Normally, I’m not a very patriotic person. But there’s nothing like living in a country that is not your own to make you appreciate the culture you grew up in. A couple weeks ago I was INTENSELY homesick, so I decided to celebrate all of my American-ness on the 4th. Today I’m not feeling quite so homesick, but I figured I would regret letting the opportunity pass, so here we go!
The Outfit
Jeans, of course. Red tank top. My Illinois necklace. Unfortunately (fortunately?) I don’t own any obnoxious USA gear.
The Soundtrack
Hamilton, obviously. Do you even know me?
The Food
Honestly, this is the main point of today. I wanted to eat junk food like an American, which is funny because I haven’t actually missed American food. It is hard to be sad about having a constant supply of fresh fruits and veggies at hand. On the other hand, nostalgia is powerful. Luciana came over and we had an incredibly Midwestern meal: hamburgers, fries, corn, and ketchup.
The Bookstore
On our way to Cap Cap (to be discussed next) we happened to pass a Public bookstore. “This is my favorite bookstore in Greece!” I said. “Why?” Luciana asked. “…Because they have book in English!”
We explored the single English section, sat on the floor and talked about our favorite novels, and she convinced me to buy her favorite to try: The Idiot by Dostoevsky.
There is nothing I miss more about the United States than English books!
The Niche Coffee Shop
Cap Cap is the most AMAZING coffee shop on the other side of Athens, but it has nothing to do with the United States or independence. I will talk about it in my A Week in Greece post on Saturday instead – this is just a teaser!
The Fireworks
Fireworks are not readily available in a metropolitan city during a holiday which is not celebrate there, but I DID find some sparklers at the grocery store! When we got back to my side of town, Luciana and I stopped by HD, took the participants to the rooftop, and lit the sparklers and shrieked delightedly as we waved them around.
Food, friends, and fireworks – It was a good 4th of July!
It Is Trish 
Happy Fourth, Trish.
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Thank you!
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