Independence Day in Ireland

Today didn't really feel like the 4th of July...mainly because it was pouring outside. It seems like somehow, some way, it's always 90+ degrees and sunny on the 4th back home. But we made it into work alright in the rain and got to work. Before I'd even loaded my gel, Dearbhaile found us and told us to go home. We got the day off because we were Americans! Haha. It was really unexpected and really awesome. :)

Dani and I went to town for a little bit to pick up some last-minute party supplies. Then we came back (got soaked in the process) and changed clothes. Somehow, we got into a cleaning mode, and mopped all our floors and removed the furniture - to rearrange later! I also started re-reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, in preparation for the movie (which comes out next week!). I went into town around one o'clock to get lunch with my Irish friend Oein. He showed me around a bit, and we had a good time chatting and avoiding the rain.


I headed back home after that and spent a little while napping, then started preparing for our party. Dani, the roommates, and I set out the food, drinks, and tables outside for ping pong. The neighbors quickly showed up and we started celebrating America's Independence. We'd declared that the Irish could only use our words for things today (for example, "jello" instead of "jelly"), which was a lot of fun. Chris and I were in charge of the burgers, so I seasoned them and he grilled them on a disposable grill. They're really interesting...I don't think we have them in the states. They're basically a tin tray filled with charcoal that you light and cook - supposed to last an hour. Ours lasted much longer, but it worked great, since there's no grill here.


We really had a blast enjoying the good food and good company. The only thing missing was fireworks! They're illegal in Ireland, so that was a sad discovery. The party lasted for quite a while, though. We started getting everything together around 6PM, and we didn't finish cleaning until after midnight! I think it was a great success - everyone had loads of fun. I pretty much crashed after that. But it was a great day! Yay America!