I decided this year that it was simply impossible to let the 4th of July pass un-celebrated. Mostly this is because I'm in a hostel with people from tons of different nationalities, and I wanted to share a bit of American culture with them- but also, partially, it is because I am in a hostel with tons of people from the UK and I thought it was hilarous. >:) Also, because I'm still a little homestick! I decided to "plan it", for as much as I did any planning, for July 5th since there was a major Rugby game on the 4th, and also the 5th in NZ is the 4th back in the States!
Step one was explosives.
The party was excellent. I advertised it as a potluck on the fridge (which is the normal course of events for events and outings at the hostel), and tons of people said they'd bring something. Still, I wasn't sure we'd have enough food when it came down to it.
THERE WAS NO NEED TO WORRY. People outdid themselves. We had hotdogs and burgers and sliders, and about 50 different kinds of pie and cake and cheesecake and crumble and cookies, and chips, and I don't even know what all else but everyone ate too much. I'd created a 'MURICA spotify playlist for everyone to enjoy while we ate. And then when it got dark, we went out and lit the sparklers (right in front of the US embassy) and I led the group in a very rousing chorous of the Star Spangled Banner (LOL).
And then we all watched Team America.
It was exactly what I wanted- really good company, great food, and FIRE. The perfect day!