Fireworks

In the afternoon of the 4th of July, we returned to New York, in part to watch the fireworks from the Brooklyn waterside. As you (might) know, 4th of July is Independence Day in the US (I find it a bit disheartening that most non-American people might have learned that from a certain Will Smith movie), and it was nice to be in the States for the first time on this date. However, I must say I’d like it even better if it served at least partly as a day of reflection, instead of displays of blatant patriottism; it’s like when people just blurt out the national anthem drunkenly. In my opinion, that makes a bigger mockery of so-called American values than failing to repeat a mindless “Support the troops” mantra.

The fireworks were very nice by the way, clocking in at about 40 minutes (in the rain) I’d say. Interesting tidbit: all the Americans claimed it was “short”, all the Europeans wondered whether it was ever going to end.

4th of July fireworks

And as they light up our town, I just think what a waste of gunpowder and sky. – Aimee Mann

-Wouter

P.S. We tried to go partying afterwards, but the rooftop party in an abandoned warehouse just wasn’t what it was supposed to be…Cool view though.