Things that come to mind when I think about celebrating the 4th of July back home in the good ol’ U.S. of A: backyard BBQs complete with an assortment of grilled meats and a variety of salads, side dishes and deserts (maybe even one of those mouth-watering, angel food “flag cakes” with fresh berries on top). Watching (and marching) in the annual parade (watching is better…). All manner of fireworks, from sparklers and bottle rockets to the huge “weeping willows” that rain sparks down on fields in every town and city across the country. Humid nights filled with the buzzing of mosquitos. Trips to “Summerfest” in Milwaukee. Time spent with family and friends.
This year was a bit different. In case you were wondering, they do not celebrate for the 4th of July here in Russia, which makes sense. As such, I had to figure out my own way to “celebrate”. I got a little contemplative (as I am wont to do), so I spent the day at “Park Pobedy”, the massive WWII memorial complex here in Moscow, which provided an environment conducive to reflecting on the human and material costs and sacrifices that establishing and maintaining a country’s independence can inflict. It also gave me a chance to be outside on a beautiful summer day and to check out some legendary military hardware (pictures of which I’ve included below).
I finished off the day in more “traditionally American” style with some pizza and a beer with the RELO for Russia, Jerry, both of which we enjoyed while conversing with Russians and Americans alike at a local bar/restaurant called Papa’s. My only regret? No bottle rockets.
A Moscow Fellow 