Saturday, July 5, 2008

Jonathan and I aren't the most patriotic people. We sure do love scones, fireworks, and lemonade though. I think that every country has it's perks. Austria has beautiful gardens and parks, Spaniards know how to care lovingly for the elderly as do many other nations, Turkish generosity is limitless, Mexico has hard workers, plus their food is divine, etc. As for honoring our servicemen, I've travelled enough to know that there are men and women that serve their countries and give their lives for them all over the world. Honoring war veterans is universal and noble. I think it's great that we celebrate the 4th of July in the US. I don't believe, however, in having my children think that they are more special than someone else because they are American. If I did that I would never want my teenagers to travel abroad. I detest those loud obnoxious American tourists that think the red carpets should be rolled out before them.
BUT the US has it's own bag of tricks that I wouldn't give up for anything. I don't know if it's because I grew up there and love what I know, or if in fact there is something unique about these things.
1. Large grocery stores with spacious parking lots.
2. There is social mobility.
3. Jamba juice
4. The ability to own a car
5. You can dream big and it can come true.

My absolute favorite thing about the US is number 5. So many citizens of other countries are not able to dream so grand as we. America was built by accomplished dreams. My life is full of accomplished dreams come true. I love America because I'm able to dream there.

For the 4th of July we filled up the laundry bucket in our new yard and let the kids splash away. We ate watermelon as we watched Cinci biff it over and over on the wet pavement. Good times!






2 comments:

Gayle said...

Hey Christine -
Send some of those Turkish bottlecaps my way! I've got a perfect craft project just waiting for them!

I love reading your blog and I really admire you for living such an adventure. My brother-in-law and his wife are visiting Istanbul soon - should I have them look you up?

0x0x0x
Your old neighbor Gayle

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great 4th. I know what you mean about your sentiments about the US. I am patriotic about my country because it is a part of me - not because I think being american is special. I think it is so important to love and serve the land you belong to - whatever land that is.

I ran a 10k on the 4th. It was a lot of fun. Me and Sonja are planning on a half marathon in Sept. Wish you were here to run with us!