I celebrated July 4th by visiting the American Club here in Kathmandu. Its normally by membership only (and no, being a citizen doesn’t mean “member”), but on the 4th they opened it up to all the US citizens.

Once you’re inside the compound, you really don’t feel like you’re in Nepal. You feel like you’re at a grill-out in Anywhere, USA. There were burgers grilling, watermelon eating contests, swimming, football, frisbee, and even Doritos. The ambassador, Nancy Powell, opened up the festivities (although I wasn’t there, the pictures are from my friend Ronda) complete with Marines.

I had a great time with my friends, just hanging out, celebrating July 4th. It was the best weather we had had in two weeks.

It is an interesting feeling celebrating July 4th in another country; it puts things a bit into perspective. Our government is not perfect. But compared to many, if not all, other countries in the world, it is. And that is something to celebrate.