As you might expect, the Fourth of July is just the fourth of July here in Korea. (They celebrate Independence Day on August 15th, when Korea gained its independence from Japan.)
However, Anna was invited to a bbq on our friend's rooftop to celebrate the 4th, American style. Here we are, getting things ready. Anna:
We "made" Mano and Ben move the sofa. They needed a task.
Anna and I took salad, which we then assembled once we arrived.
Mixed greens with onions, mushrooms, garlic, tiny tomatoes, dried cranberries, and an amazing dressing.
We also took rice krispe treats, made with corn flakes because that is what you can get here. The bottom layer was regular, then the top layer had blue food coloring (from the US, another things you can not get in this country, btw), and then I topped it with dried cranberries - so it was a red, white, and blue batch. Festive fun food for the Fourth!
Most Koreans have not had rice krispe treats (which makes sense, as they don't really have that here) - and they kept saying, "Oh, this is good. Is there sugar in it?" Um, yes, dear Koreans, there is a bit of sugar in this. I know you claim to not like much sugar - but your are devouring the pure sugar dessert...
Anna and Hannah: Look out, Korea!
Setting up the food tables...
As darkness fell, we busted out sparklers and roman candles.
It was an interesting mix of people, literally from all over the world. Anna and I sang American patriotic music on the way, which the cab drive of course LOVED. Ha. We played music and had great food with some friends, but it was no where near being at IOP in South Carolina for the Fourth.
Sparklers!
At work, I made a book for my students about America's independence day. It was a good review for me, and interesting to see how even the idea of "independence" is a bit foreign (no pun intended) to most of my students - who fully expect to live with their parents well into the thirties, or beyond.
I am thankful to the Americans who serve, and their families, and to those who have sacrificed their lives.
May God bless America, land that I love!
Glad you got a little celebration. :-) It was nice when I was in France over the summer, because their independence day is July 14; we only had to wait a couple weeks to feel like we were celebrating the Fourth! Do Koreans set off fireworks and such for theirs?
ReplyDeleteThe corn flake treats look scrumptious. Why don't Koreans sell food coloring??