Last year we were able to celebrate the fourth of July in a pleasant party [1], but that was not the case this year, for whatever reason. It had been our original plan here to host a party, but when we were unable to do that we ought to do something to remind us of life in America, since we are not the sort of expatriates who wish to abandon all thought or concern for our homeland. One would think that there would be some sort of official fourth of July event in a city like Chiang Mai with so many foreigners. But if you thought that, you would be wrong.

Through last year, the United States Consulate used to host a 4th of July party (the beers on tap and the food from the Dukes was particularly popular). For whatever reason (and I am not sure what that reason was) this practice was discontinued this year. But it was not apparently a well-planned matter. It was announced about two weeks ago or so rather unofficially, without enough time for anyone else to come through with a big event. I’m not sure what will be done for next year, but I don’t expect to be back next year either, so I suppose the question is at least somewhat irrelevant.

So what is one to do for the fourth of July if one is unable to plan an all-American party? Well, we went grocery shopping for Friday night’s dinner, which is a substitute of sorts. We also played some basketball, which allowed us to feel at least somewhat American. One does what one can, after all. I’m curious to see, though, what other Americans outside of the United States were able to do for the fourth of July this year. Hopefully some of you all will be able to reply. I would appreciate it.

[1] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2011/07/04/a-fourth-of-july-abroad/