An American in Cairo

It's a little weird to be an American abroad on the 4th of July. It's not like I was ever hugely patriotic, or that my family ever made a big deal. Maybe some fireworks at the Jersey shore, or a BBQ with family friends, or the carnival we used to have at camp. The last time I was abroad for the 4th of July was in 2006, when I was in Israel interning at the Jerusalem Post. But even then, the JPost had many Americans who all at least mentioned what day it was, and Sarina and I went out that evening to Zolli's (oh, Zolli's) and drank beer with dozens of other Americans singing along to "American Pie" and "Sweet Home Alabama." I don't think I have seen so many people that excited about Lenny Kravitz since like the 7th grade.

But in Cairo it's just such a non-issue that I almost forgot what day it was altogether. I thought about attending an Independence Day party sponsored by the U.S. Embassy (and held, ironically enough, at the British school), but ended up going to the pyramids at Giza instead with a group of girls from AIESEC, the international exchange program I came to Cairo with. (Photos forthcoming.) Between AIESEC and an international group of people at dinner, I spent my day with more foreigners than Americans. I guess that's an appropriate start for a year abroad. Welcome to Cairo!