Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

Celebrating the holiday overseas always feel a bit more contemplative.  Last year I was in Jackson Hole, WY (as American as baseballapple pie the Kardashians ) for a day full of fireworks, barbecue and some deadly arrangement of lemonade, vodka and blueberries.  It was fun but not in a “deep-thoughts-about-my-country” kind of way.  More in a “lets-get-drunk-and-go-tubing” kind of way.

Overseas, there is more time to consider what the 4th of July actually means–why we take the time off work to celebrate. Here is the bottom line:  

America is amazing.  

For example, we have tremendous civil liberties, thousands of miles of beautiful country and hundreds of years of traditions. It leaves me with a lot to consider.

Check out some interesting (if dubiously supported) facts about America here

Take a quiz about American government here  

Lastly, enjoy some of my favorite pictures of our beautiful country below.  Happy 4th of July!     

 

 

 

 Finding serenity in Cataract Canyon, Utah

 

The view of Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park, Nevada

The magic of the Joshua Trees, California

The way we breath the air when looking over the Grand Canyon, Arizona

 

The tide pool explorations at lava beaches in Hawaii

 

For other deep contemplations about living abroad, click here.

Thank you to  Trent Yarnell for the banner image.