Odd Hats

I have heard Yankee Doodle way too many times. In the morning, I went to the Independence Day parade. Unfortunately, this meant that I left before breakfast started. I was unable to eat while there, because we had to stay with our groups. It was quite hot out as well. The parade was an interesting insight into American culture. There were numerous marching bands and people on floats. There was also Darth Vader and Chewie. There was even some person in an eagle suit in a football uniform with an American flag hat who was riding an ATV (also covered in American flags). There was also an enormous quantity of hats. There were top hats with feathers coming out. There were umbrella hats painted like the flag. There were massive plumes. They stuck just about anything they could on their heads.

I am not used to people celebrating the Fourth of July so much. Sure, there are fireworks, but it does not feel like such a major event. Here in Philadelphia, the day seems much more important. People bring their families out to celebrate. There might be a few street parties and barbecues near me, but that feels more about having the day off than July 4th. Perhaps it is because the history feels much closer here. The parade went right past Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. I am much closer the area where the events that gained independence for this nation took place. Another factor may be tradition. California has much higher immigration rates than Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, the tradition of celebration has been passed along for years. In California, the people who celebrate the fourth are a smaller percentage, since new people who do not celebrate it are coming in all the time.

Darth Vader, celebrating Tatooine independence?

After the parade, we returned to the quad, and I had a Starbucks bagel for breakfast/lunch. They didn't give me my bagel for a while, so they also gave me a free drink coupon. Being patient paid off. I wonder how many rude people they have to put up with. As a stone on the walkway outside the quad says, "Tart words make no friends. You catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than a gallon of vinegar."* Back in the quad, I talked to various other students. I had dinner with them and went to the lounge as well. I played some pingpong and 3 games of Othello (winning 2 of them).The buildings here are older than those back home. The lounge had several fireplaces, though it was hot enough without them.  From there, I watched a few fireworks, and then went to bed.

*I have heard that this isn't actually experimentally true. I should do a trial of my own. Science!