a 4th of July without America

So this 4th of July came and went without me speaking a single word of English or seeing a single American- other my own reflection in the mirror. Its the fourth year now that I’ve been out of the States on the 4th, so you think it wouldnt be that big of a deal. But i guess because until this year, I’ve always been surrounded by other Americans; the student volunteers and my co-workers, so we sort of created our own little American bubble in which I could, at least once a year, sing loudly and proudly the Star-Spangled Banner.

But this year, a friend from Brazil had invited me to a special celebration of Brazilian folkloric music, so I went and spent the day with people from all over the world. It was fun and I quickly learned that Brazil is so much more diverse than just what you see in the scenes of Carnival, but I suddenly found myself missing a backyard barbecue with corn-on-the-cob and fireworks and sparklers at night.

Unlike some people, I dont travel because I hate America or feel the need to critize it at all, rather I just love the constant adventure of something new and unknown. And really, on the contrary, the more i get to know other places, the more i appreciate the States and all that is has to offer.

So in the end, i guess new experiences and people are good and well, but everyone still needs a taste of home here and there, if only to remember that without the familiar, there can be no adventure .