God Bless America

The 4^th July weekend was upon us; it was the first time for a curious bunch of us IT professionals who had made it to US that year (2003). We spent an entire day and half to come up with the perfect spot. After much haggling / negotiating and voting, Virginia Beach here we came.

Since it was a last-minute thing, obviously we were quite ill-prepared. Because, we had no hotel booking, parking was going to be a nightmare and worse there would be no time or place to rest after that grueling 5+ hour drive from Harrisburg to Virginia Beach and wait, we had to return the same day / night. Oh boy!

However the enthusiasm of ten starry-eyed 20+ year olds more than made up for it. We packed ourselves into two cars and set out playing Antakshari across cars. How? Via walkie-talkie! Cool or what??

Yes, we had all the problems and then some, but I think I can safely vouch for that entire bunch of guys and gals; we had FUN – pure and unadulterated.

We saw the fireworks. In America, you mostly get to see colourful fireworks on the 4^th July; a very big change for me since I was used to fireworks almost every other day in Mumbai - (A) I stay opposite to  a marriage hall (B) we burst crackers whenever we are happy not just during our festivals like when we win at cricket…

If you are at home in US with no plan for 4^th July, my humble suggestion – pick a place, any place. Go there and have fun. It does not take much; you just need some enthusiasm like we did. 

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!