Born on the 4th of July

Once every 7 or so years the stars and stripes align and the 4th of July falls on a Friday, leaving workers everywhere relieved to not need to worry about work the next day. For reasons I don't completely understand, the government of Shanghai doesn't recognise Independence Day, so everyone here had to work. However we were determined to make the most of it after work, and we certainly celebrated with a bang.

The great Chinese invention, fireworks, are banned within the city limits of Shanghai during the year. This came as a shocker to us all, but we were forewarned and had time to prepare a contingency - set them off and run if the cops come. With great difficulty some of my co-workers managed to procure a stash of fireworks and some sparklers for the kiddies.

A group of about 10 of us, mostly American, but with an Australian, Austrian, Brazilian and Brit mixed in, set off after work to celebrate the blessings of liberty with the most fitting tribute we could muster: McDonald's, Budweiser and Fireworks. Just like everyone back home we had burgers, beer and lit things on fire - and what's more American than that? After eating and drinking on the steps of the famed Shanghai Museum, we ducked around the side of the museum to set off a small pyrotechnic display to the Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and the National Anthem. We didn't even have to run, just enjoy the brightly colored fountains of flame. To tell the truth, I had a ton of fun and we didn't get arrested. That makes for yet another great 4th of July.