The 4th of July is America’s National day, it is called Independence Day for the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was signed on that day (July 4, 1776). I had to look it up, I’m not that acquainted with American history!
But I would like to talk about the tradition of the National Day. The concept itself is interesting, the main idea is to have one day where you celebrate your nation, yet it is never a random and innocent day! The national Day is like a country’s birthday, that is to say, someone picked a date they felt coincide with the Birth of the Nation. Which means the choice is usually political, even though its meaning will fade as time goes by this date always has a conscious or unconscious meaning.
The US picked the signature of one of its founding text making the country more than Independent from Great Britain, it made the US a well working independent and unified country.
In Australia, the National Day is called Australia Day, it happens on January 26, unlike the US it actually shows the strong bond between Australia and Great Britain. Australia day commemorates the arrival of the first British fleet in Australia.
Then there’s France, actually first interesting detail, in French we don’t say “National day” we say “fête nationale” (ie “National Celebration/Party”). Other interesting detail, People outside of France call it “Bastille Day” but in France we only refer to it as “14 juillet” (14th of July). But indeed the 14th of July commemorates the “prise de la Bastille” (the Bastille taken over ), the Bastille was a massive Medieval fort looking prison, and when we say taken over we mean destruction! It symbolizes 2 things, first the “people” (that is to say the non-Royal) destroying a symbol of oppression and the army joining “the people” (that is to say no longer taking order from the “Royal” who were supposed to represent God’s will on earth).
This year I have had the opportunity to celebrate Australia day in Australia and the 4th of July in America. They have in common the Barbecue (called “barbi” in Australian), gathering around friends and family grilling some meat drinking beer. American cities also organize all sorts of street fairs and Parades. But the most important tradition on the 4th of July is definitely the fireworks! To me it felt like the 4th of July was a good balance between gathering with people you know and enjoying outdoor activities with everybody.
In France you don’t gather friends and family “for” the 14th of July, and you surely won’t call anyone to say “Happy 14th of July”. You will probably hang out with friends and family, but not because it’s the 14th of July but more likely because it’s a day off. The highlight of the French National Day is the military parade. A typical “14th of July” will be, if you’re young, probably a picnic with your friends if you’re older the TV on with the military parade and a great big lunch. Then in the evening, probably go to the “bal des pompiers” (Firemen’s ball) I did it once and I swore never to do it again, and of course enjoy some fireworks.
Finally there is one thing all countries have in common… the deep relation between the national day and the flag. I think we should just call National Day “flag day”. And actually there is one thing France and America have in common, the blue, red and white! But it’s way easier to draw a French flag!
I enjoyed my first 4th of July, I accompanied Heather to Sonoma where some of her friends were having a get together. What I enjoyed most was the general atmosphere, it felt like everyone was just cheering and feeling happy and proud to be American. Although this year it was a bit tinted with the economic down turn as some towns decided to organize fireworks the day before to avoid extra labor costs!

Glow stick fun!

Sonoma Fireworks

Golden Gate Bridge By Night!!!
Marina Sausolito
Flying pig
Headlands, if it’s not foggy, it’s Hazy!!
Water glistening on the top of an old army bunker
The San Francisco Lascaux!
Light at the end of the tunnel!
The Golden Gate Bridge, from the inside! I think that’s the last view of it missing on that blog!

Foggy and busy road to Sonoma
Heather Didi and Ronan, Gundlach Bundschu
Moi, Didi, Ronan
Picnic by the stage
Birdmonster
Deertick
Then my evening started to look like that
The unusual Palace of Fine Art, built in 1915, home to the science museum.
Da Painted Ladies… This group of houses is actually very famous, you might remember it from “Full house” (”la fête à la maison”) I don’t find them to be the most impressive or prettiest but you’re supposed to check them out if you’re a tourist!
Haight district – this is the epicenter of the hippy movement it’s now a bit of the young rebel street with amazing record stores, and funky second hand cloths (my favorite playground when it comes to costuming)
Haight street
Love those flashy painted houses!
Yet another view of this amazing bridge! This time from Crissy field!
Logistic… that’s where I need to find a job!
View of Alcatraz!
Woodhands
The red theme wasn’t so cool for taking pictures!
Rocking the audience
Fredrik going topless!
Reaching for the stars! – Compared to most girls (and gay boys) I was a very tamed fan!
Chris Corner
Chris and Dean
Designated area to drink…
People
The ladies cheering with the band
Point Lobos – San Francisco
On the road to Santa Cruz
Stop on our way to Santa Cruz
No one!
Beautiful California coast
More Solitude
Natural modern art
Snap shot Heather
Da Airstream trailer!
Santa Cruz amusement park
A more peaceful Santa Cruz