Independence Day Moldovan Style

To tell the truth, I have a lot of trouble keeping track of what the date is here. I am able to remember the day of the week alright, but remembering the actual date seems to be beyond me; therefore, the Fourth of July seemed to sneak up on me. Well, technically it was the third of July that caught me by surprise, because that was the day of the Independence Day celebration sponsored by the Embassy Alumni Association.

Initially, we were told that the celebration was at a golf course. I was quite excited about the prospect of their being a golf course in Moldova, but I was also a little skeptical about there actually being a golf course in Moldova. Turns out I was right to be skeptical, because the golf course was actually a mini golf course. (I wonder if they would have been impressed that I am the reigning CPUC Mini Golf Champion). We didn't actually play mini-golf, but it turned out to be a nice outside venue with a lot of shade. The cost of entry to the event was two-hundred lei or a little less that $20. This doesn't seem like a lot, but a portion of my PC stipend, it's quite hefty. However, the entrance fee included all the beer and wine you could drink. So when you combine 150 or so Americans in a foreign country on the fourth of July, music and unlimited alcohol... Well, I'll let you use your imagination.

Needless to say, it was a lot of fun. I heard that one of the performers was the Moldovan version or American Idol. I cannot confirm or verify this rumor, but I can say she was awesome. Additionally, there was another performer who performed a few Will Smith songs. And really, who doesn't love Will Smith? (You may love him in secret, but I know that you still love him!)

The American Fourth of July Celebration was apparently a big deal through out Moldova. I am not sure if it was a big deal in a good way or a bad way. There were television cameras and reporters taking interviews from Americans and a variety of photographers. I didn't think a lot about it until my family the next morning told me they watched the party on TV. Immediately, I thought, “ I hope I didn't do anything too stupid!” I think that I am actually more concerned about what my host family thinks about me that what my real family thinks about me. This is probably because my host family can get rid of me and my real family is stuck with me (Sorry mom and dad!). Anyway, the only thing that my host family had to say was that there was a lot of food there and they asked me how much I had to eat (Moldovans love food!).

I hope all of you had an excellent Fourth of July...

(I stole the above image from Cate Crandell. Thanks Cate!!)