4th of July.

Man, it's been awhile since I posted last. How does this happen? I think about things to update everyone on, but then don't get around to it, or when I do it seems like the power is out. We've had a lot of power outtages lately...at least one, if not two a day. It's really not a big thing, mostly just annoying when you want to do something like use the oven, microwave or computer.

SO, I just celebrated my first ever 4th of July outside of the country. Although it was not nearly as magical as listening to the Pops while picnicing on the Charles River in Boston we did have a good time. On Friday night Eric and I went to the 4th of July party on the lawn of the U.S. Ambassador's house. Apparently, it was quite an exclusive deal to get an invitation. I will tell you right now that the invitation was not sent to me, rather it was addressed to Eric (who you all know is not an American Citizen). Oh well, I guess receiving a scholarship from the U.S. government in exchange for professional investment in your country deserves some recognition.

It was fun, although a little disappointing that we didn't strike up meaningful and witty conversations with other ex-Pats, which proves to me that the absence of party mingling happens everywhere. The theme for the night was Hawaian, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hawaii becoming a state. The hysterical part of the whole evening was the fact that all of the food was provided by all of the American fast food restaurants we have here in Santo Domingo and that people were standing in line to get things like a taco from Taco Bell or french fries from McDonalds. What can I say...some things just follow you around the world like coca-cola and Pizza Hut.

Then, on Saturday we went to my friend Ina's house for a good ole American cookout. She has this super cute house with this fun, colorful patio that was perfect for grilling bar-b-que chicken and hamburgers. And, Eric got to play with his friend Edwin who is the exact same age. Between taking each other's toys and claiming them as their own..."mio, mio"...they play surprisingly well together.

So, for an American fish out of water I think we pretty much hit the bases here...fireworks, ice cream, bar-b-que chicken, watermelon and friends.

At the Ambassador's House...we didn't even see him, although I think his wife thanked us for coming.

Getting my picture with some of the Marines stationed here.

McDonalds. OK..for all the joking about the hokey cuisine I really couldn't wait to have McDonalds fries!

Eric eating several mini-hotdogs...no Fenway Frank, but they were still good and they had relish.

Getting a shot with fireworks overhead (which you can't see) with our friends Rhina and Fernandito. Rhina works at the Embassy.

On Ina's patio.

All of us ready to eat.And, finally, Eric Jr. who will eat ANYTHING if it has ketchup. How exactly these kind of things happen without you really knowing it is a mystery to me.