is short for “yankee”. This is not the only slang word that originates in this way.) With all the ex-pats here, I assumed there would be some mention or acknowledgment of the holiday. Not the case. And saying “Happy Fourth of July” to random Australian girls wasn’t a good pick-up line either.

For the July 4th, 2009, I’ll be in Naples. Everyone is invited to join me and my family. We’ll put on an awesome BBQ.