Eight time zones won’t keep me from celebrating the 4th of July! I couldn’t think of any better way to celebrate besides having a BBQ. As an American, BBQ’ing is in my blood. I never noticed how much I had taken it for granted until I was in Israel.

Israelis know and love BBQ’s, but it isn’t as dominate in their culture as it is for Americans. (Correction: Apparently Israelis are just as goo goo over BBQ’s as well, so says Einat. I’m calling for a BBQ cook off between Israel and America then. Bring it on! Winner takes all.)

Step one were the materials:

Kingsford Charcoal, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, ketchup, buns, grill, and beer.
It wasn’t difficult finding the essential pieces but it was a little more expensive than in the states. It was worth every shekel though.

It was a toss up between having the BBQ in a park outside of Tel Aviv or grilling on the enclosed porch in E’s apartment. In the end, we decided to BBQ with convenience at the apartment. We just made sure to have the fire department on speed dial.

(above) The cutest damn grill I’ve ever seen.

(above) Take special notice of the MGD.

(above from left to right) Tasty hot dog chomping. Swigging beer with sparklers. The reward after my efforts. Yakee Doodle Einat.

Once I put on the classic rock channel via Sirius satellite radio on my computer, the day was complete! When I closed my eyes and smelled the charcoal, heard the sound of Zeppelin, and tasted the bitterness of MGD, the 4th of July was here.

Most importantly, the house didn’t burn down. God bless Israel…er… America!

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Another of my blogs has been re-posted on The Sandbox (Donnesbury’s public milblog site).  See it here:

http://gocomics.typepad.com/the_sandbox/2007/01/the_holidays_in.html

After reading it again, it’s really helped me put the holidays into perspective.

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…Israel!!

Yup.  I’m headin’ to the land of sun, sand, and jews.  I’m armed with my passport, a camera, and the will to soak in as much foreignness as possible.  Hello Mediterranian, Black Sea, and falafel!  The lovely Einat will help me bumble my way through it all. 

Of course I’ll be blogging the s*#t out of the experience.  (And taking lots of pictures like a good little American tourist.)  My gut tells me to leave behind my “I heart America” hat and “These colors don’t run!” t-shirt.  I’ll just tuck them away in my bottom drawer to help stave the urge.

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