4th of July

The Fourth of July came and went, with most Kiwis being completely unaware that Americans the world over were lighting fireworks, drinking Coors Light, and enduring enjoying patriotic parades and family barbecues. I worked, and the day passed without any acknowledgement. Which is fine, by the way. I actually talked to a couple of Americans later who were peeved about the lack of pomp and circumstance for the 4th. Well guys, um, we're not in America anymore. That's why we moved here. You don't see the Yanks jumping around celebrating New Zealand's independence from the British, do you? (Ok, the actual day of New Zealand's independence is unknown/debated, but that's not the point).

Anyways, those Americans should have cruised on over on the evening of the 4th to The Twisted Hop, a favorite brewery of ours. The guys at the Hop had a nice selection of American beers shipped over, and also put a little American twist on the menu. Scott & I enjoyed our second round of Sierra Nevada Torpedoes since we've been in NZ. And at $11 each they were a bargain. My second favorite would have to be the Bear Republic Brew Co.'s beer on tap, which after having a few, I have no idea which one it was... typical. Anyhow, we had a good crew celebrating with us: 3 other Americans and half a dozen or so Kiwis. A good time was had by all, as our collective July 5th headaches would confirm.

Team America on the left, Team Kiwi on the right.

I was a bit disappointed in the lack of country music (none), but I realize that I'm the minority in my own country, let alone this one, who thinks country music is a) patriotic or b) not awful. Don't worry, I put some on when I got home.

So we didn't have a Coors, light off any fireworks, or see a parade (darn....), but we did have a good time with friends, drinking Sierra Nevada in our cowboy boots. That's a pretty good way to celebrate American independence, I think!